[adept]

Just got the pre-notice, web site info, yada, yada...this build-up is all the rage. The event is next August in the midwest. The reception will be an outdoor setting, and the weather will likely be between 75 deg to 90 deg F (or even more). I'm sure the gathering for dinner, etc. will be under a large tent, and storms/rain are always a possibility.

From the website, "Cocktail Attire: Wear cocktail dresses, LBDs, dressy jumpsuits, and suits." First of all, didn't know suits were cocktail attire, the term seems suggestive of casual, which a suit def is not.

For this kind of event, in the Summer, I would ordinarily wear snazzy, colorful clothing, jacket, tie, PS, slacks, not a suit. And frankly, lately I've been unloading business clothing, since I don't need it, find it boring and simplistic, ignoring the fact that in my work this type of clothing is predominant. I've never felt uncomfortable.

Insight, thoughts, criticism appreciated, thanks... Now, just in case responses here are persuasively in favor of a suit, what are the options? I'll go out and buy one if I have to.

 

[fishertw]

I know it's not necessarily a "thing" outside of the South, but a seersucker suit is a great choice for a summer wedding in an outdoor setting and you can easily then break it up later as a sport coat or seersucker trousers with a blazer. This time of year, lots of vendors put their seersuckers suits on heavy mark down and you could likely get out for $100, give or take.

 

[adept]

I know it's not necessarily a "thing" outside of the South, but a seersucker suit is a great choice for a summer wedding in an outdoor setting and you can easily then break it up later as a sport coat or seersucker trousers with a blazer. This time of year, lots of vendors put their seersuckers suits on heavy mark down and you could likely get out for $100, give or take.

Interesting

 

[Mike Petrik]

@adept -- FYI for gents cocktail attire traditionally does mean dark business suit. I agree that for an outdoor wedding a seersucker suit would be a good option. While I doubt necessary, they can be found in solid navy in which case the jacket can later be work as a versatile summer blazer.

 

[YukonCornelius21]

I know it's not necessarily a "thing" outside of the South, but a seersucker suit is a great choice for a summer wedding in an outdoor setting and you can easily then break it up later as a sport coat or seersucker trousers with a blazer. This time of year, lots of vendors put their seersuckers suits on heavy mark down and you could likely get out for $100, give or take.

Of course you stole my idea!

Im a fan of a seersucker jacket with a contrasting/darker pair of trousers. I think despite the invitation saying "cocktail attire" there's no way I would wear a dark gray wool suit with a tie.

Im also a fan of a lightweight silk/linen sportcoat. I probably wouldn't treat this as evening "cocktail attire" and would approach this like a summer wedding with an afternoon ceremony that rolls into a reception (with little to no break in-between). Im wearing something versatile, appropriate, and comfortable.

 

[jackmccullough]

What, everybody's just ignoring the option of a dressy jumpsuit?

 

[adept]

FYI for gents cocktail attire traditionally does mean dark business suit.

Thanks for that information, learned something.

 

[adept]

Appreciate the insight so far...

 

[adept]

In case it is significant, the venue is a golf club. This immediately brought to mind, incorrectly, an afternoon soiree...definitely not that, regaining my senses.

 

[adept]

Was just thinking about this, I don't go to many weddings. Is it common to assert a dress code? I can't think of ever seeing that before.

(Having said that, I do remember missing my brother's wedding, because I was in Europe for school. I heard the dress code specifically stated, 'no ties'...the ceremony and reception were at a barn. I also remember hearing that one well-known guest predictably defied that standard...LOL.)

 

[Vecchio Vespa]

Nantucket reds and a blazer are comfy in warm weather. Plus they provide about the opportunity i can think of to wear Gucci bit loafers.

 

[adept]

Well after looking further on the internet, it looks like an evening wedding reception might tend toward more of a formal looking cocktail attire, versus casual. May not include seersucker or anything other than a suit.

 

[SG_67]

Is this something you really need to attend?

 

[adept]

Is this something you really need to attend?

I often wonder this, have passed up a few occasions. Can't get out of this one.

 

[SG_67]

Given the climate and the venue, and the unpredictability of the weather I’m loathe to wear a regular suit.

I think linen or cotton poplin may be a good choice.

My suggestion still stands; skip it. I can’t stand brides and grooms who wish to burden others with not only attending their wedding but who also impose a silly dress code.

What the hell is a “dressy jumper” anyway?

 

[adept]

Given the climate and the venue, and the unpredictability of the weather I'm loathe to wear a regular suit.

I think linen or cotton poplin may be a good choice.

My suggestion still stands; skip it. I can't stand brides and grooms who wish to burden others with not only attending their wedding but who also impose a silly dress code.

What the hell is a "dressy jumper" anyway?

I can't disagree, nor can I answer the question...assuming it is directed to the ladies.

 

[Mike Petrik]

Given the climate and the venue, and the unpredictability of the weather I'm loathe to wear a regular suit.

I think linen or cotton poplin may be a good choice.

My suggestion still stands; skip it. I can't stand brides and grooms who wish to burden others with not only attending their wedding but who also impose a silly dress code.

What the hell is a "dressy jumper" anyway?

I agree and disagree.

Linen or cotton poplin are good choices.

Traditionally dress codes were unnecessary simply because the formality of the invitation signaled the formality of dress expected. Today very few folks know such conventions, which places a greater burden on the host to signal or specify. Cocktail attire is not burdensome, even for an outdoor wedding.

 

[Mike Petrik]

Well after looking further on the internet, it looks like an evening wedding reception might tend toward more of a formal looking cocktail attire, versus casual. May not include seersucker or anything other than a suit.

That is why they make seersucker suits, even in solid navy. Cotton poplin is also summer friendly.

 

[Matt S]

Was just thinking about this, I don't go to many weddings. Is it common to assert a dress code? I can't think of ever seeing that before.

(Having said that, I do remember missing my brother's wedding, because I was in Europe for school. I heard the dress code specifically stated, 'no ties'...the ceremony and reception were at a barn. I also remember hearing that one well-known guest predictably defied that standard...LOL.)

Weddings almost always specify a dress code. Cocktail attire, as Mike Petrik already explained, means suit and tie. Here it was necessary to explain what cocktail attire means because many people now (such as yourself) do not know what it means. Dressy jumpsuit is not traditional, but the rest of the items listed are exactly what cocktail attire means. My wife didn't want a cocktail attire wedding because she felt people don't take it seriously, so we had a black tie wedding. Many men showed up in suits rather than black tie, and she feared that with cocktail attire people would show up wearing even less than a suit or a cocktail dress.

If you don't have a suit you could get away with wearing a blazer, tie and slacks. If your suits have been boring and simplistic, you're not wearing the right suits! In any case, being a guest at a wedding isn't the time to wear colourful clothing. You can wear interesting clothes by wearing a suit with a good cut and using texture in the outfit.

For summer a tropical wool suit or a mohair and wool blend suit with a cotton voile shirt can feel very cool!

 

[Matt S]

What the hell is a "dressy jumper" anyway?

He wrote "dressy jumpsuit". I think a jumper would be rather warm for August! I think this applies to only women and astronauts.