How to Effortlessly Pull Off Mismatched Groomsmen Attire

A matchy-matchy wedding attire will never go out of style entirely, but a new generation of couples are doing things a little differently. In recent years, it’s become far less trendy to dress a bridal party in coordinating outfits all dyed the same shade of lilac or lemon yellow, and much more common to let your best friends choose their own ensembles in a defined color palette, like copper or sea green. This mismatched bridesmaid look has been popular for a few years, and now the guys are finally following suit.

Mismatched groomsmen attire can be a great way to encourage your crew to express themselves; after all, you love them for a different reason, so why would you want them to look like clones? “This trend celebrates each groomsman's individual style by allowing a mix of colors and styles that complement each other,” explains Daniel Mofor, founder and lead designer of Don Morphy. “It personalizes the wedding and gives groomsmen the freedom to choose a suit they can wear beyond the wedding day.”

If done correctly, it can also be a ton of fun and look great in photos, as everyone is at their very best in clothes that they feel good in. “​​People want to wear a color that works well with their skin tone, hair color, and body type,” says Eric Acuña, vice president of sales at suiting companies Stitch & Tie and Friar Tux. “When you feel great in what you are wearing, your confidence comes across in photos.”

If you’re intrigued by the concept of a mismatched groomsmen moment and are considering it for your big day, there are a few key rules to follow to ensure the group isn’t putting on a revival of Dumb & Dumber in bright orange and baby blue tuxedos. To help you achieve this popular trend without a hitch, we asked the pros to provide the best exert-approved tips that everyone should follow. Read on for more.

Expert-Approved Tips for Selecting Mismatched Groomsmen Attire

The biggest risk with mismatched groomsmen attire is that things could get out of hand quickly, as finding a cohesive look can be difficult and tricky. “The main challenge is ensuring all elements harmonize. Careful coordination is key,” says Mofor. However, it's not impossible to pull off this popular trend if you're diligent when executing the below tips.

Discuss your vision with your partner.

Before you tell your groomsmen what to shop for, have a discussion with your partner about how this idea will really come to life. You should "discuss whether individual party members will be assigned a certain color, fabric, or style from a particular collection,” advises Acuña. “Identify unifying elements and how they will complement the other party members' suits or tuxedos, as well as the dresses.” Maybe you want your groomsmen to wear earth tones like rust and brown, which will then reflect similar tones on the bridesmaids.

The all-important wedding photos also play a key role in outfit choices. “Keep in mind that, in photography, the eye tends to gravitate towards the lightest color in the group, so wedding party wise, the groom and bride may want to be a lighter shade than the rest of the wedding party members,” Acuña adds. Simply put, discuss how you and your partner want your photos to look like and go from there.

Give your groomsmen clear directions.

When explaining the concept to your crew, be as clear as possible to avoid any last-minute snafus or someone sticking out a little too much in the photos. The more direct you are, the easier it will be for your guys to find a suit that works best for everyone. “Make it easy for them by setting parameters in advance,” adds Acuña. “Let them know if there is a certain color, like blues, grays, neutrals, and earth tones; fabric, like velvet or paisley; or a collection, like Michael Kors Performance, that they need to pick from.”

Do your groomsmen live in the same city or are they all over the map? If they’re centrally located, do the legwork and recommend a few local stores where they can buy or rent similar suits. If they’re not, you may need to get creative or direct them to online retailers (this is where photo inspiration really comes in handy, as well). Approve any selections in advance to make sure everyone looks cohesive while still feeling like themselves.

Establish a unifying element.

“Establish a unifying element, like a specific color or style, to achieve a cohesive look,” advises Mofor. You should also consider a color story, Ferguson further shares. “I would ask the groom if he had any ideas on a theme or a color. Once he gave me his ideas and we agreed on a color, I would tell him to share that color with his crew,” he says. “For example, ‘Guys, let’s do a gray theme.’ It shouldn’t be that wide a range. Unifying elements can be a tie, a tie bar, shoes, socks, and sneakers.”

Another tip? “Opt for colors and fabrics that complement each other,” adds Mofor. “Staying within the same color palette or selecting fabrics of similar texture can make the mismatched look more harmonious and visually appealing.” More specifically, if you want your groomsmen to wear navy blue and you’re getting married in the winter, direct them to richer, more textured fabrics like wool and tweed. Or, if you're incorporating color into your look with a tie or embroidery, perhaps your groomsmen can also mirror those shades in their outfits.

Consider style and fit.

Style and fit are huge factors in the success of mismatched groomsmen looks. Your party likely has a variety of body types and fit preferences, so advise them to choose pieces that fit them well, instead of a sweeping declaration about a certain kind of suit. 

When it comes to fit, specifically, don’t be afraid to call in the pros for help. Getting fitted for a suit ensures it looks and feels great not just on the wedding day but years down the road—a good suit will take you everywhere from work to dates to special occasions. “Fit is the most important part of dressing and dressing well,” says Ferguson. “Anything you have on you should feel comfortable in. Let yourself breathe. Your body and your clothes will thank you.”

Select complementary accessories and style details.

Matching accessories can tie a person's whole look together, especially in photos. For example, a simple coordinated pocket square can really elevate a group's aesthetic. “Accessories are essential in tying together different suits,” says Mofor. “Coordinated items like ties, pocket squares, or cufflinks can seamlessly unify varied styles.” 

The reverse is also true: Accessories can bring out a touch of personality without going too far. If the idea of letting your groomsmen choose their own outfits stresses you out, consider asking them to wear the same suit but choose their own ties or socks.

Always keep the wedding theme and dress code in mind.

Different wedding themes and locations have their own special requirements, so take that into consideration when planning a mismatched groomsmen look. “Guide the groomsmen in integrating their personal style with the wedding theme.” For instance, if you’re having a rustic barn or farm wedding, consider asking your best mates to select less formal fabrics like chinos or khakis paired with white shirts. A modern wedding theme may include a twist on traditional wedding colors, with the wedding party in lighter tones, and a minimalist theme could be stripped down to simple black and white.

A black-tie wedding typically means one thing, however: a tuxedo. On the other hand, beach weddings are generally more casual and breezy. And if your wedding ceremony is literally on the beach in the sand, make sure you’re giving your party guidance on footwear. Will you have them wear dress shoes, sandals sneakers, or skip shoes entirely? Make a decision and communicate your vision to your entire crew.

The Pros and Cons of Mismatched Groomsmen Attire

There are plenty of pros regarding the mismatched look: It gives your groomsmen more flexibility with renting or purchasing items, and they may not need to buy anything at all. “My belief is the trend is coming from a position of individual expression and convenience,” says Reginald Ferguson, men’s fashion consultant and founder of The Groom’s Man. “The pro is the groomsmen don’t have to worry about coordinating amongst themselves to purchase and wear the same suit or tux, which is especially handy if they live in various parts of the country and don’t have the same access to department stores.”

But it can also go very wrong if you’re not careful and don’t give your groomsmen adequate guidance. A lack of proper instruction, for example, can lead to major inconsistencies in color, style, and fabric, in addition to the possibility of a guest mistaking a groomsman for the groom. "It can give off the appearance that there’s been no care, preparation, or coordination for the ceremony," adds Ferguson. The mismatched look could also cost more than a traditional suit or tux rental, so that’s an important factor to consider in your early planning stages. “If groomsmen are purchasing or renting individually, they might miss out on group discounts, potentially raising costs,” notes Mofor.

That being said, whether you end up choosing mismatched attire or not, what's most important is that everyone looks and feels their best.