What to wear to late-summer weddings

It’s August, which means it’s crunch time for summer weddings. If you’re wondering how one should dress for a late-summer wedding, you’re not alone—it’s a tricky thing to consider.

A summer wedding is the perfect time for a seersucker suit, but with the season starting wane, it’s likely going to seem a little out of place at a late-summer wedding. Sure, it might still feel warm outside, but your options for lightweight suits may be fading.

What you wear should reflect the in-between-seasons state. Let’s start here: Should you wear a suit? Our advice is to dispense with the suit for a smart sportcoat-and-trousers combination. Why? Summer weddings—even ones late in the season—always feel a little more casual and relaxed. And a suit may be too formal, especially for an outdoor ceremony.

Because most August and September summer weddings start in the late afternoon and go into the evening, your sportcoat should be one that will make that day-to-night transition. (Think simple and classic navy.) Find a jacket with an interesting weave to capture some of the summer spirit.

Like seersucker, a linen trouser may just be a touch too casual. It also won’t transition well into the evening. A light wool cream trouser, on the other hand, is much more appropriate in the evening. And a pant with cuffs will add the right amount of formality. Go ahead, give it a try.