Formal Beach Fashion Tips for Men
A lot of people don’t put “formal” and “beach” in the same sentence very often, but the fact remains that there are bound to be times when you’ll want to look your best even if you’re standing in the sand. Beach weddings, for example, are more popular now than ever before, and while the typical beach wedding is dressy-casual in nature, some require you to throw on a more formal ensemble in order to fit in with the other guests. This can be easier said than done for those who are not used to taking this route, but it doesn’t have to be difficult if you know how to approach it. Semi-formal beach attire can actually be exceptionally attractive when properly pulled off. So long as you take the following tips to heart, you’ll be sure to impress everyone around you the next time you attend a formal event on the beach.
Avoid the Short-Sleeved Button-Up
No matter how you feel about the short-sleeved button-up shirt, there’s no getting around the fact that it is almost always a fashion faux pas when worn in a more formal setting. While everyone would like to stay cool on a hot summer day, the short-sleeved button-up will do nothing more than make you look like a real-world version of Dilbert. This style screams “I don’t know anything about men’s fashion,” and is rarely pulled off effectively. You should always be wearing a long-sleeved button-up in a light, summer color (whites, light blues etc), regardless of how hot it is outside. Remember that you have the option of rolling up your sleeves as the event progresses, which will help to cool you down a bit if the sun is especially present.
Go with a Skinny Tie
Regardless of how formal a beach event may be, it’s still being held on a beach, which suggests a more casual nature by default. This being said, you should still be wearing a tie to such events, but keeping it skinny will usually go over better than taking the opposite route. Skinny ties are youthful and a bit more casual than the alternative; perfect for any summer occasion. The color you end up choosing will depend mostly on the rest of the ensemble you choose, although pastel tones are usually best for the sunny days. Want something formal? Then paring the skinny black tie with a beige linen or seersucker suit would a perfect compromise between formal and beachy.
Putting It All Together
Putting together a semi-formal beach ensemble can actually be a rather fun process. Start with a pair of black slacks and dress shoes, pairing this with a crisp white dress shirt, black belt with gold or silver buckle and black skinny tie. You’ll also want to wear a sports coat, although it’s exceptionally important to take material into consideration at this stage of the game. A heavy sports coat can be unbearable on a hot summer day; choosing one that is made out of a light material such as linen is usually a much better idea. Finally, you may want to accent your ensemble with a pocket square, or even a corsage if you’re feeling especially bold.
More Beach Fashion Tips:
Mens Sunglass Guide 2012
Dressy/Casual Beach Outfits
Your Mens-Ties.com Team