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Editor’s Note: Today, Brett Braley-Palko kicks off a new series. Dialed-In is an irreverent take on the classic style guide, with practical style suggestions for specific situations, built around watches we love. Today, as we barrel into the height of summer, Brett considers the challenges of dressing for a summer wedding with the NOMOS Minimatik 39 laying the groundwork.
There is a difference between dressing and styling. Dressing is what I’m doing right now while I type this: I have on a pair of shorts from high school and a Rolling Stones t-shirt I got on sale at Urban Outfitters. But styling? That’s a bit harder to define – and even harder to achieve.
While we all want to put our best foot forward, sartorially speaking, it ain’t easy, folks. You have to think about fit, cut, fabric, color. And while many of us know the basics, sometimes mastering a few practical tips is all it takes to look (and feel!) your best.
And there’s no better place to get a masterclass on dressing well than a Summer wedding, where you’re not only navigating those pesky sartorial rules, but trying to figure out what the hell the invitation meant by “black tie casual” and how to not sweat through your jacket before the ceremony even starts.
Building an Outfit
Looking good for a Summer wedding isn’t impossible, but it does require a little more pre-planning than, say, the usual black-suit-white-shirt ensemble that’s the default for the cooler months. Summer allows for people to let loose a bit, making for a less formal setting, but that, too, has its own set of challenges.
When considering how to put together an outfit for an upcoming wedding, I find it easiest to build an outfit around a particular item in your wardrobe. For me, that could easily be a watch, which sets both the tone of your overall look and can provide some direction on the color palette, too. NOMOS Glashütte’s Minimatik 39 is the perfect example of a timepiece that one can draw inspiration from.
After finding the inspiration behind your style, you’ll want to work against the unique challenges a Summer wedding has (i.e., they’re hot and sweaty and uncomfortable). Since stripping down during the ceremony is still frowned upon in most cultures, your next best bet is to find a fabric that’s breathable. Linen is king here. With its loose weave and lightweight feel, it’s the ideal option for anyone who wants to stay cool and look suave while doing it.
Finally, think of the construction of your garments, too. Most suits are lined or are constructed with canvas, which helps to provide shape to the jacket. But this also creates extra insulation, trapping your body heat. Instead, opt for unlined jackets and especially those with a slightly looser fit, allowing for more air to flow while you’re doing the Cha Cha Slide with your cousins.
A Minimatik Summer ‘Fit
Taking inspiration from the minimalism of NOMOS’ dress watch, the Minimatik provides the perfect jumping-off point for the next time I’m forced invited to a Summer wedding. With its clean dial, neutral color palette, and an unobtrusive 39mm case, it’s the perfect jumping-off point for building an outfit that’s formal and still a little fun.
For the Suit: Proper Cloth Irish Linen Bedford Suit
Taking all the best elements of a traditional suit and updating it in a breathable linen, Proper Cloth has successfully debunked the myth that linen suits are somehow less formal. Clean lines and a slightly modern cut make this the perfect match for the Minimatik. Opt for the navy version to complement the silver elements of the watch – a contrast with black will be too harsh and the lighter options will wash out the Minimatik.
For the Shirt: Eton Mélange Solid Cotton TENCEL Lyocell Shirt
When temperatures are flirting with 90-degrees, every layer counts. Instead of grabbing for a cotton shirt, Eton’s Tencel version is as breathable as linen without all those pesky wrinkles. Here, we’ll stick within the same color family as the navy, but with a bit of contrast by going for a lighter blue. It’s a small shift away from a standard white shirt that adds the smallest layer of interest to an otherwise pretty standard garment.
For the Tie: Tie Bar’s Grosgrain Midnight Navy Tie
Building a wardrobe isn’t always about getting everything perfectly right, but instead about keeping each individual garment in conversation with one another. Layering the deep navy tie against the lighter blue shirt and navy jacket – each in a different fabric – now makes for an interplay of patterns and textures.
For the Belt: Perry Ellis Park Slope Black Leather Belt
The old adage that rules are meant to be broken feels especially fitting here. Pairing navy and black with the timepiece sets the tone – and gives us permission to bend a few more style rules. Perry Ellis’s black leather belt with a silver buckle echoes the strap and clasp of the Minimatik, while the buckle’s subtle Art Deco design adds a playful touch, proving that even the simplest accessories can have a bit of fun here.
For the Shoes: Florsheim Sorrento Penny Loafer
Last but not least, finding the right shoes helps to tie the whole look together. Opting for a penny loafer may feel anachronistic, but pairing the shiny black leather against the cool linen suit makes for a textural contrast that feels more Fellini and less frat bro.
So the next time you’re staring at a wedding invitation and wondering where to begin, start with one great piece—like the Minimatik—and build from there. But this time, keep in mind a few key points: prioritize comfort with the right fabric and don’t be afraid to mix patterns and colors to keep your ‘fit interesting. Have any style advice of your own to share? Want me to give the best man speech at your wedding? Drop me a line – I’m all ears.
