It’s no secret that the bride is the main focus at every wedding. But her gorgeous look wouldn’t be complete without a dapper groom by her side. Authors and co-owners of Mr. Baldwin Style, Donnell and Courtney Baldwin, have a written a style guide that is a necessity for the modern groom. GROOMS: A Professional Stylist’s Guide to Wedding Day Apparel for Every Budget ($39.95, Sutton Place Press) provides expert styling tips for your groom-to-be.
In the book, the fashion power couple provide insight on how to begin the selection process of a man’s wedding day attire, how to master the look, and ways to save money in the process.
With stunning photography by international wedding photographer, Alea Lovely, the power couple have uniquely coined eight types of grooms from “The Classic Groom Remixed to “The Rustic Groom” that form the chapter titles for the book. The book includes something for every stylish guy or stylish guy-in-training.
Below we have some looks for The Classic Groom, The Chic Groom, The Groom In Color, and The Preppy Groom that have been styled by the Baldwin team and tips on how to pull them off stylishly
(Photography Credit Alea Lovely Fine Art Photography)
The Classic GROOM
“When we think of the Classic Groom, we imagine a sleek, sophisticated man with no fuss or frills–only the refined basics. The Classic Groom is appropriately dressed for the occasion without too much deviation. He is not trying to follow the latest trend.”
Styling Tips for the Classic Groom
– Skip the belt. When wearing tuxedo pants, a belt is not appropriate. The pants should be tailored at the waist band so that a belt is not required.
– when the top button of your tuxedo shirt is fastened, you should be able to get no more than your index and middle fingers between your neck and shirt collar.
– choose either braces or a cummerbund, but never both.
– the boutonniere should always be placed on the left lapel of a gentleman’s jacket to cover the buttonhole stitch.
A few recommended venues for this look: hotel grand ballroom, country club, grand library.
(Photography Credit Alea Lovely Fine Art Photography)
The Chic GROOM
“If the thought of satin lapels and patent leather shoes gives you the hives, you may be a Chic Groom. You want the polished look of a suit but do not desire the commitment of a tuxedo.”
Styling Tips for the Chic Groom
– when wearing a necktie, even a knit one, make sure to put a dimple in the tie just below the knot.
– to distinguish you as the groom, request that your groomsmen wear black knit neckties, which will be a small deviation from your gray knit necktie.
A few recommended venues for this look: church, historic home, or city hall elopement.
(Photo Credit – Amy Anaiz Photography)
The GROOM in Color
“The Groom in Color aims to be different through his use of color in his wardrobe, and most importantly, for his wedding day. He is artistic, confident, and adventurous, willing to travel off the beaten ‘black tuxedo’ path.”
Styling Tips for the Groom in Color
– Consider pairing the color jacket or blazer that you have selected with a more traditional black or navy pant if a full suit of the color you have selected may be too much for the wedding day.
– If you are going to wear a bow tie, consider purchasing a self-tie bow tie and learn how to tie it.
-Don’t shy away from pocket squares with patterns or prints but consider selecting one with a pattern or print that contains the same color as your bow tie or necktie.
A few recommended venues for this look: loft, restaurant, or winery.
(Photo Credit – Kesha Lambert Photography)
The Preppy GROOM
“This look is for the guy who is preppy yet confident. When we think of a preppy groom, we think of the guy who has, or desires to have, a very collegiate look.”
Styling Tips for the Preppy Groom
– Do not mix pincord pieces in different colors on your wedding day.
– Select a dress shirt in white or a pastel color to coordinate with a pincord suit or navy blazer. Anything more saturated in color may not be wedding appropriate.
– Consider skipping the socks and giving your pants a messy roll if appropriate for your wedding style and location.
A few recommended venues for this look: inn, boathouse, or grandtent.
For full tips and more dapper looks grab your copy of GROOMS here.
Article contribution by Courtney Baldwin
A few years ago I’d have to pay someone for this inoormatifn.