Welcome to the season of warm colors and cozy vibes! As fall unfurls its beautiful hues, there’s no better time to align your style with the season. If you’ve been invited to a few autumn weddings, you might be wondering how to make a statement while staying in tune with the season. Look no further! We’re here to guide you in exploring the latest trends of men’s fall wedding attire. With these styling suggestions under your belt, you’ll be ready to bring your best to the big day.
1. Timelessly Dapper: The Classic Suit for Fall
There’s an irresistible charm to classic wedding suits that never go out of style. A well-tailored suit is a tried-and-true way to stand out against the landscape of falling leaves. Like painting, it’s all about self-expression.
Picture this: a fine wool suit in rich navy or dark burgundy, perfect for the cool weather. There are plenty of dress shirts you could choose for this look, but for maximum seasonal spirit, opt for warm tones like burnt orange or deep shades like a subtle plum. Consider swapping the typical silk tie for a bow tie or knit tie to add texture and intrigue to the ensemble.
2. Casual Chic: The Sport Coat Look for Autumn
If the dress code calls for “casual chic,” you won’t need a full suit to make an impression. When it comes to men’s fall wedding attire, you should never underestimate the impact of a sport coat. This look is all about showcasing your style with an air of effortless sophistication. (It’s also a great look for college formals!)
Start with a textured tweed or subtly patterned sport coat—a checked or plaid print would be especially suitable for the season. Pair your jacket with dress pants in a complementary color. A solid-colored dress shirt is a smart way to bring it all together. Finish your look strong with a pair of sleek men’s dress shoes. Try coordinating a polished pair of Oxfords with your trousers, or if you’re feeling adventurous, go bold with loafers in a standout color.
3. Sophistication Meets Seasonality: The Three-Piece Wonder
For those seeking sophistication with a side of swagger, a three-piece suit is the way to go. This timeless fashion staple is like a perfectly aged whisky you reserve for special occasions—it’s a tradition worth indulging in. A three-piece adds an essential layer of class to anyone’s collection of men’s wedding suits.
To ensure your three-piece fits the fall season, you’ll want to find a well-tailored wool suit in a deep, earthy tone. Choose a vest in a slightly contrasting color for added visual interest. For maximum effect, keep your accessories simple. Wrap things up with a pocket square that complements your tie, classic cufflinks, and a smart pair of loafers. With this look, you’ll be a perfect picture of sophistication.
4. Autumnal Flair: The Turtleneck and Suit Combo
The turtleneck and suit are a dynamic duo that are sure to steal the show this season. This trending combo takes men’s fall wedding attire to the next level, adding a contemporary spin to the traditional suit.
You can pull off this look with ease. Nail the trend with a light gray or tan suit, paired with a turtleneck in a bold autumnal color like burgundy, mustard, or deep teal. When it comes to accessories, understated pieces will allow this look to truly shine. Think a minimalist watch. Complete your ensemble with some suede shoes for a truly head-turning outfit.
5. Embrace Fall’s Vibrancy: The Patterned Ensemble
Embrace autumn’s vibrant color palette with a patterned piece that pays homage to fall foliage. Take inspiration from nature for this look, whether it’s the shades of the leaves or the patterns of the foliage.
There are many ways to incorporate your inspo, whether it’s a plaid suit, paisley shirt, or polka-dotted tie, choose whatever piece speaks to you the most. Once you have your statement selected, create balance by pairing it with more subdued items, while staying within the fall color palette. Strive for a blend of vibrancy and sophistication that lets each piece shine without overwhelming the senses.
Understanding Fall Wedding Dress Codes for Men
Deciphering the wedding invitation is your first step to impeccable style. Understanding the dress code is crucial when deciding what to wear to a fall wedding as a guest male. For autumn events, the primary difference lies in fabric weight and color palette. Here’s a breakdown:
Black Tie: This is the most formal. A classic black tuxedo is standard, but fall allows for a midnight navy tuxedo or a jacket in a rich velvet fabric like deep burgundy or forest green. Pair with a formal white shirt, a black bow tie, and patent leather shoes.
