Groom Style #29: In Love with Gray

Dress Inspiration? A Beaded Reem Acra

Badgley Mischka Randee, $215; Women's shoes/bags: Nina Elga - Steel gray, $89; Reem Acra Wedding Dresses - Wedding Dresses from Fall 2007 |...

My wedding is coming up (as I wrote about last week). So, I thought that I would try to put together a design board for my fiance.

The wedding will be held at a Boston hotel. I chose this dress from Reem Acra over two years ago! I know. I'm not a procrastinator. The wedding will be gray, pink and yellow. Think the Miss Dior Cherie commercials directed by Sophia Coppola. LOVE. For the most part, the wedding has been planned out. But, I haven't had time to purchase my groom's outfit yet!

See what he's going to wear below.

Dolce & Gabbana black polished leather penny loafers at Bluefly, 41 EUR; Cufflinks - Ted Baker Men's Accessories, 50 GBP; Men’s - Omiru: Style for All; Alexander Olch; 9tailors

You'd think that as the co-founder of a custom menswear company I would be able to dream up an amazing outfit. However, this project was not without its challenges. My fiance has very "interesting" taste, which is completely divergent from mine. He has about 10 pairs of velor jumpsuits (and one with the Gucci logo on it) that he wears out regularly. And, despite his usually laid-back demeanor, he's strangely particular when it comes to his clothing. So, for the picky groom, I think it's really important to keep the outfit clean and unfussy especially if you've decided not to rent a tux from a chain store.

The charcoal suit is modern, clean. The two-button is always my go-to choice; it's a more streamlined-look. And, best of all? It's slimming. The tie is made by Alexander Olch. Very luxurious - made from Peruvian Alpaca wool - very pricey, but totally worth it. For the more laid-back guy, leather loafers with no laces is probably the way to go. My groom was adamant about that.

The colorful accents come through in a few places. I'm in love with the cufflinks - gray with pink floral accents! Instead of doing a boutonniere, we are actually doing this pocket square. I love the pink hounds tooth as it really punches up the color of the suit. Finally, the shirt pulls the whole look together. He's chosen (all by himself) a textured white shirting fabric with a light-pink gingham accent. The pink accent will remain hidden inside the collar band and cuffs. When he lets loose though during the reception that pink gingham will peak out just a bit!

Let me know what you think. I would love to hear your thoughts!

Need help styling your groom? E-mail us at weddings@9tailors.com.

Groom Style #28: Made in Manhattan

So, I finally got my act together (I've been traveling overseas). And, I'm ready to post this week. A beautiful bride, Sarah*, wrote to me last week about her wedding. She will be marrying her fiance, Robert, in November at a refurbished church turned recording studio turned club/lounge/restaurant called the Providence in Manhattan. Sarah* will be wearing this gorgeous tulle and lace gown from Sottero & Midgley. Their colors, pewter and blue, are based on the couple's birthstones (opal for Robert and Sapphire for Sarah*). From the pictures of Providence and from Sarah's explanation it looks like it will be a vibrant and festive affair! Let's see what he's going to wear.

Suit: Paul Smith; Shirt: Donald Trump via Macy's; Cuff links: ECufflink; Silk Tie: Georgio Armani via Bluefly; Watch: Great Timing; Knit Tie: Nick Bronson; Shoes: Kenneth Cole via Zappos; Blouson: Burberry; Undershirt: Thomas Pink

Sarah* wants to make sure that Robert is comfortable, yet polished. When I read this, I immediately thought of the late Paul Newman. He defines classic, American style with his slim-cut, charcoal suits, dark ties and cuff links. The gray suit is Paul Smith. The gray-striped shirt from Donald Trump. I love the gray striped dress shirt with a white collar - perfect for their semi-formal occassion. There are two tie options: a silk, patterned tie from Georgio Armani and a silk-knit black tie. Either would go well with the pewter and blue colors of their wedding. The opal cufflinks are a nod to Sarah* and Robert's style theme. The shoes are perfect for the casual guy - as this requires very little effort to put on or take off! I also love the modern take on the wing-tip detail. Lastly, Robert can sport the blouson and classic undershirt on his honeymoon - so Paul Newman. All he needs is a pair of jeans and brown loafers!

Don't forget to leave a comment!

E-mail us at weddings@9tailors.com if you need help styling your guy.

*Name has been changed.

