Your RSVP is in the mail, your flight’s booked, and now all you’ve got to do is figure out what you’re going to wear for that late-spring wedding. Dressing for your own or your friend’s nuptials can feel like a daunting task. But aside from the massive amount of sartorial options you might find on your screen, it’s a lot simpler than you might think.

Whether you’re a to-be groom who’s planning ahead or need a last-minute outfit for a ceremony, we consulted a celebrity stylist for tips on just what to wear – and what you (might) want to skip this season. Plus, we added a few picks for foolproof, cool-as-hell pieces that’ll work for any party, no matter the location. Just don’t forget your dancing shoes.

Shop The Tie Bar’s New Arrivals

How to Pick the Best Spring Wedding Outfit for Men

Now, as far as general rules of thumb go, there’s one key thing you’ll want to consider as a guest. “I think with weddings you want to dress for the occasion and don’t upstage the groom,” says Warren Alfie Baker, a Los Angeles-based celebrity stylist. Baker recommends sticking to whichever theme you find on the invite, “but make it your own.”

So what does that look like when you’re sitting at home on your phone trying to pick out a fit for your buddy’s springtime wedding bash? The reality is there’s no right or wrong answer ultimately – aside from not drawing more attention to yourself than the groom or wedding party. That said, there are a few key elements that could help you narrow down your outfit, including how your threads fit – and the color or vibe you’re going for. “When it comes to fits, styles have changed through the years,” Baker says. “I tend to lean towards a slimmer cut, but lots of people love a wider fit. I think stay true to you but look at color variations and styles.”

As far as picking out a suit goes, trends come and go, but there’s a reason you’re still seeing these classic looks decades later. Of course, if you look at any wedding mood board or menswear-inspired Instagram account for some inspo, you’ll likely see throwback photos of celebs, from Frank Sinatra to Harrison Ford to Bond. Between us – and Baker – the timelessness is a sign you’re looking in the right direction. “I tend to steer towards looks that you can look back in 50 years and still love,” Baker says on his main recommendation for picking out a suit as a groom or a guest. “We look at the style icons like Paul Newman, Sidney Poitier, and Alain Deleon and the images of those guys people still aspire to dress like. So always take that into consideration.”

Alright, so you might not be an Oscar-winning actor, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress as cool as one this year. And don’t worry – you can’t really mess this thing up. But, is there anything you should full-on avoid? “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” Baker says, “but I would tend to stay away from very fashion-style suits unless that’s something you’re aiming for.”

“Who am I to judge,” Baker adds, with a laugh.

Ultimately, don’t overthink it, don’t go too over-the-top, and, as always, do what you feel. Best of all, with the below fits, you’ll look your best – no matter the dress code.

What to Wear to a Spring Wedding: Best Wedding Outfits for Men

Not sure where to start? We’ve got your back with these go-to tips and statement pieces. Let’s do some shopping.

The Foolproof Shirt-and-Tie Combo

Throwing on a tie with a shirt sounds simple enough, but there’s a way to elevate your look to wedding guest VIP status. “I think it’s a good start to look at color-blocking with shirts and ties,” Baker recommends when trying to find the right tie-shirt combinations. For instance, “if you have a beige suit, I think it’s always chic to stay with the earthy tones,” the stylist says. “Blue suits stay in the cooler tones.”

The Tie-Free Route

Now, what happens when your friends’ wedding – or your own – leans more on the casual side? Do you wear a necktie or even a suit? While ties never go out of style – and you can always dress them down with a pair of chinos and a casual blazer – you have a lot more accessory options than you might realize.
“A good way to make a statement instead of doing a tie would be a cool pocket square, or you could add some flavor with jewelry, [a] watch, or sunglasses,” Baker says. In other words, don’t be afraid to switch things up from the typical attire – turns out you just might be the best-dressed person next to the happy couple.

The Casual Wedding Go-to

Attending a chic backyard wedding or maybe a rehearsal dinner that’s outdoors calls for something unexpected – and fun. We like the idea of pairing a jacket with a polo. It’s simple, modern, and all-around comfortable. Just remember to follow Baker’s advice and keep your pieces in a similar color-blocking family. Throw in some accessories, like a pocket square, a lapel flower, or some playful cufflinks – and you’re in business.

Shop The Tie Bar’s Wedding Collection and our new arrivals now on thetiebar.com.