Ok so the weather in Ireland this year has been shocking, so what better way to blow the dust off the summer wardrobe than a wedding in the idyllic surroundings of the south of France!
When dressing for this type of occasion, it is important to remember that the weather is really hot but the same formal rules of dress apply (give or take the odd tie or pair of socks), so the light suit is, in my opinion, a must. Linen travels great and if you treat it with a little bit of love, it will fit in your case omitting any extra bags (I try to limit myself to one bag and a book in hand). If you are wearing a dark suit the add-ons are even more important, bright ties with limited design; blues and reds the colours of the day.
Other additions that make a suit bright in the summer – a pocket square (can be given to anyone crying at the nuptials), socks (I saw a particularly fetching pink pair), shoes matching a tie (blue tie and blue Prada shoes would you believe?) and the King of the foreign wedding: the panama hat. With their wide brim, they are both statement and ideal sun cover for the pasty Irish forehead. And not unlike the Irish on holiday they seem to end up in a gang together at the end of the night in a show of their own hat snobbishness!
Yes it is the little things that make the difference but take extra care so your suit doesn’t end up showcasing the red wine and canapés and more importantly remember to bring your hat home. A panama is for life not just an afternoon.