Formal or Black Tie Optional: You have a choice between a tuxedo or a dark, formal suit. For fall, opt for a suit in charcoal gray, navy, or deep brown in a mid-weight wool. A crisp white dress shirt and a conservative silk or wool tie complete the look.
Casual: Casual does not mean jeans and a t-shirt. For a fall wedding, this typically implies smart trousers (like chinos or moleskin pants) paired with a button-down shirt. You can add an unstructured blazer or a handsome knit sweater for warmth and polish. Leather loafers or brogues are perfect footwear choices.
Casual Fall Wedding Attire Guidelines
When the dress code is casual, your goal is to look polished without being overdressed. For fall casual wedding attire for male guests, layering and texture are your best friends. Start with a pair of well-fitting chinos in an autumnal color like olive, khaki, or burgundy. While dark, non-distressed denim can sometimes work for very rustic or informal venues, chinos are always a safer and more elevated choice. Pair them with a crisp Oxford shirt and consider layering with a fine-gauge merino wool sweater or a stylish cardigan. An unstructured sport coat in tweed or corduroy adds a touch of sophistication that perfectly balances comfort and style. Complete the look with leather or suede brogues, chukka boots, or loafers for an outfit that is both comfortable and impeccably sharp.
Formal Men’s Wedding Guest Attire Essentials
For a formal fall wedding, elegance and seasonality go hand in hand. Your primary choice is a dark suit or a tuxedo. The quintessential fall wedding attire for men at a formal event is a well-tailored suit in a rich, deep color. Think beyond basic black and consider charcoal grey, midnight navy, or even a sophisticated deep green or burgundy. The fabric should have some weight to it, such as flannel or a robust worsted wool, providing both warmth and a luxurious drape. If the invitation specifies Black Tie, a classic black tuxedo is always correct, though a velvet dinner jacket in a jewel tone can be a stylish, seasonal alternative. Essential accessories include highly polished black leather dress shoes (patent leather for tuxedos), a subtle silk pocket square that complements your tie, and refined cufflinks to add a final touch of class.
Must-Have Pieces for Fall Wedding Attire
- A Versatile Wool Suit: A suit in charcoal, navy, or deep brown is the cornerstone of any man’s fall wedding wardrobe. Its warmth and structure make it appropriate for semi-formal to formal events.
- Tweed Sport Coat: For cocktail or casual dress codes, a tweed blazer offers texture, warmth, and classic autumnal style. It pairs effortlessly with chinos or dress trousers.
- Weather-Appropriate Dress Shoes: Invest in a pair of quality leather dress shoes, such as Oxfords or brogues. A leather sole is classic, but a discreet rubber sole can provide better traction for outdoor or rainy venues.
- A Layering Vest or Waistcoat: A vest adds a layer of warmth and sophistication, instantly elevating a two-piece suit to a three-piece or adding polish to a sport coat and trousers combo.
- A Statement Tie: A tie in a seasonal fabric like wool or knit, or in a rich pattern like paisley or plaid, can be the centerpiece of your outfit and inject personality into your look.
- A Classic Overcoat: Especially for evening events or colder climates, a tailored overcoat in camel, navy, or charcoal is essential for arriving and departing in style while staying warm.
Quick Tips for Dressing for a Fall Wedding
- Check the Forecast and Venue: An outdoor ceremony in October requires different considerations (like an overcoat and weather-resistant shoes) than an indoor ballroom reception. Plan accordingly.
- Layer Smartly: Fall temperatures can fluctuate. A three-piece suit, or a sport coat paired with a fine-knit sweater, allows you to adapt to changing temperatures while always looking put-together.
- Lean into Texture: Autumn is the perfect season for rich textures. Incorporate tweed, flannel, corduroy, knit ties, and suede shoes to add depth and visual interest to your fall wedding attire men look.
- Mind the Terrain: If any part of the wedding is on grass or uneven ground, consider shoes that offer stability, such as brogues or dress boots, over slick-soled loafers.
