Best friend, better half, hubs—whatever you call the guy in your life, it’s time he got his due.
Written by Katie Griffith
Styled by Daniel’s of Morgantown, Jacqueline’s Fine Jewelry & Calvin Broyles Jewelers
Photographed by Rebecca Devono Photography
Originally published in the Spring/Summer 2016 issue of WV Weddings.
Keep your groom stylish this wedding season in everything from trendy gifts and accessories to comfortable yet classic clothes for the young and the young-at-heart. Your guy shouldn’t be relegated to the sidelines on your special day—he should dazzle as costar at your side.
Long gone are the days of ho-hum men’s fashion. But, to be truthful, did those days ever really exist? What’s great about menswear is that lines tend to stay classic, without dating an ensemble the way shoulder pads and capped sleeves can do for wedding dresses. Still, not all lapels and cufflinks are created equal. We love a classic look—fit is key—playing with neutral colors and spiced up with the personality of a few great accessories.
Barn weddings are as casual and fun as it gets. No one should feel stuffy and uncomfortable, and that’s why we love light, breathable fabrics, like tropical wool and linens, and light colors, like gray and beige. Skip the tux if you’re going casual. Vests are optional, but they’re also a great way to keep his look dressy when it’s too warm to wear the jacket. As for pants? Wear the traditional dress pants like our model, or opt for something a little more fun. Plaids and stripes, anyone?
“Fit is of the utmost importance. Tailored shirts and flat front pants give a cleaner, trimmer look.”— Phil Mauser, Owner of Daniel’s of Morgantown
Nothing says summer wedding like a waterside affair: the tranquil calm of waves lapping at the ground, the breeze that cools off a summer afternoon, and the picture-perfect setting. This is another casual venue with room for grooms to play with style. Waterside weddings are perfect for classic blues and grays or, if you’re feeling trendy, nautical stripes and seersucker. Is your guy a boater? Maybe he’ll marry in Sperrys.
A sharp black or gray suit is always in style and guys can update their looks with new shirts, vests, ties, and accessories in a variety of styles and colors. Metallics are fun for nighttime settings in glitzy, urban spaces and give your guy a bit of shine to make his style pop.
“The classic black tuxedo never goes out of style. Think James Bond—well-tailored and classic. To achieve this look, try a slim-fitting black tuxedo, a tailored white shirt, and a bowtie.”– Phil Mauser, Owner of Daniel’s of Morgantown
Of course, if you’re going for the all-out, black-tie affair, nothing beats the classic black tuxedo. Gentlemen look their finest in the “penguin suit.” This look is sure to last through the years, and it may be worth it to invest in a piece your guy can wear again and again. As with anything, though, tailoring is key.
The Accessories
On the cuff
Cufflinks are a fun way for your guy to show off his personality. Keep him classic in a beautiful, ornate pair or go for funky with a style that’s all him. Clockwise: William Henry dinosaur bone inset cufflinks (Jacqueline’s Fine Jewelry, Morgantown); Deakin and Francis Bike & Rider enamel cufflinks (Greenbrier Avenue Men’s Store, White Sulphur Springs); Stephen Webster lapis cufflinks (Jacqueline’s Fine Jewelry, Morgantown); Deakin and Francis Racing Car enamel cufflinks (Greenbrier Avenue Men’s Store, White Sulphur Springs).
The right ring
Goldman 14kt gold Comfort Fit band, ArtCarved Incarnation band, Goldman tungsten carbide Hammered Step Down band, Tacori 18kt Sculpted Crescent band (Calvin Broyles Jewelers, South Charleston)
Tied together
Ties and tie clips, not to mention pocket squares, make great statement pieces to freshen up any guy’s look.
Stephen Webster Smoking Gun tie bar (Jacqueline’s Fine Jewelry, Morgantown); Brackish Nectar feather bowtie (Greenbrier Avenue Men’s Store, White Sulphur Springs)
A classic Timepiece
A watch is the piece your guy will wear time and time again. Make sure his go-to timepiece is functional and stylish. Movado Bold (Calvin Broyles Jewelers, South Charleston); Shinola Brakeman, Tissot PR100, and Tissot Bridgeport (Jacqueline’s Fine Jewelry, Morgantown)
Great Getaways
The single-night bachelor party of traditional revelry has given way to a weekend where guys can unwind with friends. We love these ideas for guys-themed getaways.
Weekend outdoors
Take the guys and get outside for a weekend of hiking,
camping, skeet shooting, and more
A Spirited evening
A few friends and a few bourbon or whiskey tastings may be just what the pre-wedding jitters call for.
Homerun
Before you get hitched grab the guys and head to the pitch for sun, brews, and ball.