The Top 5 Groom Fashion Mistakes to Avoid

With so much emphasis placed on the bride’s attire, it can be easy to forget that grooms are held to a level of wedding fashion standards too. Groom’s fashion goes beyond just wearing a suit and tie, and there are elements to consider like the color of your attire and the accessories that help pull an entire ensemble together. What’s more, what you choose to wear on the big day will be captured in photos and remembered for years to come, so the pieces you decide to sport are essential to making sure the memories of your nuptials are positive ones.

With all this in mind, we’re sure that the last thing you’d want to do is wear something inappropriate, or look disconnected from the theme and formality of your big day. That’s why, we tapped Dean Handspiker, vice president of retail at Indochino, for his expert advice on the top groom fashion mistakes to avoid. Follow these tips to ensure you look and feel your best on one of the biggest days of your life. 

Wearing a Poorly Fitted Suit or Tuxedo

The attention to detail placed on the suit or tux a groom chooses to wear (especially as it pertains to tailoring) is what makes this style of attire so special. So, at your wedding, it’s important to wear a suit and not let the suit wear you. 

"Wearing a perfect-fitting suit on your wedding day is a must," shares Handspiker. At Indochino, the brand places emphasis on the fit of each piece sold, offering custom, made-to-measure looks for a bespoke fit. “All Indochino clients take on the role of designer, picking out every detail of their garments from collar to cuff, fabric to lining, shoulder type to lapels, and so much more. Indochino offers endless ways to customize and personalize suits, tuxes, blazers, and shirts for your wedding day and beyond,” Handspiker adds. 

Not Coordinating With Your Partner

As a groom, the last thing you want is to feel like an outsider at your own wedding, which is why complementing your partner and the color palette of your nuptials is of the utmost importance. “Complementing your partner on your wedding day is as important as [it is] in life. Invest the time to coordinate with the chosen color palette [and] towards a harmonious day in all ways,” says Handspiker. 

Outside of colors, you can also coordinate by selecting the same wedding florals for your boutonnière, wearing the same jewelry metal, or even donning matching jewelry. The options are endless!

Last Minute Shopping

Do not wait until the last minute to buy your attire. "Whether custom-made or off-the-rack, it's best to commit three months in advance to avoid unforeseen challenges," advises Handspiker. "You want to allow time for a fitting once the garments are complete, and ample time for adjustments, stress-free, for you and your partner." It’s generally never a good idea to shop for anything last minute while wedding planning, and this is particularly true for wedding day fashions.

Wearing Too Many Accessories

Accessories are a great way to showcase your personal style, but wearing these add-ons should be done strategically and not in abundance. Handspiker notes that sporting subtle accessories are best, as the goal of these pieces is to elevate a look and not detract from your ensemble.

For tips on what to select, Handspiker advises to "opt for understated but trendy-printed ties or pocket squares, smooth cufflinks, and sleek dress shoes or loafers for your wedding look.”

Not Adhering to the Dress Code

This should go without saying, but it’s absolutely important for grooms to adhere to the formality and dress code of their weddings. For instance, “for black tie events, grooms must wear a tuxedo, however, it’s not necessary to wear black to a black-tie event. Dark classic colors like midnight blue, navy, teal, or gray are great alternatives to wearing black," notes Handspiker.

This is a standard rule in the wedding space and should be easy to follow as you and your partner ultimately set the dress code. So, if you’d like to wear festive attire on the big day, do not plan a black-tie event.