blazer for a martha's vineyard wedding

Hi -- I need a little help.

I have to go to an afternoon wedding on Martha's Vineyard Sept. 28. (5 days from now!) Ceremony is outdoors, reception indoors. Sunny weather. 70 degrees.

I was going to wear a khaki Banana Republic suit, but it seems it no longer fits in the waist, and its very wide legs are no longer in style. My only other suit is a slim cut, dark brown that's more for business.

Since this is on the Vineyard (dress code: "Jacket w/ or w/out a tie"), I thought a blazer and pants would be a good middle ground. It also saves me from buying a new suit, and I don't think I have the time to have a tailor work magic on the Khaki suit or a new one that would require alterations.

So.. what color blazer should I buy? What pants would go with it? (I desperately want to avoid the Thurston Howell look if possible.)
Is it possible to use the Khaki jacket from the suit as a blazer?

I think I prefer a light grey blazer, or maybe a chambray blue one I saw in Banana Republic.

I only have grey shoes (Aston Grey) to wear.

Thanks for any guidance!

(I live in NYC)

A sportcoat/blazer of any color is not a good look for a wedding. Do you not own a dark suit? The grey shoes sound a little tacky too.

But if you're not willing to go out to one of the zillion stores in your area (NYC) and spend any money, just go with it and be frumpy.

I was thinking of a less edgy variation on this:



jrd617 said:

A sportcoat/blazer of any color is not a good look for a wedding. Do you not own a dark suit? The grey shoes sound a little tacky too.

Click to expand...

Unless you're having the wedding on a yacht I suppose. Wedding with a nautical setting. Martha's Vineyard, Cape Cod.

jrd617 said:

A sportcoat/blazer of any color is not a good look for a wedding. Do you not own a dark suit? The grey shoes sound a little tacky too.

But if you're not willing to go out to one of the zillion stores in your area (NYC) and spend any money, just go with it and be frumpy.

Click to expand...

My family lives on MV and I guarantee there will be people looking great in blazers at this wedding, and more appropriate for the wedding/venue than dark business-looking suits. Proper dress depends on context as much as "rules."

counterfugue - what you suggest is fine. A blue blazer would work fine too - w/o the captains hat and club patch you won't look to Thurston Howell (though I suspect some older gentlemen at the wedding will have that look and look great).

If it was me, I'd run out and buy a more informal summer suit (linen or cotton) right now - prices should be low at the moment, those are fun for warmer weather in the future, and will look great at the wedding. Or maybe get the BR suit tailored if that was possible.



jt10000 said:

My family lives on MV and I guarantee there will be people looking great in blazers at this wedding, and more appropriate for the wedding/venue than dark business-looking suits. Proper dress depends on context as much as "rules."  

counterfugue - what you suggest is fine. A blue blazer would work fine too - w/o the captains hat and club patch you won't look to Thurston Howell (though I suspect some older gentlemen at the wedding will have that look and look great).

Click to expand...

+1. Same case for much of costal New England.

Thank you Jerry and JT! After the first two posters, I thought I had stumbled upon "style-ridiculers.net".

Not sure where I'd find a suit like you describe, JT.

Nothing at all wrong with a blue blazer for a wedding on MV or anywhere else along the Eastern shore. Skip the brass buttons if you are concerned at all about looking too nautical. Trim pants will give you an updated look. Wear brown shoes.

If you aren't wearing a tie, consider a pink shirt for a bit of color but yet still classic look.



counterfugue said:

I was thinking of a less edgy variation on this:

Click to expand...

Much less edgy !! And socks.

I went with a brown chambrayed blazer, cream dress pants, and light brown oxfords. I was squarely in the context of what everyone else was wearing, so thanks for everyone's help.

I wore socks.

Hello everyone. I've followed this post on and off since it's inception. I too will attended a Martha's Vineyard wedding in September 2014 and have contemplated what may be appropriate attire for this occasion. I'll be responsible for my sons (15 & 13) suiting of course as well as my own. Normally, I wouldn't give this too much thought, but both the bride (my niece) and the groom are deeply connected in the NY fashion industry, so getting this right may have a bigger impact than usual.

The wedding may be a beach occasion with a reception at a vacation home afterwards so this may be a very informal affair. Being as "blue collar" as they come and also as far removed from being fashion conscious, it's been interesting to read these posts. Thank you all very much!

Of the four posted images, I'm considering for myself for this Martha's Vineyard wedding next year in late August/ early September, the grey plaid suit with shirt and tie or the solid black suit with black pokka dot tie. And for my 15 year old son, the beige vest look or the dark blue suit with pink shirt and espadrilles look. My research has shown that the chinos/ khaki/ blue sport coat look is the norm for this affair. But our style is to usually not conform to norms. But at the same time not to be over dressed or dressed inappropriately . Opinions please and thanks in advance.

David Gaston said:

Of the four posted images, I'm considering for myself for this Martha's Vineyard wedding next year in late August/ early September, the grey plaid suit with shirt and tie or the solid black suit with black pokka dot tie. And for my 15 year old son, the beige vest look or the dark blue suit with pink shirt and espadrilles look. My research has shown that the chinos/ khaki/ blue sport coat look is the norm for this affair. But our style is to usually not conform to norms. But at the same time not to be over dressed or dressed inappropriately . Opinions please and thanks in advance.

Click to expand...

A black suit is just not right for this.

Duly noted on the black suit. That's what all my research has also pointed to. So the lighter colored outfits are better? I just don't want us to have the "cookie cutter" look as if we're trying to be like everyone else.