Playful Elegance: On Wedding Style
Whether groom or guest, a wedding is the perfect opportunity to push your style in new directions.
Most of us have been to a wedding or two in our time. Others – whether they wanted to or not – have attended significantly more. And yet the issue of what to wear when the big day rolls around remains an alarmingly common source of sartorial anxiety. There was a time when what one should wear to a wedding – whether groom or guest – was clearly prescribed, but we have moved well beyond those days of restrictive dress codes. This is, of course, largely a good thing, but with all of that fashion freedom comes the wardrobe-based equivalent of an existential crisis: if I don’t have to wear a dark wool suit, white shirt, black oxfords, and a tie, then who am I? Or, to tone down the drama slightly, what on earth do I wear?
It's worth noting here that the traditional look is still very much a viable option, and one that we’re rather fond of. The classics are classic for a reason, and the dark suit + white shirt + tie combination will always = elegance. But when it comes to tailoring, one size definitely does not fit all – as much figuratively as literally – and with the stuffy old rules dead and buried, the options are endless. Whether you prefer time-tested or ultra-modern, minimalist or maximalist, there’s something to cater to every conceivable taste.
If you’re the one tying the knot, then why not make the most of being the centre of attention by wearing something out of the ordinary? It is your star turn, after all, and you can wear a plain navy suit any day. You don’t have to go for pistachio green summer-weight wool – though it is an excellent option – but there’s certainly room to push the envelope.
And if you’re a guest then there’s no reason why you can’t steal a little bit of the spotlight for yourself (within reason, of course). A bit of unexpected colour, like pale blue, or a larger scale check pattern can move traditional tailoring into new territory without causing too much of a stir. It can also help to cement your status as the intriguing, effortlessly stylish wedding guest that everyone wants on their table. A nice bonus.
We’re of the feeling that a good outfit is one which properly reflects the occasion for which it is worn. A wedding is a momentous occasion, calling for glamour and elegance from its attendees, but it is also a joyous thing, allowing for a fun, playful approach to getting dressed. Whatever your role on the big day, and whatever your personal taste, a wedding is the perfect opportunity to push your style in new directions.
Wedding Tailoring
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Shows
Autumn/Winter ‘25 Men’s Show
For our AW25 collection, we look to the other side of the lens, focusing on the personal style of some of the 20th century’s most influential photographers. Elegant tailoring fabrics and classic silhouettes are subverted through subtle pattern clashes, gently exaggerated proportions, and unexpected textures.
01.25
stories
Paul Smith’s Suit Fit Guide
Not sure which suit fit to choose from our selection? Use our handy guide to Paul Smith’s Soho, Kensington, and Bloomsbury suits to find the perfect tailoring fit for you.
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Words: Nathan Sharp
03.24