This week, I dug into the Style Girlfriend reader mailbag to answer a groomsman’s concern about sunny conditions.
“Later this year I’ll be part of my cousin’s wedding party. We’re wearing traditional black tuxedos with bow ties, which I am excited about as I’ve usually had to wear a colored vest or something of the sort … but that is besides the point. It will be an outdoor wedding in central California, in the middle of summer. With all that sun I was wondering what sunglasses would work best with a black tux, or should I not wear any sunglasses at all?“
First of all, it is not “beside the point” at all that you’re excited to be wearing your formalwear the way it’s meant to be worn – without any alma mater-colored cummerbund shenanigans that won’t age well in pictures. And while I’m happy to see guys break tradition in a long tie with a tuxedo, I still think a bow tie and tux is the ultimate classic look for formalwear.
Now on to your question – sunglasses with a tux? I mean, I wouldn’t wear them during the ceremony if you can help it, but sure, of course you can break out some shades at the reception. They’ll help fend off any unattractive “squinting into the sun” pictures later.
The shades that look best with any kind of suit are the ones that look best the rest of the time, too. Trust me, if a guy never wore another pair of wraparound “sport” sunglasses, it would be too soon for us ladies. Same with any frames too small, or too big, for your face.
One caution: Aviators might be a bit too casual for the occasion. Unless you’re Brad Pitt, I’d leave them at home.
• Persol 714s (nordstrom.com, $310).
Forever a classic. After all, if they’re good enough for Steve McQueen – and more recently, heartthrob du jour Ryan Gosling – they’re good enough for you.
• Ray-Ban Wayfarers (sunglasshut.com, $150).
The original. Remember that scene in “Reservoir Dogs” with the guys walking down the alley in suits and sunglasses? Most were sporting Wayfarers.
• Ray-Ban Clubmasters (piperlime.com, $145).
… And the rest were sporting Clubmasters. Thanks to “Mad Men,” the 1960s vibe of these Ray-Ban classics have roared back into style in recent years. Go for the black-rimmed versions over the tortoiseshell to pair with a tux.
• Warby Parker “Griffin” (warbyparker.com, $95)
Warby Parker is a new brand that’s blowing up the sunglass scene right now. Boasting a one-for-one business model, the company gives a pair of frames to someone in need for every pair sold. So you can look good, and feel good, at the same time.
