Wedding on the Beach: How to Dress Formal

Q: What should a man wear to a Florida wedding where the invitation offers the oxymoronic dress-code of "beach formal"? —SP, Providence, R.I.

A: Whether the venue is Palm Beach, Hawaii or Nantucket, the bride and groom want their guests to be part of the sand-and-sea tableau. I have never heard of "beach formal" either—but, indeed, there is such a thing, according to wedding planners and resort-destination hotels. Think tropical and think elegant. Pressed linen and seersucker immediately come to mind, and so do good-looking sandals and sunglasses.

I think you can safely surmise that you’re expected to look festive and put together, while at the same time comfortable under the sun—certainly a seersucker or khaki suit if you insist going that formal.

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That said, the al fresco party venue dictates summery attire without a jacket, such as khaki or linen pants and a white or pastel linen shirt with sleeves folded back to your elbows. I also vote for a flower in your lapel, imparting a casual formality. Depending on how hot it is, I also like the idea of a fitted linen vest instead of a blazer. Then there is the Latino continental-sharp look of the guayabera, a short- or long-sleeved tunic shirt with two vertical rows of tiny pleats sewn tightly together, along with two or four patch pockets. Designed to wear untucked, the guayabera (also known as "the wedding shirt") is polished enough for the ceremony and perfect for dancing at the reception.

Some men love wearing cream-colored oxford bucks in the summer. I also think that sandals or woven huaraches are also ideal for the beach. Or spanking white low-top tennis shoes or slip-ons. No socks. Or even some leather flip flops. Finish your debonair look with a Panama hat.

For the ladies, choose a long pretty summer dress including those with a bustier top or more covered with eyelet lace bodice and loose short sleeves. There are so many pretty gauzy dresses with the high-low hems that dip down to the ankles—perfect for an outdoor wedding. The beach calls for pretty flat or low-heeled sandals instead of stilettos.

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