Groom Style #26: Hay, we're in love.

Dress inspiration? Thread One-Shouldered Gown in Matte Silk

Dress: Thread; Shoes: Kate Spade via Bluefly

Basically, I love everything that Thread makes. My heart literally flutters when I see this dress. I can't get over its simple, yet elegant design. I think it will look gorgeous on our next bride, Jenny. Jenny will marry her fiance, Michael, at the Inn at Mountain View Farm in Vermont this August. The ceremony and reception will be much like Jenny's dress above, beautiful and breezy. Since the couple will be married near an old converted horse barn, all of Jenny's bridesmaids will carry stalks of wheat instead of floral bouquets. Guests will witness Jenny and Michael's nuptials while sitting on hay bales. Love it. So, here's what I've come up with for her groom.

Vest: JCrew; Pants: JCrew; Shirt: Hugo Boss via Macy's; Shoes: Cole Hann via Bloomingdale's; Hat: Hats in the Belfry; Boutonniere: Thinkflowers.com; Belt: Cole Hann via Bloomingdale's; t-shirt: Gap; Shorts: Old Navy: Flip Flops: AE

I must admit; dressing Michael was a challenge. How do dress a guy who "hates" to dress up? Here's how. Keep everything clean, simple and functional. No over-the-top clothes or accessories allowed. Since Jenny has already purchased vests from JCrew, it only seems fitting that the pants should come from the same store. I love the vest and pants look. Very cute. The subtle blue and white stripes on the dress shirt and the red on the t-shirt will complement Jenny's wedding colors: cornflower blue and red. While Michael can opt to wear a white undershirt, I think that the red would bring an unexpected pop of color underneath his dress shirt. For the ceremony, I recommend wearing the dress shirt sleeves long. For the reception, I recommend rolling them up. Afterwards, I imagine a bonfire-style after-party (away from the hay of course) where Michael can sit back and relax in his red-T, khaki shorts and flip flops. The hat is a nice photo accessory, as it complements the wheat and hay back drop. Lastly, the shoes and belt above might be the most important items that a casual guy should have in his wardrobe: Cole Hann's Air Jackson slip-on shoes with Air Nike technology and Cole Hann's reversible black/brown belt. The former is for style and comfort. The latter is for function and versatility.

Jenny also asked me to find some dresses for their baby girl. So, here's what I found in their wedding colors! How cute are these?!!?

White/blue dress: Smitherman & Barnwell; Red striped dress: Ralph Lauren; Solid blue dress: Polo; Blue floral dress: Monsoon; White dress: Smitherman & Barnwell; Red dress: Smitherman & Barnwell

Congrats to Jenny and Michael!

Don't forget to leave a comment!

Need help styling your guy? E-mail us at weddings@9tailors.com

Sneak Peak: Wedding in Vermont

I'm heading out early for the weekend. My dear, dear friend, Abbey is getting married!!! So, I just wanted to leave you with a sneak peak of the next wedding that I'll be posting about...

Dress inspiration? Thread One-Shouldered Gown in Matte Silk

Dress: Thread; Shoes: Kate Spade via Bluefly

Yes. Those are jig saw pieces on the sandals.

Want to know what he's going to wear? Find out on Monday.

Groom Style #24: High Nola

Dress Inspiration? Lazaro Ivory Alencon lace and organza

Dress: Lazaro; Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti via Bluefly

This style request comes from a sweet bride, Lindsay. She and her fiance, Andrew, will be married in the New Orleans Museum of Art come fall. Very old world charm. It's hard not to see why she and Andrew will be using the classic fleur-de-lis motif throughout the ceremony and reception. So, here's what I've come up with.

Tuxedo: JoS. A Bank; Socks: K. Bell via Fashion Club; Shoes: Hudson; Cufflinks: Louisiana Lagniappe; Tie: Hickey via Bluefly; Belt: Cole Haan via Bluefly; Watch: Omega via Lfstyl

