Guilherme Benites of Weddings by Nato
Mismatched bridesmaids’ attire has been a longstanding trend in the wedding industry, but what about groomsmen? Is there a good way to pull off a similar look for the guys without it feeling random? Here, we turn to wedding planner and designer Jove Meyer for advice on seamlessly coordinating mismatched attire among your groomsmen.
Related: Stylish Groomsmen from Real Weddings
Be willing to spend extra time wardrobe planning.
Meyer says, “Mismatched groomsmen attire can be cute, as long as it’s evenly mismatched and intentional. What you want to avoid is thinking mismatched attire means less work for the couple when wardrobe planning with their friends.” In order to keep the overall look from seeming messy or accidental, you’ll have to coordinate with each groomsman individually (an added step) rather than simply going to the group as a whole and giving them exact guidelines. Meyer says that when the groomsmen are given free rein, you run the risk of everyone wearing something similar with just one or two guys looking like they don’t fit in. For example, if everyone wears the one black suit they own except for one friend, who happens to show up in navy, guests will think this was a mistake.
Keep a common thread throughout all outfits.
Meyer encourages couples to have at least one commonality among the groomsmen’s attire so that the guys look and feel like they’re part of a group. He says, “Maybe you let them pick their own outfits, but everyone has brown or black shoes, or everyone has the same color shirt, or the same bow tie or tie, so there’s some connection.”
Mismatched accessories are also an option.
Rather than thinking only about suits being mismatched, Meyer suggests instead having the groomsmen opt for variation in their accessories. For example, all the groomsmen could wear the same suit but go with varying colors for their pocket squares, socks, ties, or shirts. If a truly mismatched look is your goal, maybe a few of these accessories are mismatched in color or texture, but the style remains similar for cohesion’s sake.
Mismatch one major piece.
If you like the idea of a little bit of mismatching and want to bring in color or texture as a variable, a great way to do this is by renting the same style suits or tuxedos for all the guys with matching shoes and accessories, finishing the look with jackets that are a mix of colors. Maybe the groom’s jacket is embroidered and the rest of the guys are in three varying colored jackets that complement the embroidery.
