I Do: Modern Apparel for the Groom

When it comes to talking wedding attire, most grooms are given options, but options within the traditional tux world. However, it seems that in today’s wedding, brides and grooms have more room to exercise a bit of creativity when it comes to the wedding wardrobe, with the rise of non-traditional and contemporary wedding styles.

Take a simple garden, country or nice backyard wedding for instance. We want the look to remain appropriate for the scene, but most grooms would feel more comfortable in something less formal than a full tux in any of these settings. A look that’s suitable, stylish and just as romantic could be that of simple slacks and a button down.

But let’s take the style to the next level. Put your groom in some slim, tailored brown or grey slacks, maybe even a textured material. Pair it with a tailored, light-weight button up with long sleeves. If your groom feels comfortable, find a lightly patterned shirt, something floral, color or plaid. Mix with a plain colored skinny tie or bow tie. And voila!

Depending on your personal wedding style and yourselves as a couple, you could top off his outfit with a clean, subtle pair of suspenders, a tailored jacket to match or contrast the pants, a vest, or if you’re feeling more casual, a men’s cardigan. You can roll up the sleeves for some extra flair. The main rules with women that you can transfer to men, are accessorizing, but keep it subtle, clean and coherent. Now here’s the fun part. Find him a pair of matching socks, a funky boutonniere or a stylish belt to match his brown or tan leather shoes.

If you plan on jet setting to a tropical island and putting your men in thick black suits, they may not thank you. Put them in something light and functional and they’ll be singing your praises.

For any destination wedding, you must consider your atmosphere. If you’re headed to the sandy shores of the Bahamas, choose light colors and light fabrics. An easy, yet handsome, look could be a pair of tan or brown linen pants. Make sure they are more suit-like and fitted to compliment for a wedding occasion.

Depending on the colors of your wedding, find a nice short or long sleeved, light cotton, button down or Asian inspired collared blouse. Be brave with color; try blues, greens, pinks or even a light pattern. Send him down the aisle shoeless or in a pair of nice leather flip-flops. If you are feeling a little less casual, a destination wedding can always use a light colored suit instead of linen pants.

There are some great places in San Diego that can help you complete your groom’s polished look. One of the greatest places to start from anything from your basics, to your shoes and accessories is J.Crew in downtown. While you can choose to shop their bridal selection, most of their everyday displays would be just as fabulous of a pick, if not better.

Going the men’s boutique route will prove a very fashion-forward experience. Martin and Wall in Hillcrest is for the stylish man that offers selections of casual tees to dress shirts and brand name denim. Peruse through brands including Diesel, Penguin and French Connection for your casual groom’s big day ensemble. For more information, visit Martinandwall.com.

On a tighter budget? Try your hand at any one of the H&M stores located from North County to downtown. They are the little hidden secret that carries all the basics for this trend along with great ties, jackets and shoes.

Le Chauvinist Consignment Store For Men in La Jolla offers great vintage pieces to really stand out from the rest of the grooms. A men’s consignment and resale store, Le Chauvinist carries a selection of fine Italian suits an vintage ties, to accessories like cigar cutters, as well as vintage high-end brands like Gucci and Hermes. For more information, visit Lechauvinist.com

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