- Final Polish: Ensure your suit is pressed, your shoes are shined, and you have a lint roller on hand. These small details make a significant impact on your overall appearance.
What Not to Wear to a Fall Wedding
- Summer Fabrics: Avoid lightweight materials like linen and seersucker. They look out of place in cooler weather. Alternative: Opt for wool, flannel, or tweed.
- Bright or Pastel Colors: Save the sky blues and vibrant pinks for summer. These can clash with the muted, rich tones of autumn. Alternative: Embrace earthy and jewel tones like burgundy, olive green, mustard, and navy.
- Casual Footwear and Denim: Unless specified as extremely casual, avoid sneakers and distressed denim. They are too informal for a wedding celebration. Alternative: Choose chinos or dress trousers with leather dress shoes or smart boots.
- Heavy Winter Fabrics: While warmth is important, a very heavy, thick wool overcoat or a chunky cable-knit sweater might be too much for an early fall day. Alternative: Focus on layering with finer knits and mid-weight wools.
- Inappropriate Patterns: Loud novelty prints or overly bold patterns can be distracting. Let the couple be the center of attention. Alternative: Stick to classic patterns like plaid, houndstooth, or subtle checks.
Must-Have Fall Wedding Accessories for Men
- Wool or Knit Ties: Swap out your standard silk tie for one with seasonal texture. A wool, cashmere, or knit tie in a solid color or subtle pattern adds immediate autumnal charm.
- Patterned Pocket Squares: A pocket square in a silk-wool blend featuring a classic pattern like paisley, plaid, or houndstooth can tie your entire outfit together. Coordinate its colors with your tie, but avoid an exact match.
- Leather Belt and Dress Shoes: Ensure your belt and shoes are coordinated. Brown or burgundy leather pairs beautifully with the fall color palette, while black remains the standard for formal attire.
- Tasteful Lapel Pins: A small, elegant lapel pin can add a unique touch of personality. Opt for something metallic or a subtle floral pin that echoes the seasonal theme.
- Elegant Watch: A classic timepiece with a leather strap is a sophisticated final touch. Match the leather to your belt and shoes for a cohesive look.
Choosing the Ideal Fabric for a Fall Wedding Suit
The right fabric is key to comfort and style in your men’s fall wedding attire. Unlike the breezy linens of summer, fall calls for materials with more substance and texture. Mid-weight wool is the most versatile choice, offering breathability and warmth without being bulky. For a softer, more luxurious feel, consider flannel, which has a beautiful drape and an inviting texture. Tweed is a quintessential fall fabric, known for its durability and classic, rustic charm, making it perfect for countryside or casual weddings. For a more unique, fashion-forward look, corduroy offers a rich texture and a touch of academic flair, best suited for casual or cocktail attire. Wool blends that incorporate silk or cashmere can also provide a sophisticated sheen and enhanced softness, perfect for elevating a formal look.
Shirts to Pair with Your Fall Wedding Suit
- Crisp White Dress Shirt: You can never go wrong with this timeless classic. It provides a sharp, clean canvas that allows your fall-colored suit and tie to stand out.
- Oxford Cloth Button-Down (OCBD): For a more casual or cocktail dress code, the slightly heavier weave of an OCBD adds a touch of texture. Light blue is a classic, but off-white or cream can beautifully complement an earthy fall palette.
- Subtle Prints and Textures: Elevate your look with a shirt that has a subtle pattern, such as a micro-check, a fine herringbone weave, or a pindot design. Choose shirts in muted fall tones like pale gray, tan, or a faint plum to add depth without clashing with your suit.
- Fine-Gauge Turtleneck: As mentioned in our outfit options, a merino wool turtleneck in a complementary color like charcoal, black, or burgundy can be a stylish and modern substitute for a traditional shirt and tie.
