Yonkers, New York · Since the early 1970sQuestions(914) 964-8982718 Central Park Ave, Yonkers, NY 10704
A man in a beige linen jacket and white shirt by the sea.
Style Guide · Weddings

Beach formal

Formal, but on the sand: what "beach formal" on an invitation means, and how to dress for it without melting.

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"Beach formal" asks for two things that pull against each other: dress up, and stay cool. The answer is a real suit in a lighter cloth and a lighter colour.

The suit

  • Cloth: linen, cotton, or a wool-linen blend. A blend keeps its shape through a long day.
  • Colour: tan, light grey, light blue or sage. Navy works for the evening.
  • Cut: a softer jacket with less padding.

Shirt and tie

  • A crisp white or pale blue shirt.
  • Formal on the invitation means a tie: a light one, in linen or silk.
  • If it says "casual", the collar can stay open.

Shoes

Loafers in suede or leather. Sand gets everywhere, so skip your best shoes, but never wear sneakers to a formal wedding.

The groom and the party

For the groom on the beach, we recommend a lightweight suit in ivory, and the party in tan or a light colour. See our wedding guides.

Bring the invitation and a photo of the place. We'll put the look together with you.

Outfit ideas.

  • Beige suit and tie

    Beige suit and tie

  • Light blue suit

    Light blue suit

  • Tan jacket, open collar

    Tan jacket, open collar

  • Light suit, light tie

    Light suit, light tie

Style tips.

  • A wool-linen blend keeps its shape better than pure linen.
  • Formal means a tie. Casual means the collar can be open.
  • Leave white to the bride.
  • Buying the suit? Alterations take about 2 weeks.

Shop the look.

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On a beach or an island, we recommend a lightweight suit.
From our fitting room · San Marko, Yonkers

Questions.

What does beach formal mean for men?
A lightweight suit in a light colour, a crisp shirt, and a tie or an open collar. No tuxedo, no heavy wool.
Should I wear a tie to a beach wedding?
If the invitation says formal, yes, a light one. If it says casual, an open collar is fine.
What colour suit for a beach wedding?
Tan, light grey, light blue or sage. Leave white to the bride.
What shoes go with a beach wedding?
Loafers in suede or leather. Never your everyday sneakers.

Where to wear it.

Summer and resortSummer and resortLight and coolWedding looks for 2026Wedding looks for 2026The groom and his partyWedding guestWedding guestDressed for the dayThe ShopThe ShopSuits
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Advice from the San Marko fitting room, 718 Central Park Ave, Yonkers, NY. Family-run since the early 1970s.

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