What not to wear

April 16, 2009 5:13 PM

I have no wardrobe, or style. I'm lost, when it comes to this, Can anyone out there help dress me for a family members wedding?

I have no style what so ever, and I have a wedding to go to in about a month. Its an evening wedding. My wife is sitting behind me searching online for dresses. I live just about every day in my "work uniform" of a blue shirt and khakis. Weekends, I wear a t-shirt and an old pair of ratty jeans. I don't want to go too over the top with a formal tuxedo, because from what I can gather, its a semi formal wedding on a military base, in Newport, RI.

Please help me, mefi, you're my only hope!

I want something probably blue-ish. I'd wear a kilt but they are so expensive, and I don't know if anywhere local rents them. I also don't want to show up the wedding party. I wouldn't but I don't want something gaudy and flashy.

Local links would be awesome.

posted by edmcbride to clothing, beauty, & fashion (16 comments total)

We just did this for a relative's bat mitzvah. You didn't mention budget, but I assume you have a couple hundred dollars? Go to whatever local or chain menswear shop. Tell them you need a suit for a wedding and your budget. They will measure you and fit you for a suit and then offer suggestions. You choose a suit. They will then suggest shirt and tie combinations that go with the suit. You pick one or two. They will then suggest socks, belts, and shoes. If the suit needs any tailoring, they will do it.

If only women's clothes shopping were that easy.
posted by hydropsyche at 5:18 PM on April 16 [1 favorite has favorites]

Buy a suit.

Then you're covered for weddings AND funerals.
posted by BitterOldPunk at 5:19 PM on April 16

Yep, a dark blue or grey wool suit from the Men's Wearhouse or any other decent local or national chain will do the trick, and you'll be set for years. They'll suggest a few different styles in your size, as well as shirt, tie, and shoes. (You can always shop around further for the shoes, if you like, but they'll at least give you an idea of the right style(s) to look for.)
posted by scody at 5:23 PM on April 16

Suit is good, don't go light blue or even medium blue. Navy is the only ok suit color nowadays. Black is even better because it is more versatile, but if you want to do blue, make sure it's dark dark dark.

If you think black is boring, you can get a very subtle pinstripe like this (not like this).

Here are some nice ones from Overstock.com which aren't terribly expensive:

Black
Navy
Brown with blue pinstripe
posted by rmless at 5:27 PM on April 16

Seriously, forego the kilt unless it is your real honest-to-God family tartan. Plus, with a suit, you could go somewhere fancy again sometime, and amortize the cost.
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 5:33 PM on April 16 [1 favorite has favorites]

I'd actually go with a nice gray, actually, rather than black. Black is harder-edged and less versatile (according to the GQ style guy, "funereal, clerical, Amish, or possibly satanic"). Most suits we think of as black are actually charcoal, but even a lighter mid-gray looks good for just about any occasion.
posted by katemonster at 5:35 PM on April 16

With suits, the devil's in the details.
Two button single breasted is the best way to go. One button is the fashion nowadays but it's merely a fad and you shouldn't bother with that. Three buttons are just overkill. But go for it if you're tall.
You should definitely have a slit in the middle at the back or it will make you look like a stuffed sausage. Two slits is more European: it's your choice.
And please, if you have the cash, please remember to get a decent wool suit. It should feel soft and it will stay for years. It's no longer the 1960s; no 50% artificial fiber, polyester, nylon, rayon nothing. Wool.
The lapel (the part that folds across your chest) should be medium. Again, the latest fashion is to go for super thin lapels but wider lapels are classier.
I would highly suggest sticking with solid navy blue or charcoal gray. Black looks very undertakerish.
And make it fit. Any suit will look good if it fits perfectly.
In short, look at what George Clooney is wearing and try to pull it off.
Oh and never button the bottom button if you have a two button suit.
posted by Lucubrator at 5:46 PM on April 16 [2 favorites has favorites]

I agree on the suit, and I will go with the suggestion of navy as the most versatile. I like grey better, but navy is actually a better choice for more occasions and more seasons.

The men's store will cover fit (if you want a break in the pant leg, for instance-- I think they are necessary), but one thing that drrrrives me up a wall, which may seem silly and which you may not know, (please excuse me if you do), is that one does not button the bottom button of a suit coat. Thus, on a three-button coat, only the top two please.
posted by oflinkey at 5:46 PM on April 16

Or just listen to Lucubrator, yes.
posted by oflinkey at 5:48 PM on April 16

Nthing Men's Wearhouse, come in for the prices, get the tailoring done elsewhere!
posted by No New Diamonds Please at 6:04 PM on April 16

never, ever, ever, get a black suit. That's like cardinal sin #1 in the "stylish man" handbook. go get a navy or charcoal grey suit. Single-breasted, two button. Wear a white shirt underneath. Wear dark brown shoes. Pick a tie that doesn't have any animals or football helmets. You'll be fine.

For bonus points, match your tie to your wife's dress.
posted by unexpected at 7:32 PM on April 16

"Semi-formal" is pretty meaningless. I would definitely echo everyone's suggestion that you not wear a kilt.

It's springish-summerish for you guys at the moment, or it will be before long, and while charcoal and blue are certainly extremely versatile, and something like this will make you a standout in any crowd, why not something lighter and a little more interesting (and affordable)?

Me, personally, I'd go with something like this worn over a lovely white shirt (slightly rumpled is in, apparently, which is good since that's how I always wear them) coupled with some great Diesel or Replay denims and - why not? - some brown Oxfords (all links are just examples to give you an idea).

Lucubrator has good advice. There are certain timeless sartorial rules and styles that will never be out of fashion, but in the end, you are you and it's a matter about what looks and feels good to you, on your body. Also, I'm always reading great things about Banana Republic and J. Crew - they seem quite stylish and reasonably-priced.
posted by turgid dahlia at 7:36 PM on April 16

Oh and seconding that single-button jackets look stupid and are an awful idea.
posted by turgid dahlia at 7:40 PM on April 16

Dark navy suit, crisp white dress shirt, simple patterned tie (broad stripes in few shades of same color, white dots on solid color, or solid black tie). Matching flat-front pants (no pleats) should come with the jacket.

For the suit, find one that fits in the shoulders, chest, and back. The sleeve length, sleeze size, and the lower sides of the suit jacket can get tailored in. Same goes with the pants length (hem).
posted by junesix at 9:58 PM on April 16

I second katemonster and unexpected. All my marbles are on slate grey. Stylish, versitile, and flattering, especially if you are fair or ruddy-complexioned (as the quilt option would suggest!)...navy blue tends to drain the pale-skinned and accentuate the ruddy...
posted by sparrowdance at 8:43 PM on April 17

If you move quickly, indochino.com will custom tailor a suit for you and have it shipped to your door in a month. They're reasonably priced, well-fitted, and sleek.
posted by Help, I can't stop talking! at 3:37 PM on April 18