How to Choose the Right Tie for a Fall Wedding
Choosing the right tie is essential for completing your fall wedding attire men look. For autumn, think texture and color. Ditch the shiny, thin silk ties of summer for richer materials like wool, cashmere blends, or knit silk. These fabrics add a cozy, seasonal depth that pairs perfectly with flannel or tweed suits. Color-wise, lean into the autumnal palette: rich burgundies, forest greens, burnt oranges, deep navies, and earthy browns. Patterns like classic plaid, tartan, subtle paisley, or houndstooth are excellent choices. When it comes to coordination, your tie should complement your shirt and suit, not fight with them. A good rule is to pick a tie that is darker than your shirt. Your pocket square should harmonize with a color from your tie or shirt but should not be an exact match of the tie’s fabric or pattern—this creates a more sophisticated, intentionally styled look.
Fall Wedding Guest Outfit Checklist
- Main Garments: A well-fitted suit, or a sport coat and trousers combination, chosen according to the dress code.
- Shirt: A clean, pressed dress shirt or a fine-gauge turtleneck.
- Footwear: Polished leather dress shoes (Oxfords, brogues, loafers) or clean dress boots.
- Accessories: A seasonal tie (wool, knit), a complementary pocket square, a quality leather belt, a watch, and cufflinks if needed.
- Outerwear: A smart overcoat (wool or trench) if the weather is cool.
- Grooming & Extras: A fresh haircut and shave/beard trim, a travel-size lint roller for last-minute touch-ups, and a small umbrella, just in case.
FAQs: Elevating Your Fall Wedding Attire
How do I dress for unpredictable fall weather that might be warm during the day and cold at night?
Layering is your solution. Opt for a three-piece suit where you can remove the jacket during a warmer ceremony, or pair a sport coat with a fine-knit sweater that can be worn or taken off as needed. Choosing breathable but substantial fabrics like mid-weight wool will also help regulate your temperature.
Is it acceptable to mix patterns in my outfit?
Yes, but with care. The key is to vary the scale of the patterns. For instance, you can pair a widely spaced plaid suit with a micro-check shirt and a solid or subtly textured tie. A good rule of thumb is to have one dominant pattern and keep the others minimal to avoid a clashing, overly busy look.
Can I wear boots to a fall wedding?
Absolutely, provided they are dress boots. A sleek Chelsea or Chukka boot in polished leather or suede can be a very stylish and practical choice, especially for rustic or outdoor venues. Avoid work boots or anything too rugged.
What if the wedding is on Halloween or Thanksgiving weekend? Should I wear a themed outfit?
It’s best to avoid novelty or costume-like attire unless the invitation explicitly encourages it. You can give a nod to the holiday with sophisticated color choices—like a burnt orange pocket square for a late October wedding—without sacrificing elegance.
How should I care for my suede shoes if the weather might be wet?
Prevention is key. Before wearing them, treat your suede shoes with a quality waterproofing spray. If they do get wet, allow them to air dry naturally away from direct heat. Once dry, use a suede brush to restore the nap.
Tips for Choosing Fall Groomsmen Attire
For grooms planning a fall wedding, coordinating groomsmen attire requires balancing cohesion with the seasonal aesthetic. Start by choosing a color palette that complements your wedding’s theme—rich navies, deep grays, warm tans, and shades of burgundy are excellent choices for fall. Decide whether renting or buying suits makes more sense based on your budget and your groomsmen’s preferences; buying can be a great gift if you choose a versatile suit they can wear again. Ensure harmony by providing matching accessories like wool ties and patterned pocket squares that tie into the bridesmaids’ dresses or floral arrangements. Most importantly, consider comfort for fluctuating temperatures. A three-piece suit gives groomsmen the option to remove their jackets during the reception while still looking formal and unified in their vests. This thoughtful planning ensures your wedding party looks sharp, feels comfortable, and perfectly complements the beauty of your fall celebration.
Confidence Is Your Best Accessory
Fall weddings offer a chance to showcase your style and align with the season’s trends in a look you truly love. Men’s fall wedding attire should always reflect the autumnal vibe of the event while working within the dress code.
Whether you choose a classic suit, a sophisticated blazer, or a unique turtleneck-suit combo, don’t forget to have fun with your look and never be afraid to include a personal touch. For more styling tips and help choosing the right shade for the season, check out our guide on fall wedding suit colors.