What To Wear To An Engagement Party For Men

Celebrate in style no matter the venue.

What To Wear To An Engagement Party

It feels like every man and his dog are getting engaged right now. And with this comes the ensuing set of parties in every conceivable shape and size. From white themed harbour cruises to swanky cocktail events – when a friend chooses to tie the knot, they’re bound to do it with their own sense of style and panache.

But with engagement party dress codes running the full gamut from beach casual to semi-formal, it can be tricky figuring out what to wear. Here, we explain how to pull off a chic engagement party look no matter what the venue, all the while ensuring you don’t upstage the groom.

What To Wear To A Cocktail Engagement Party

If you’re invited to an evening engagement party, chances are it’ll be a cocktail dress code. And sure, you’ve heard this dress code a thousand times, but what does it actually mean? First and foremost, think about the location.

If it’s at a venue, you can afford to be a little more on the formal end of the spectrum. Think a smart blazer with a statement Prince of Wales check over a pair of tailored trousers in a pale colour. Experiment with the details of this look by adding accents like a pocket square or lapel pin. In contrast, if you’re headed to a cocktail event in a private home, you can probably swing it with something a little more casual. A tailored shirt in a sateen finish paired with a pair of tab-waisted trousers and driving loafers is a classic look that’ll feel right at home.

What To Wear To A Pub Engagement Party

Believe us – this happens. We’ve all got a mate who loves their local drinking hole like it’s their own living room. And whether their other half likes it or not, chances are there will be some sort of engagement event held at said venue. But surely you need to dress up a little more than for the standard evening pint? Correct.

If you’re celebrating upcoming nuptials at a pub, it’s easy to elevate your look through some simple additions. Work off a base of dark indigo slim fit jeans with an oxford shirt in white, pale blue or stripes. Pair this with a pair of Chelsea boots or sneakers and an unstructured blazer to add some extra style. When looking at blazers, opt for casual styles in taupe or navy that are cotton rather than wool. This keeps your look casual while still being polished.

What To Wear To A Backyard Engagement Party

There’s nothing better than a lazy Sunday afternoon BBQ in the backyard and what better way to have a relaxed engagement party than to use this tradition to celebrate. Add a little polish to what you might usually wear by pairing a button-down collared shirt in a stripe or check with a pair of tailored shorts.

Play with bold colours here, looking for shorts in burnt orange, aquamarine or forest green. Pair the look back with a cable knit sweater over the shoulders and a pair of boat shoes. In the cooler months, opt for a pair of chinos in stone or navy, adding pops of colour through bright sweaters and shirts. Add extra elements like a canvas loop belt to really make the outfit stand out.

What To Wear To A Beach Engagement Party

Events on the beach are great until they’re not. And usually, that’s when half the beach gets in your shoes. It’s uncomfortable at the best of times and even worse if you’re in cheap dress shoes. For beach engagement parties, skip the hassle by going for chic but comfortable linen pieces that feel on cue for the location. Think cuffed trousers with a tab waist in white linen or cotton with a pale blue shirt.

If you’re feeling bold, experiment with the shirt collar and sleeves – a Mandarin collar is a sure fire way to add some extra style nous as is a shirt sleeve that hits mid-bicep. Top off your look with a pair of suede espadrilles or a woven leather sandal.

What To Wear To An Engagement-Wedding Party

Increasingly common, the engagement party-cum-wedding party poses a real challenge for those who are dressing for the former, but most certainly not the latter. Our advice? Err on the side of caution and read the invite extra carefully. The hint is usually in how formal the RSVP process is.

If you suspect that your mates’ party maybe something a little more formal, dress accordingly. Look at pairing chinos and a tailored shirt with a pair of leather Chelsea boots and a casual blazer, maybe even a tie. Have fun with the jacket, choosing an option in a bold colour and pattern – olive looks great over navy chinos and a crisp white shirt. And even if you’re wrong and it’s purely about the engagement, you’ll look like the sharpest bloke there.