summer night wedding attire?

[johng70]

Don't over-think it. According to your first post, it says light colored suits RECOMMENDED. Assuming you're not in some socially elite circle, no one expects you to buy a new suit if you already have a perfectly acceptable suit. If you already own a navy suit you will be fine wearing it. If you do decide to wear it, a white shirt and dark brown shoes are fine. No need to buy a new suit or new shoes based on what you've posted.

If you didn't have a navy suit or had both navy and a light colored suit, that would be different. I can pretty much guarantee you that if there are 20 men at the wedding at least 7 of them won't be wearing a light colored suit (assuming again that this isn't a socially elite party with participants who have a closet of a dozen suits).

 

[ValidusLA]

Don't over-think it. According to your first post, it says light colored suits RECOMMENDED. Assuming you're not in some socially elite circle, no one expects you to buy a new suit if you already have a perfectly acceptable suit. If you already own a navy suit you will be fine wearing it. If you do decide to wear it, a white shirt and dark brown shoes are fine. No need to buy a new suit or new shoes based on what you've posted.

If you didn't have a navy suit or had both navy and a light colored suit, that would be different. I can pretty much guarantee you that if there are 20 men at the wedding at least 7 of them won't be wearing a light colored suit (assuming again that this isn't a socially elite party with participants who have a closet of a dozen suits).

"Recommended" is weird anyway. Doubt its socially elite.

Preferred or Requested maybe. If someone puts one of those I might actually try to meet it. Recommended sounds like an admonition.

Wear your navy suit!

 

[maxalex]

Typically wedding dress codes will specify formal (black or white tie) or informal (business suits). It’s unusual and arguably unreasonable to dictate a tonal range for guests who aren’t in the wedding party. For that reason I would unleash my inner rebel and go with the navy suit. I would wear medium brown shoes which break up the office look, and a white pocket square in a sprezzy pouf which will also look fun and summery. Grab a flower in the garden and stick it in your lapel button hole, which no other guy will think of. You’ll be made in the shade.

 

[Phileas Fogg]

Typically wedding dress codes will specify formal (black or white tie) or informal (business suits). It’s unusual and arguably unreasonable to dictate a tonal range for guests who aren’t in the wedding party. For that reason I would unleash my inner rebel and go with the navy suit. I would wear medium brown shoes which break up the office look, and a white pocket square in a sprezzy pouf which will also look fun and summery. Grab a flower in the garden and stick it in your lapel button hole, which no other guy will think of. You’ll be made in the shade.

I don’t know you but I love you!
I can’t stand weddings exactly for that reason. I’m older now and don’t really go to them, but 10-20 years ago, I did and slowly stopped going. Ridiculous dress codes (We’re having a Gatsby themed wedding!) as well as crappy destinations turned me off.

 

[Bacharini]

20% off suits at Spier and Mackay right now. You can get one (light gray for example) for under $200. Ridic value imo

 

[milktoast]

Much appreciated @johng70, @ValidusLA, and @maxalex.
Seems like playing down the formality of the navy suit (with something like a pocket square) is an interesting approach and maybe the way to go since it's one of the cheaper (and smarter!) routes. Now the hunt begins for a decent pocket square and to learn more about them; pleading ignorance here since it's not something I've ever worn. I'll be sure to take my allergy meds that day so the flower attempt doesn't backfire on me.

@Bacharini briefly considered it! But the more attractive lighter suits are sold out in my size.

 

[ValidusLA]

Much appreciated @johng70, @ValidusLA, and @maxalex.
Seems like playing down the formality of the navy suit (with something like a pocket square) is an interesting approach and maybe the way to go since it's one of the cheaper (and smarter!) routes. Now the hunt begins for a decent pocket square and to learn more about them; pleading ignorance here since it's not something I've ever worn. I'll be sure to take my allergy meds that day so the flower attempt doesn't backfire on me.

@Bacharini briefly considered it! But the more attractive lighter suits are sold out in my size.

Can't go wrong with a nicely folded white linen pocket square, of which there are many vendors. Shibumi Firenze, who is a forum affiliate, makes some I like. They also have some that are border edged.

If you want insane pocket squares I can lead you down that rabbit hole, but I'm an outsider on those compared to most of the forum.

 

[milktoast]

Can't go wrong with a nicely folded white linen pocket square, of which there are many vendors. Shibumi Firenze, who is a forum affiliate, makes some I like. They also have some that are border edged.

If you want insane pocket squares I can lead you down that rabbit hole, but I'm an outsider on those compared to most of the forum.

For some reason, white/green is calling me. I shall continue the hunt though. Thank you!