3 classic, easy-to-master looks for your wedding
Failsafe options that cover the essential bases
Words: Gentleman's Journal
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There is, with little doubt, a seemingly endless list of things we love about weddings: the open bar; the disc jockey’s throwback bangers; the subsequent dad dancing; and, of course, the celebration of matrimony. On the flipside, however, there are also several things that we tend not to like so much about the big occasion: the slight chance for family drama; the following day’s hangover that makes your head feel like a killing floor; the long, long ceremony; and, before the vows are even said, deciding on which outfit to button up.
It is the latter that hurts us the most, given the all-eyes-on-you spirit of the day, and the fact that nearly every moment will be immortalised on camera rolls. So, before the bells start ringing, allow us – with a little help from tailoring master Oliver Brown – to guide you down the aisle in style, with a trio of classic options that cover the essential bases.
The traditional option
Also known as formal day dress, morning dress is the unofficial uniform of upper-society weddings, memorial services and for those attending the races. Though the traditional get-up is complete with a top hat, these days you’ll be let off if you opt for just a long coat and contrasting waistcoat. (Convention also dictates that the trousers should be of a different pattern or colour to the upper part of the outfit – but, with the relaxing of dress codes, we suggest, in order to maximise possibility of future wear, reaching for something that does match.)
We like this coat for its timeless navy colourway, classic cut and structured shoulders, features that allow the piece to be a neutral base that can be easily paired with a wide variety of other items, such as this silk tie, and waistcoat in ‘blossom’ – both of which act as complementary foils thanks to their lighter hues.
The flair option
If you’ve got a long day planned – and chances are that you do – you may want to change things up periodically, not only to prevent restraining yourself to the same ensemble for hours on end, but also because the different stages of a wedding all have different moods. The dinner, for example, will probably be a dimly lit affair, with a nice flow of strong libations and great evening dressing – it is the crescendo moment, after all.
For these particular few hours, we’d suggest the ultimate of dress codes: black tie. On this occasion, why not steer away from the conventional all-black look, and go for something with a bit of elan. Here, Oliver Brown’s white dinner jacket elevates the stakes fairly high with noted details such as its double-breasted front, razor-sharp peak lapels and cream lining. Anchor this statement piece with muted staples such as the Luxury Marcella Dress Shirt and the Luxury Silk Bow Tie.
The less-is-more option
This is the most straightforward look of the lot. Given the near-infinite list of things to worry about for the day – catering, venue, vows, speech, honeymoon arrangements – it’ll pay dividends to have an outfit that makes maximum impact with minimal fuss, and, therefore, will be one fewer thing for you to sweat over. There isn’t exactly a thesis-length rulebook on this, per se, but we do have a few guidelines: go for a timeless two-button suit; keep the hue neutral; and, if you feel like adding just a little hit of finesse, add in a subtle pattern, perhaps via an accessory.
The single-breasted option here is a wardrobe essential, produced from 100 per cent wool cloth, pared-back in design, and suitable to wear beyond the wedding day. The Twill Silk Tie, studded with polka dots, offers that touch of pattern; and the waistcoat, defined by its ivory hue, acts as a focal point that brings everything together.
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