Groomsmen Attire: Coordinating Styles Without Stress

Because your crew should look as sharp as you do.

Introduction: Dressing the Crew Right

I remember standing in front of my wedding mood board (yes, I made one), staring at swatches of navy, sage, charcoal, and burgundy, wondering, "How on earth do I make sure my groomsmen don’t look like they wandered in from different weddings?"

Choosing the right groomsmen attire can feel overwhelming. You want everyone to look good, feel comfortable, and still match the vibe of your wedding. That’s where coordinating groomsmen styles becomes both a creative challenge and a fun opportunity to bring everyone together visually.

Whether you're a groom trying to build a cohesive look, a groomsman navigating outfit expectations, or someone helping behind the scenes (shoutout to all the planners and partners out there!), I’ve created this guide packed with groomsmen outfit ideas, expert-level styling tips, and real-world insight. Let’s break it all down.

Why Coordinating Groomsmen Styles Matters

Trust me—what your groomsmen wear does more than fill a group photo. Here’s why getting the wedding party outfits right matters:

• It visually supports your wedding theme and aesthetic

• It makes the groom stand out (yes, that’s important!)

• It creates harmony across the photos and the event

• It helps each guy feel confident and stylish

Think of it like curating an ensemble cast for a movie—you want each character to shine, but the whole group to look great together.

Define the Dress Code First

Before diving into colors or suit cuts, ask the all-important question: what’s the groomsmen dress code? Your venue, season, and theme will guide this decision.

Formal Dress Codes:

• Black Tie: Tuxedos with bow ties, patent shoes, matching accessories

• Formal/Black Tie Optional: Suits in black, charcoal, or navy with optional bow ties

Semi-Formal & Casual:

• Cocktail Attire: Stylish suits in modern cuts and seasonal colors

• Casual/Dressy Casual: Blazers, chinos, suspenders—less structured but coordinated

Tip: Communicate the dress code clearly to your groomsmen from the start.

 Matching vs. Mismatched Groomsmen Attire

Here’s the classic debate: should your guys all wear the same suit, or is mixing it up okay?

Matching Groomsmen Suits

• Clean, traditional look

• Easy to rent or coordinate as a group

• Best for formal and classic weddings

Mismatched Groomsmen Outfit Ideas

• Choose different shades of the same color (e.g., all blues, from navy to steel)

• Mix up jackets and pants while keeping a unifying element (like ties or shoes)

• Let groomsmen express their style within a theme

Personal tip: I went with different shades of grey suits but gave everyone matching ties and pocket squares—it looked coordinated but not cookie-cutter.

Color Coordination Tips

Color plays a huge role in groomsmen fashion, and choosing the right palette can elevate your entire wedding vibe. Here’s how I tackled groomsmen color coordination without stressing.

How to Choose the Right Colors:

• Base it on your wedding theme and location (e.g., pastels for beach, jewel tones for fall)

• Complement the bridal party’s look without clashing

• Use 1-2 main colors and one accent

Popular Groomsmen Color Combos:

• Navy + Blush

• Grey + Sage

• Black + White with Gold Accents

• Beige + Terracotta

Coordinate with the Groom's Attire

Let’s be honest—tips for coordinating groomsmen with groom can be tricky. You want to stand out (you’re the star!), but still blend with your squad.

Here's What Worked for Me:

• I wore a three-piece suit while the groomsmen wore two-piece suits in the same fabric.

• My boutonnière was a different flower/color than theirs.

• My tie was patterned while theirs were solid.

It’s all about subtle distinction. A small detail can say, “Hey, I’m the groom,” without shouting it.

Choose the Right Fit for Everyone

Fit is king in groomsmen attire. Ill-fitting suits can ruin even the best color coordination.

Fit Options to Consider:

• Slim Fit: Sleek and modern, but not ideal for all body types

• Classic Fit: More room in the shoulders and legs; timeless look

• Modern Fit: A balance between the two

Styling tip: Offer a group fitting session. It’s a bonding moment, and everyone gets tailored at once.

Play with Accessories

Accessories are the unsung heroes of coordinating groomsmen styles. They’re affordable, swappable, and perfect for adding flair.

Smart Accessory Choices:

• Ties or Bow Ties: Match in color, vary in texture or print

• Pocket Squares: Add color or pattern contrast

• Suspenders or Braces: Great for rustic or vintage themes

• Cufflinks: Personalized gifts that double as stylish details

• Socks & Shoes: Fun socks are great for photo ops!

Consider the Season & Venue

Stylish groomsmen attire for weddings often depends on the time of year. A velvet jacket in July? Not a good idea.

Seasonal Style Suggestions:

• Summer: Linen suits, no jackets, rolled sleeves, loafers

• Fall: Tweed blazers, earth tones, suede shoes

• Winter: Dark suits, wool fabrics, layered vests

• Spring: Light greys, pastels, floral accents

Venue-Based Suggestions:

• Beach: Light fabrics, rolled pants, open collars

• Barn: Suspenders, leather shoes, mix-and-match jackets

• Church/Formal Hall: Uniform suits, formal accessories

Coordinate the Rental or Buying Process

Once you’ve nailed down the look, it's time to decide whether everyone’s renting or buying.

Renting Pros:

• Cost-effective

• Convenient (especially for out-of-town groomsmen)

• Great for matching sets

Buying Pros:

• Tailored, longer-lasting

• Perfect fit

• More styling freedom

I opted for rentals and gifted my guys their ties and socks—affordable and sentimental.

Communicate and Collaborate

This might sound obvious, but clear communication is everything when figuring out how to coordinate groomsmen outfits.

Keep It Simple:

• Create a group chat with style inspiration and links

• Assign one point person (best man or planner) to manage logistics

• Send reminders for fittings and deadlines

When everyone knows what’s expected, stress levels drop and excitement builds.

Bonus Tips from the Trenches

• Build a Lookbook: I used Canva to make a visual board and shared it with my groomsmen.

• Be Flexible: If someone’s suit isn’t an exact match but fits the theme, it’s okay!

• Plan Early: Start suit planning at least 3–6 months out to allow for shipping, tailoring, or swaps.

Wrapping It Up: Your Wedding, Your Style

At the end of the day, coordinating groomsmen styles is about bringing your vision to life while making sure your friends feel great. You don’t need to follow every rule to the letter—what matters is creating a cohesive vibe that matches your wedding energy.

Whether you're rocking a tux, a three-piece suit, or something totally unconventional, your groomsmen attire should reflect the bond you share with your crew and the style that makes your wedding unique.

So go ahead—pick those colors, mix those textures, and make those style decisions with confidence. I promise, when you see your squad standing with you, looking coordinated, confident, and cool, it’ll be one of those “heck yeah” moments you won’t forget.

groomsmen attire, coordinating groomsmen styles, wedding party outfits, groomsmen outfit ideas, groomsmen fashion, matching groomsmen suits, groomsmen dress code, groomsmen styling tips, wedding suit coordination, groomsmen color coordination, how to coordinate groomsmen outfits, stylish groomsmen attire for weddings, what should groomsmen wear, mismatched groomsmen outfit ideas, tips for coordinating groomsmen with groom.