Professer Elemental’s Fighting Trousers

I don’t like your tweed, sir.

Though it’s a little late in the year for short pants, those of you in a more tropical climate might find need for some fighting trousers. You could do worse than these 5-pocket bermuda shorts from Meltin Pot.

Meltin Pot Bermuda: Yoox $65

Rock It Both Ways: Spring Wedding vs. Beach Wedding

Exhibit A: Shirt and Jacket

Always start with the most comfortable white cotton v-neck tee you can find. Stick to a classic khaki two-button jacket; the right cut will last you a lifetime of summers. Although khaki is less formal than black or blue, warm weather calls for light colors. A cotton jacket will pick up wrinkles, that’s part of the charm of the fabric. It’s perfectly normal to develop creases at the elbow and back from sitting down. So long as you don’t sleep in it you’ll look in top shape.

Every man should own a perfectly-fit white dress shirt. Ignore the washing instructions on the label; always have it dry cleaned.

For Church

Tuck in your shirt and accessorize with a great tie. Remember to have the top button fastened whenever you are standing. At the reception, wait for the groom or the bride’s father to remove his jacket before you take yours off.

For the Beach

Wear your shirt casual: Untucked and with the collar unbuttoned. You can roll the shirt sleeves with the jacket sleeves twice. The cuffs shouldn’t quite hit your elbow. You will want to get your jacket pressed before you wear it to a formal event.

The Gear

Khaki 2-Button Cotton Sport Coat: Brooks Brothers $298
White Cotton Dress Shirt: Hugo Boss $95

Exhibit B: Trousers

For Church

Go dressy and bring some texture into the mix with a great set of brown trousers. Avoid pleated fronts slacks, they look like grandpa pants.
Brown Sharkskin Slacks: Alfani RED $125

For the Beach

You’ll move around a lot more at a beach wedding, but jeans are still too informal. Skate pants are perfect since they’ll read as chinos but a little stretch will let you dance on the sand with ease.
Brown Stretch Twill Trousers: RVCA $78

Exhibit C: Shoes and Accessories

For Church

Tan Brogues: Ted Baker $145
Charcoal Titanium Dress Watch: Skagen $165
Madras Plaid Tie: Polo Ralph Lauren $85
Hankercheif Pocket Square: Nautica $11

For the Beach

Cream Chuck Taylor Slip-ons: John Varvatos $95
Gold Woven Leather Dress Watch: Tommy Bahama $175
Woven Leather Bracelet: Orvis $49