You may remember our memorable post exchanges with Miss Tessa Woolf, well they have resumed, and we are ecstatic! You can read her new blog here, another amazing resource and must read for planning brides! Take it away Tessa!
When you’re in the business of weddings, its easy to focus on the bride and overlook the groom. After all, brides are more often the decision-makers when it comes to the big wedding day to-do’s. But I’m noticing grooms getting more and more involved in the planned process, which I love to see. After all, a wedding is about both the bride and the groom. Considering, I thought I’d give a shout out today to the men in our lives and highlight some fashionable finds every well-dressed gentleman , or in this case well-dressed groom, should know about.
Bow Ties
Grooms, it’s time to give the tie a rest and get better acquainted with the bow tie. Bow ties date back to the 17th century when Croatian mercenaries wrapped loose ties around their necks to help keep their shirts closed and to protect their necks from wind and cold. King Louis of France took a liking to the Croats’ neck ties and adopted a look. The neck tie soon became a fashion accessory, and the King required the upper class to wear them during formal functions {hence the term “black tie affair”}.
There are few occasions in life that call for a bow tie {unless of course you area a professor or a politician}, but a wedding is one of them. Bow ties pair well with a range of suits, from classic black to blue seersucker, and are great for not only grooms but also groomsmen and ring bearers – you could event tie one on Fido to dress him up for the big day!
I love this bow tie by Los Angeles-based Launderette. The road to Roubaix, a cotton-twill tie in mustard yellow covered in cyclists. Plus, check out Launderette’s easy-peasy guide to properly tying a bow tie.
Pocket Squares
A favorite accessory for formal attire since the beginning of the 20th century, pocket squares grew in popularity in the 1920s when gents paired them with a suit, vest and era-friendly fedora. Pocket squares stemmed from the linen handkerchiefs men would place in the breast pocket of their jackets. In the 40s and 50s, linen handkerchiefs fell out of favor {thank you, kleenex}, and were replaced with fashionable silk pocket squares.
Pocket squares continue to make a fashionable statement. GQ-loving grooms will happily include this accessory in their wedding day attire. Southern Proper designs playful pocket squares with preppy motifs like this blue marlin style, while Ralph Lauren offers timeless pocket squares like the St. James Spot pocket square in navy.
Saddle Shoes
Since the 1960s, saddle shoes have come and gone in popularity. The original black-and-white saddle shoe was first worn as a casual shoe but over the years became more common at formal events. This spring, saddle shoes are growing in popularity again-a perfect footwear option for fashion-forward grooms.
Trendy styles offer a modern twist on the traditional shoe. Like these Johnston & Murphy Brennan Saddle shoes in gray nubuck and burgundy {available locally at Dillard’s and Macy’s}, the Cole Haan Air Colton Saddle Shoe in leather and nautical blue {available locally at Macy’s}, and the Florsheim Kennett Saddle Shoe in taupe suede with brown {available locally at The Oxford Shop in SLC}.
Cuff Links
Brides can deck themselves from head to toe in diamonds, but grooms aren’t so lucky. While gals can pile on earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings, when it comes to bling there are fewer options for guys. Enter the cuff link. Smart and stylish, cuff links are the finishing touch to a crisp men’s shirt, and a great way for the groom’s to personalize their wedding day look. Cuff links also make a great gift for the groomsmen.
Traditional styles often feature monograms, like this silver and blue hand painted enamel cuff link by Brooks Brothers. Contemporary styles come in a range of hues and designs that can be matched to your wedding color palette or theme. I love the fun cuff links created by British fashion designer Paul Smith, like these heart printed porcelain cuff links and half stripe cuff links.
Watches
What’s a well-dressed groom without a statement-making timepiece? Watches have traditionally been a wedding gift given to grooms from their brides-to-be. Ladies, if you are considering purchasing a watch for your hubby take into account his lifestyle {is he climbing the corporate ladder or climbing mountains?}, the type of metal he likes {his wedding band should be a good indicator} and whether he’d prefer a bracelet or strap watch.
These three watches are stylish options for today’s groom {they all offer the look of a traditional timepiece but feature modern details}: Michele ‘Sport Sail’ large customizable stainless steel watch, Timex ’50′s Vintage’ leather strap watch, and Nixon ‘The Ceramic 42-20′ Automatic black ceramic watch {all available locally at Nordstrom}.
Thanks Tessa for catching the men up in our lives! Brides … promptly send your man the link to this post!
