What to wear to an autumn wedding

Autumn wedding invitations sometimes come with strict dress codes, and it’s your duty as a guest to do your best to keep to it. But, if you’re having trouble decoding what a dress code means, you might be feeling a little stumped as to what to wear. And if the weather’s unpredictable, as it can be in autumn in the UK, that brings more challenges with it.

Autumn weddings, however, do present the chance to bring out the best bits of men’s style, like great fabrics, rich colours, layers and a really good pair of shoes. So consider this your opportunity to take things up a notch and wear something that makes you feel great. Keep reading for autumn wedding outfit ideas.

Embrace colour

If plain navy is your default setting then use the opportunity to do something different. How about a suit in a standout shade like deep green, bright blue or this gold flannel suit? An optimistic colour feels right for the celebratory mood of a wedding. Finish with a contrasting shirt for more dressed-up days, or keep things more relaxed with a knitted roll-neck under your suit. Alternatively, keep things classic with a white shirt and a tonal tie.

Add texture

Autumn is prime time for some texture. Perhaps a contemporary tweed, like our green version here: its textured weave is way more interesting than your workweek standard. Bring out that texture with a knitted tie or a tonal merino jumper for a semi-formal wedding, or go classic with a crisp white shirt and an Italian patterned tie. Loafers or a pair of monk shoes feel right for a relaxed autumnal look – add a pair of warm, tonal socks for a bit of cohesion.

Go for pattern

A wedding is one of your best shots to break out something a little more out-there, like a stripe. We rate going all in with a classic pinstripe suit complete with printed Italian tie, but you could also ease into the look with just patterned trousers and a block-colour jacket. Finish up with a pair of polished lace-ups.

Look to Italian fabrics

If you really want to up your game, it’s time to invest in solid Italian suit that will see you through this season and beyond. Choose a neutral colour that feels premium and you can get multiple uses out of.

Crafted from flannel hailing from the world’s oldest wool mill, this Barberis suit is a great base to build upon, depending on your preferred style. Pair with a crisp white shirt and an Italian Bottinelli tie, or play with colour and choose accessories that reflect the theme of the wedding. Autumn is the time for gold and bronze tones, so a tie like this textured rust, crafted from recycled fibres, would work perfectly.

Black tie excellence

When the dress code calls for it, black tie is a great excuse to truly look the part. What tuxedo you choose matters, but don't worry – there's plenty of options to consider. How about a relaxed take on a classic tux? With dropped shoulders and a wider leg, it offers a contemporary feel to black-tie dressing, the wide satin lapel adding a contrasting sheen.

With a more eased up silhouette, this is the perfect opportunity to play around with style; a classic shirt and bow-tie will never let you down, but if the occasion allows for it, try a black mock neck for a tonal look or swap out your crisp white shirt for a cashmere knit.