MEN’S COUTURE

SEASON TO SEASON

by Timothy Malcolm

date posted: March 14, 2017

spring

The traditional three-piece suit is a great choice for a dapper and sophisticated look in the spring. The vest beneath the jacket add s style and depth for those still somewhat chilly and breezy days. The look is smart, yet not overly formal, which lends itself well to a wedding in an outdoor setting. A tweed suit adds professorial charm and some texture to complement both bold- and soft-colored accessories.

Pastels are an alternative for the spring to match the colorful backdrop of trees and bulbs in full bloom. Maybe you’re choosing a cream jacket and pant with a soft pink shirt, or going for an edgy look with a deep navy or midnight blue suit, pastel shirt and dark accessories—tie, pocket square, socks. There’s no end to how far a suit can go with the right accessories to capture the look of the day.

summer

Carefree, wispy, and natural will always be in style for a summer bride. This look is an obvious winner with a throwback Catskills wedding. Men should follow suit by choosing a neutral jacket and pant for the summer wedding—charcoal or dirt brown work well—and pairing them with a floral pattern vest, dress shirt, or tie. Be as colorful as you can with the pairing. Don’t be afraid to go off-color for shoes (olive, burgundy).

And only a few of you can work the Panama hat. Be careful with it, but if you’re doing it, make it yours. Go with color over straight brown or navy. Men who want a quieter look should opt for Oxford shirts that let the day breathe. Inject character through color. The Oxford shirt, dark navy pant, and casual blazer is a good summer look.

fall

Whites and metallics will start to dominate in the fall, when the real color will be all around you, especially in the Hudson Valley; so, men should embrace whites and grays, but keep it simple. If you’re doing a white jacket and pant, add gray to the palette to break up the monotony. And if you’re going gray with the jacket and pant, add either white or black.

The lapel pin is a big deal in men’s wedding wear. Make that your metallic jump-off. Or wear a gold watch, maybe a shiny belt. Don’t call too much attention to yourself, but be sure to put some metal into your look. The key to these fall weddings will be personalization.

winter

Winter weddings typically become more formal, and it’s the one season where the tuxedo always shines. Since whites and metallics are in, embrace the traditional black tux but add some metallic flair—again, think of the lapel pin, maybe the cuff links and shirt buttons.

For something less traditional, be daring with an off-white jacket and pant combo. Beige or charcoal, anyone? Pair that with simple whites and a dash of metal in the lapel pin, belt, or cuff links.