suits you sir: t.m. lewin

In preparation for a wedding a lot of attention is focused on the bride and what she will wear for her moment in the limelight. But we shouldn’t forget that

the groom

 is also a main focal point and they too will want to look and feel their best on the big day.

Over time we’ve seen menswear designers branch out on the formalwear front to give style-conscious grooms choices beyond traditional top hat and tails and standard Prince Edward suits. This not only gives grooms the opportunity to be more fashion forward, but also means they can pick attire that will complement the bride, theme and even the setting.

To tell us more about current groom looks, we’ve called upon our expert friends at British menswear retailer T.M.Lewin, whose latest collection of luxurious tailoring includes up to 30 different cuts of suits in wool/mohair mix cloths, plus an unrivalled choice of beautifully finished 100% cotton shirts and finishing touches in the form of smart ties and dapper pocket squares.

Here they share their top five occasion wear trends for the upcoming season, and they’ve even gone to the trouble of matching them up to some of Brides Up North’s very favourite wedding venues. Handy eh?

cool contemporary – alnwick garden

A cool setting calls for a cool suit. Blue is perhaps the new grey when it comes to an alternative groom look so those planning a wedding in modern setting, such as The Alnwick Garden in the North East, should consider the handsome hue. We can easily imagine a groom in the bright and airy Pavilion Room taking his vows while overlooking the incredible gardens in a relaxed two piece suit. And to complete the look a crisp white shirt, tan belt and shoes, and textured bow tie. Finally, for the ultra-cool groom, a polka dot pocket square as men appear to be dotty about all things spotty at the moment.

urban elegance – braime pressings

City weddings give grooms the opportunity to mix up their look with some modern additions. For a venue such as 125-year-old steel factory Braime Pressings, attire that mixes old with new is an excellent choice as it will pick up on the venue’s heritage as well as its modern day surroundings.  We suggest a classic three-piece suit but in a slim-fit cut and edgy blue hue to strike the right balance. Through industrial, Braime Pressings, in the heart of Leeds, features impressive parquet flooring and a marble bar which call for a hint of elegance. This can be achieved in finishing touches of a fabric button hole and slim tie, complete with tie bar.

timeless traditional – allerton castle

Certain venues do lend themselves well to traditional groom attire including the likes of Allerton Castle in North Yorkshire. Its fairy tale interior and dramatic features give brides the opportunity to be a real princess for the day, but of course they need a prince to match, making a three-piece suit with waistcoat a top option. We find that light grey and tonal blue tailoring is an ideal choice for a formal wedding day and our 50s inspired pastel accessories will polish off the look perfectly, whether it’s a sharp mint green fitted shirt with textured cotton linen mix tie, or a colourful pocket square and stylish lapel pin.

country casual – hilltop country house

With an increase in country garden themed weddings it seems only right that designers have come up with fitting groomsmen attire. Whether indoors or out, a wedding at a countryside location, such as Hilltop Country House in Cheshire, gives grooms the opportunity to go for a more laid back look that complements with their surroundings. Our new casual blazers are ideal for those in favour of more informal attire. Woven in tweeds exclusive to T.M.Lewin, they’re still smart when paired with a pressed pair of cotton chinos and one of the season’s new plain, patterned or textured pocket squares. Those wanting a smarter look still can add a waistcoat and tie while those who prefer the simpler things in life can go for a blazer, chinos and open neck shirt.

modern classic – the mansion

Just as some old venues are brought up to date with a few cosmetic tweaks so too are classic suits. So for a groom saying his ‘I dos’ in grand stately home, such as The Mansion in Leeds, which boasts beautiful boutique style décor, we suggest a simple yet sophisticated two piece suit, with a one or two button blazer. The accessories can then be picked to suit the colour theme and/or bridesmaid dresses whether that means pairing with a pale pink or elegant blue shirt, tie and matching pocket square.

For more designs and information, visit www.tmlewin.co.uk