Choosing Quiet Luxury Fabrics, Colors, Shoes, and Accessories in Wedding Suits
By Jill Canada Meyer
Understated elegance is always popular in men’s suits. The quiet luxury trend—which values clean lines, timeless style, and quality over flashy brand name recognition—creates the image of a confident, well-tailored man. This, of course, is a good thing. Because all eyes will be on the bride—and on the groom—when the big moment arrives.
To master the quiet luxury look, emphasize quality fabrics, shoes, accessories—and, of course, tailoring.
Fabrics
Wool and wool blends, such as blends made of wool and silk or wool, silk, and linen, are the best fabrics for men’s suits. Wool is breathable, lays flat, and has a subtle sheen to it. What’s more, wool and wool blends are great for all seasons in Coastal Virginia—winter, spring, summer, and fall.
Tan linen suits and light blue cotton suits are popular summer wedding options. Although, these fabrics wrinkle.
Photo Courtesy: Fowler Studios
Photo Courtesy: Fowler Studios
Shoes
“The shoe is the most important part of your outfit,” said Chris Grant, store manager of Beecroft & Bull in Virginia Beach. A well-fitted, handmade Italian calfskin shoe will mold to men’s feet and feel comfortable right away. It’s good for men to remember that, unlike women, men don’t usually take off their shoes at the reception.
What’s more, a Goodyear-welted leather shoe lasts a long time. Its tight stitching stops weather from seeping through its seams. André J. McLaughlin, owner of André Julius in Williamsburg and Richmond, says his customers often pick a cognac brown shade.
Brown shoes match classic navy and gray suits. And they also match colorful suits such as green or burgundy. And, in the summer, brown nicely pairs with tan linen suits and pale blue cotton suits.
Accessories
Matte ties—made of wool or silk—fit the quiet luxury trend quite well. Ties that are 3 ¼ inches wide are ideal. “It’s the width that we like,” said Grant of Beecroft & Bull. It’s not too wide nor too narrow. What’s more, adding a tie clip finishes the look.
Tailoring
Tailoring makes garments look more expensive: plain and simple. It’s worth the time and effort. Starting with the correct trouser cut—whether it’s classic or modern slim—is a good idea, too. Then adding the proper jacket length, the proper sleeve length, and the proper trouser length to polish the look.
And a polished look, after all, is what quiet luxury is all about.
The Surge of Green
In Coastal Virginia, green is a popular color choice for weddings. Rich green tones—from emerald to forest to sage—are showing up in bridesmaid dresses, men’s suits, and even in men’s tuxedos.
“Green is a great new neutral,” said Ashley McAchran, buyer and owner of Studio I Do Bridals in Virginia Beach. The color pulls from florals.
All About Classic Tuxedos
Black, navy, ivory, or white tuxedos with shawl colors are elegant and timeless for a reason. (Think: James Bond.) For formal weddings, pair classic tuxedos with cufflinks, bowties, and a shirt with very clean lines. (Full collar, no bib, no buttons showing.)
Grooms and groomsmen can rent or purchase tuxedoes, though only the purchased tuxedoes can be tailored. “There’s nothing like a well-fitted tuxedo. Every man, I think, should have a black tuxedo in their closet,” said André J. McLaughlin, owner of André Julius in Williamsburg and Richmond.
Select black leather dress shoes for black, ivory, or white tuxedos. And select brown leather dress shoes for navy.
“Black is so classic and timeless,” said Ashley McAchran, buyer and owner of Studio I Do Bridals in Virginia Beach, which offers options for men to rent or buy tuxedoes. “I don’t think we’ll ever see that go away. It’s a heavy hitter in our area.”
Formality, McAchran added, usually drives whether men pick suspenders or cummerbunds. The more formal the event the more likely men are to pick cummerbunds. What’s more, some grooms buy two jackets to create different looks at their wedding and their reception.
“I believe the black, classic trend is very bridal now,” McAchran added.
