What to wear to a fall wedding
For most fall weddings, men should wear a suit in navy, charcoal, brown or a deep color like burgundy or forest green, with a tie and leather shoes. Follow the invite’s dress code first; fall simply calls for darker colors and heavier fabrics.
The outfit
Example photo: Alfredo Dacosta / PexelsNavy suit, red tie
- JacketNavy suit
- TrousersMatching navy trousers
- ShirtWhite dress shirt
- NeckwearRed or burgundy silk tie
- ShoesBlack oxfords
- ExtrasRed or white pocket square
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Tips
- Wear richer colors and textures: navy, charcoal, brown, burgundy or forest green, in flannel, tweed or heavier worsted wool.
- Plan for changing weather: a dark overcoat for an evening outdoors, or a fine knit under a sport coat at a casual wedding.
- Outdoor ceremonies on grass call for suede or rubber-soled dress shoes; thin leather soles sink and slip.
- A seasonal tie or pocket square in rust, burgundy or a subtle plaid is enough personality. Skip piling on extras.
If the invite names a dress code
Black tie
Black tie means a tuxedo: a black dinner jacket and matching trousers, a white tuxedo shirt, a black bow tie and black patent or high-shine shoes. A regular suit is a step below what the host asked for.
Black tie optional
For black tie optional, a dark suit in charcoal or navy with a white shirt, a dark silk tie and black oxfords is fully correct. A tuxedo is welcome if you own one, but you don’t need one.
Cocktail attire
Cocktail attire for men means a tailored suit in navy, charcoal or grey, a dress shirt, a tie and leather dress shoes. It sits between business casual and black tie: dressier than the office, but no tuxedo.
Semi-formal
Semi-formal for men means a suit, or a sport coat with dress trousers, plus a collared dress shirt and leather shoes. The tie is optional, and a tuxedo is too much.
Casual
For a casual event, men can skip the jacket and tie but should still look put together: a pressed button-up or polo, chinos or dark jeans, and clean shoes.
Common questions
Can I wear a black suit to a fall wedding?
Yes, especially for an evening wedding. Navy, charcoal and brown feel more seasonal, and black can look severe at a daytime ceremony.
Is tweed okay for a fall wedding?
A tweed sport coat is great for a rustic or casual fall wedding. For cocktail or formal weddings, wear a smooth wool or flannel suit instead.
What color tie for a fall wedding?
Burgundy, rust, forest green, navy or a muted plaid. Avoid matching the wedding party’s colors exactly if you know them.
Have the invite?
Paste it into Dress the Part and get the dress code decoded, an outfit for your season and venue, and where to buy each piece at any budget.