The summer season is upon us, and that means lots of opportunities to dress up to the nines and have some fun! 

Formal summer events offer an excellent opportunity to get out of your usual business suits or casual summer shorts and tees. It's a great way for men to show off their personality and style. 

But dressing for formal occasions can be tricky in the summer months. You want to look stylish and well-dressed, but the heat makes the choice of what to wear more complex. 

Read our guide below on choosing the best men's formal outfits for every summer event. 

Choosing the Right Men's Formal Outfits for Summer

Formal wear is dressy, stylish clothing that you would wear to special events and parties. For men, this typically means wearing a tuxedo, suit, or a combination of trousers, dress shirts, and dress shoes.

The challenge with wearing formal men's summer clothes is staying comfortable and stylish even as the temperatures are sizzling. This means incorporating style and formality with breezier, more comfortable fabrics.

Here are some fabrics that are great for keeping cool during your summer events. 

Cotton

Cotton is always the answer for a hot day. It's a natural fiber that doesn't trap odors or heat like synthetic fabrics. Most tuxedos and suits are not made in cotton, but cotton or cotton blends are great for dress shirts. 

Linen

Linen may let off a beachwear vibe, but it's excellent for suit fabric for events that don't rise to the highest level of formality. Known for a wrinkled "worn" look, it can be incorporated into outdoor summer events or beachfront dinners that still require a certain refined look. 

Seersucker

Seersucker is made up of a textured fabric that bunches up and keeps it away from your skin. It's quick-drying and breathable, making it the perfect warm-weather fabric. Whether you choose a suit, shirt, or pants made out of seersucker, you'll be stylish and comfortable at an afternoon wedding or outdoor party.

Chambray 

Chambray is similar to denim but lighter, airier, airier, and more elegant than casual denim. It's also commonly seen in formalwear, including in button-down shirts, jackets, and pants. They are great for keeping things light in feel and look.  

Follow the Dress Code

The first plan of action when planning out what to wear to a formal summer event is to verify the required dress code for the event. Check your invitation for mention of the dress code the hosts expect. 

Once you are aware of the expected dress code, you can begin to plan what to wear. Below is a list of formal event dress codes and summer options for you to consider. 

White Tie or Black Tie

Going to a white tie event or black-tie event in the summer? This means one thing—the highest level of formality. Both incorporate the wearing of tuxedos, sometimes called a dinner suit, with either white or black bowties. White ties are typically reserved for world-class events and state dinners, while black ties are still used at very formal events. 

During the hot summer months, just the thought of wearing a tuxedo might make someone sweat. However, there may be some ways to wear a tuxedo in the summer months.

Try to get a tuxedo with blends of fabrics that aren't too heavy, and consider a polished two-piece tuxedo instead of the traditional three-piece ones.

Another option is to consider a fashionable white or off-white tuxedo jacket—avoiding a black jacket is one way to keep cool. 

Black Tie Optional 

When a party or event specifies "Black-Tie Optional", the formality of the event is conserved, but the host also accepts formal two-piece suits. For a black-tie optional event, stick with classic suits in dark colors such as navy or charcoal. To keep it formal, use a suit with a peak or shaw lapel.

Pair your suit with an elegant shirt and a high-quality necktie, and accessorize with a pair of cufflinks. 

Semi-formal (Or Business Formal)

Sitting just below a black-tie event when it comes to formality, the semi-formal look is still classic and sophisticated but allows for more flexibility, especially during the summer months.

A polished suit is still your best bet—dark colors for an evening event and light gray or beige for a daytime event. Pair it with a light dress shirt, in white or light blue with the option of shirts with a subtle pattern. Complete the look with an elegant tie and black leather Oxford or Derby Shoes. 

Cocktail Attire

For a summer cocktail party, a tailored two-piece suit is a classic look, but separates can work as well. For a suit, choose from a variety of colors—light, neutral, or navy work well.

For separates, try a fashion-forward two-toned look that pairs a dark blazer with light-colored pants or chinos. Keep shirts classic—an elegant Oxford shirt or checkered button-down are good options. An outdoor cocktail party is a good opportunity to opt for linen or seersucker fabrics instead of wool or cotton. 

Complete the look with monk-strap, Derby shoes, or loafers in leather or suede. 

Smart Casual

More elevated than standard casual wear, smart casual offers the welcome summer option of ditching a jacket. The look should maintain some sophistication but also give off a relaxed, comfortable vibe.

Choose a shirt in breathable fabrics, and pair it with a smart pair of trousers or chinos. 

For footwear, consider loafers, espadrilles, suede, or canvas shoes. 

Tasteful and Timeless Summer Formal Outfits for Summer

Men's formal outfits for summer should be made up of a combination of style and comfort.

Make sure you know the dress code of your event, choose some clothes that are breathable and lightweight, and most of all, have some fun!

At Hansen's, we pride ourselves on providing the best in men's clothing, featuring premier brands and our own private label items. Check out our online store for top-quality menswear for all your needs.