Call it Lead Character Syndrome, but we’d rather pull up to a wedding looking like Dirty Harry than Ask Jeeves (no shade; nothing but love for our favorite retired e-butler). Luckily, this is entirely possible if you plan ahead with a few key frills, and the dress code is “IDK just vibe.” Usually, weddings send dudes scrambling for any suit, let alone alternative wedding suits that are actually memorable. Too often, they settle for an ensemble that feels like Finance Bro Cosplay-wear. Which is fair. Sometimes you have to groom and bear it (I’m so sorry) with a formal tux, but if the rules are a little looser, there’s space to play with bolo ties, chainmail, hankies, and patterned button-ups—there’s personality in the details of a uniquely collared shirt, or a pair of dress slides that say both, “Congratulations, Kim and Walter” and “Join my cult?”
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You’re probably planning on renting a tux, or pulling out the linen suit (bravo, that’ll keep you cool). That’s great. But we like to think these [dumps out velvet pants] are pieces you’ll be able to wear beyond the happy couple’s big day. Here’s a handful of our favorite alternative suits for weddings (or whatever fancy shindig you have coming up). All we ask is: No fedoras, unless the wedding is taking place at a Baja Sharkeez (RAD). Only just venturing away from the traditional suit? Don’t stress. Sometimes, stealing the spotlight away from the bride is as easy as wearing a delightful button-up underneath your blazer. We’re partial to anything with worthy of a Mediterranean-bound yacht, a French Riviera wedding, or Mark McGrath’s iconic 90s style.If you don’t yet have a suit situation, wide-leg trousers are not only flattering and roomy, but remind us of the epic Zoot Suit heyday. As Mel Compo writes in this VICE article about the best skirts for men and non-binary folks, “do we not all deserve a nice swishy, breezy clothing experience?” Pair some pleated black culottes with a blazer, a dress shirt, and some Doc Martens, or cop a kilt, non-cheesy tie/body harness, and an earthy corduroy blazer. Then, enjoy swishing your ‘fit on the dance floor with your 90s Alexander McQueen-worthy aesthetic.
Start with a funky button-up
Go for a wide-leg pant
Skirts, kilts, and culottes
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Go collarless
Get untied
Add texture
Trend watch: Chainmail
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Integrate workwear
Bring the gabagool
The charming con-man combo
Fancy footwork
Have fun, and don’t forget to pocket some of those dinner rolls.
The Rec Room staff independently selected all of the stuff featured in this story. Want more reviews, recommendations, and red-hot deals? Sign up for our newsletter.