Shirting

/r/mfa's guide to shirting

/r/mfa's guide to custom shirting

WSJ visual for collars

Rules for shirting are fairly straightforward: wear white. This rule can be bent if done tastefully, alternative options could include: light blue, very light lavender or pink, and slightly off-white to name a few. This decision should be made in conjunction with the wedding suit and tie, use the shirt as appropriate backdrop to the entire ensemble. Collars should be point, semi-spread, or spread and cuffs should be french cuffs or button cuffs.

Shirtmakers

There are literally hundreds of options, but I'll list a few popular options here, including some MTM:

• Brooks Brothers

• Charles Tyrwhitt

• Luxire (MTM only)

• Modern Tailor (MTM only)

• Proper Cloth (MTM only)

• Ledbury (MTM only)

• CottonWork (MTM only)

• TM Lewin (Budget Option)

Shoes

/r/mfa's shoe guide

Shoes follow the same trend as the shirting, basics that help blend the entire ensemble together. This translates roughly to black cap-toe balmorals/oxfords. These are a classical men's dress shoes that should be in every man's wardrobe. Variations from this should be done only when considering other factors. For example a wedding in the countryside could warrant changing from black to brown shoes. Semi-brogues or half-brogues should be given the same considerations, i.e. only if appropriate for your occasion. I would recommend staying away from alternative leather options (suede, pebble-grain, etc) as they can detract too much visually from the rest of the ensemble. Similarly, try to avoid flashier styles such as wingtips, full-wings, double monk straps, to name a few.

AVOID NON-DRESS SHOES, such as sneakers on your wedding day, please.

Places to shop

Many quality dress shoe makers exist. I'll list some popular options here:

• Alden

• Allen Edmonds

• Meermin

• Andrew Lock

• Kent Wang

• Florsheim (Budget option)

Wedding Ties

Visual of some wedding ties - an album

Style Forum read concerning wedding ties

A Suitable Wardrobe post on wedding ties

Traditional wedding ties are silver in color and feature a shepherd's check, macclesfield or glen check pattern or some variation of this. Deviation from these patterns is acceptable though. Your tie should have some substance and but not be overly flashy. The pattern should be elegant and often subtle. Patterns such as repp stripes, paisleys, or contrasting plaid patterns should be avoided. They may be great ties, but they often do not convey the formality of a wedding. Many brides insists on their grooms choose colored ties to match their wedding colors. This should be avoided to an extent. Pale blues, purples, pinks, or gold can work well. But keep in mind that saturated colors may look out of place next to a women wearing only white. AVOID SATIN SILK TIES, these are reserved for high school proms.

Bow ties follow the same rules as long ties. Keep them appropriate for your wedding. Self-tied bow ties are preferable.

Places to shop

There are many fine tie makers; here are some of my favorites to consider:

• Kent Wang

• Sam Hober (MTO only)

• Drakes of London

• Vanda Fine Clothing

• Howard Yount

• The Knottery (Budget option)

• The Tie Bar (Budget option)

Optional accessories (boutonnieres, pocket squares, cufflinks, etc.)

It's easy to get carried away with accessorizing an outfit. Often times the "less is more" approach works wonders. Whatever accessories you choose, make sure the overall ensemble is cohesive and reflects your wedding.

It's traditional for the groom to wear a white boutonniere on his wedding day. This can help set him apart from his groomsmen and his guests. It's a distinguishing element that generally only the groom will wear. Selection of the flower is often a rose or small carnation, though these can vary. White is traditional, though wedding colors can be incorporated here easily.

Pocket squares should be chosen (if at all) to compliment the existing elements. The safest approach is a white linen, white silk, or a cream silk square folded as a presidential fold or a simple puff. Choosing a patterned or colored pocket square risks the entire ensemble of becoming too busy. DO NOT MATCH your pocket square to your tie. If you're unsure about this desicion, it's the easiest element to discard. Here's a link to /r/mfa's guide on pocket squares.

Most men's accessories ARE NOT RECOMMENDED for wear on your wedding day. Collar pins, tie bars or other paraphernalia will not add to the overall outfit and should be avoided. Watches are generally frowned upon within formal wear and I'd advise you to forgo it altogether, yes, even your dress watch. Cufflinks are an exception and often a welcome addition to your outfit (assuming of course your shirt has french cuffs). Choose cufflinks that work well with your outfit and wedding. I'd recommend mother of pearl, sterling silver or silk knots in a simple design.

Some men decide that their wedding day is the day to show the world: "I like quirky socks!" I strongly recommend that you resist this urge. A simple ribbed knit, pin dot, or herringbone in a color matching your pants will work just fine.

Places to shop

As stated before there are numerous places to find quality accessories; here are some recommended retailers:

• Kent Wang (PS & cufflinks)

• Brooks Brothers (PS & cufflinks)

• Vanda Fine Clothing (PS)

• A suitable wardrobe (PS)

• Sam Hober (PS) (MTO only)

• The Knottery (PS & cufflinks) (Budget option)

• The Tie Bar (PS & cufflinks) (Budget option)

• Dapper Classics (Over-the-calf Dress socks)