The key to using vintage or vintage-y pieces is to combine the outfit with more modern elements. This will help you keep your guy's duds from looking like a costume. So, I combined a three-buttoned tuxedo jacket with a tie instead of a bow tie (per our bride and groom's request). Then, I used the fleur-de-lis motif throughout the outfit. Use it sparingly because you want your guy to look like he's going to a sophisticated event, not to a New Orleans Saints football game. Socks are a great way to incorporate a design theme because they remain relatively hidden throughout the wedding. Cuff links too, are a subtle homage to the motif. I also chose a Hickey tie with a fleur-de-lis pattern. However, if you look closely, it's not an exact replica of the fleur-de-lis, rather it is a more modern take on it. To add a unexpected twist, ask every other groomsmen to wear the socks, the remaining groomsmen the cuff links. Who says your groom and groomsmen have to match exactly? I love the traditional look of the croc tie and wing tip shoes. The curved lines on the accessories soften up the rather stark, black leather. While Andrew typically wears a silver Fossil watch for everyday, I thought he needed an upgrade for his wedding. A silver, vintage Omega watch with an ivory face and Roman numerals completes the outfit.

Don't forget to leave a comment!

Want to know how to style your groom? E-mail us at weddings@9tailors.com

Sneak peak: Wedding in New Orleans

Dress Inspiration? Lazaro Ivory Alencon lace and organza

Dress: Lazaro; Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti via Bluefly

Hello. I love the back, love the train, love the ruffles.

What is he going to wear? Find out tomorrow.

Dress inspiration? Watters silk organza and alencon lace gown

Dress: Watters Brides via Perfect Wedding Guide; Shoes: Elie Tahari

If you haven't gone to the Berkshires in the summer, I suggest you go there stat! With its luscious forests, tranquil hills and quaint New England farms, it's not hard to see why our lovely couple, Amy and Chad, chose to be married there in August. The ceremony will take place under an apple tree. Guests will then celebrate with the couple in a garden full of wild flowers. She'll also have wooden bowls full of peaches that will be a feast for the eyes and the stomach. Amy's gown from Watters Bride has a elegant, yet breezy feel to it. I paired it with french blue flat sandals (which will go well with her bridesmaids dresses). Let's see what Chad will be wearing!

Suit: Saville Row; Dress shirt: Hickey via Bluefly; Belt: Burton; Shoes: Barker; Watch: REI; Tie: Saville Row; Socks: Burlington

Chad is an athletic and casual guy, so I chose a neutral toned, cotton twill suit jacket and pants. This will go nicely with the shade of ivory in Amy's dress. Next, he needed a smart-casual (not overly dressy) button-down, peach shirt. While you can't really see it from the image above, the shirt actually has a bit of texture to it, which always makes solid colors more visually compelling. I also chose matching tan shoes and belt to pick up the rustic colors of the surrounding farm. Since the bridesmaids will be wearing french blue, I chose other french blue accessories. Lastly, I picked up a watch from one of his favorite stores, REI, that also acts an altimeter, barometer and compass. Chad will never get lost. He will always know what the weather will be. Most importantly, he will not be late the ceremony.

Don't forget to leave a comment.

Need help styling your guy? E-mail us at weddings@9tailors.com

Groom Style #12: No tie necessary

I was so excited to receive an e-mail from a lovely bride, Lindsay. Her wedding will be held in beautiful, central Oregon. She is hand-making all 120 napkins and cloth centerpieces from Amy Butler and Joel Dewberry fabrics (Yes!). All of her salt and pepper shakers are vintage (think owls, Marilyn Monroe, etc.) Basically, I'm already obsessed with Lindsay's wedding and I can't wait to see the photos!

Lindsay mentioned that she will be wearing this GORGEOUS ruffled dress from Thread Design. Her groom's style is fairly casual (he likes outdoor gear and snowshoes). So, I chose a neutral toned, organic suit from John Lewis - it's breathable and beautiful. I also LOVE the laid back feeling of this Get Blake shirt! The yellow and neutral tones are not too bright, so it won't compete with the decor of wedding. The wedding band with wood inlay has such an organic vibe to it as well. Finally, the outfit would not be complete without shoes! I chose a pair of brown slip-ons that the groom could wear at the ceremony. Then, he could kick-back with a pair of green, canvas shoes from Lacoste.

Inspiration? Stella Dress from Thread Design

Dress: Thread; Suit: John Lewis; Shirt: Get Blake; Cuff links: Thomas Pink; Sneakers: Lacoste; Ring: Jewelry Vortex; Brown Leather Shoes: Kenneth Cole; Boutonniere via Brides.com

Grooms Style 12 featuring Lacoste shoes

Have a question about what your groom should wear? E-mail us at weddings@9tailors.com.

Do you like our blog? Please pass the link on to your friends and family.