Classic black dress shoes aren’t your only footwear option. Here are 5 wedding shoes for men to suit any attire. Keep things fresh by opting for a shoe in brown or grey instead of classic black. 

1. BROGUES 

A low-heeled shoe with sturdy leather uppers and perforated and serrated edges. These come in a variety of styles but the most popular is the semi-brogue, which features a decorative toecap.

2. LOAFERS

A slip-on shoe that often sports a tassel or leather strap across its upper (it’s then known as a penny loafer).

3. ANKLE BOOTS

Widely worn by both men and women, ankle boot styles range from shoe boots, which skim the ankle, to Chelsea boots, which fit closely around the ankle, and even boots that cover the lower part of the calf.

4. SANDALS

Open footwear with straps over the instep and sometimes also around the ankle. Not to be confused with the flip-flop, which is best reserved for other less formal occasions.

5. MONKS

Also called monk-straps, these dress shoes sport a buckle and strap instead of laces and can be found with cap toes, as brogues, and in both suede and leather.

Images: Pinterest

A bold suit, bright shirts and graphic accessories combine for wedding attire that’s anything but boring.

Shirt, Zara; jacket, CSquared; tie, Topman; tie pin, Robert Daniel

Shirt and trousers, both CSquared; jacket with lapel pin, River Island

Shirt, Robert Daniel; jacket and trousers, both CSquared; boutonnière, Fabulous Flowers; shoes, stylist’s own

Leo wears: Shirt, River Island; jacket, H&M; shorts, Zara; bow tie, Robert Daniel; lapel pin, CSquared; shoes, Call it Spring
Samuel wears: Shirt and shorts, both Zara; jacket, H&M; bow tie, River Island; lapel pin, CSquared; shoes, Tread+Miller

Leo wears: Shirt, H&M; jacket, CSquared; trousers, Topman; tie, River Island
Samuel wears: Shirt and trousers, both Topman, vest, CSquared; jacket, River Island; tie, stylist’s own; pocket square, Robert Daniel

Trousers, Zara; shoes, Tread+Miller

Fashion: Kim Mitha-Coe
Photography: Gareth van Nelson

*Products subject to availability

Guys, want to look like a million bucks in an off-the-rack suit? Theo Ngobeni, the founder of Mr Slimfit, a styling service that caters to some of SA’s biggest stars, gives his six top tips on how to pick a suit off the rack and ensure it’s tailored to your exact specifications.

1. The suit jacket should always fit well on your shoulders as it is very difficult for a tailor to alter this part.

2. There are three kinds of hems you could opt for. The first is the no-break, where your trousers end just under the ankle bone. The second is the half-break, which is usually a half-inch hem. The full-break is an inch hem. If you’ve got a slim-fit suit, opt for the no- or half-break.

3. Most stylish guys want their jackets to have that flattering ‘V’ shape. A common mistake tailors make in trying to create this is to take in the jacket at the middle seam at the back. Instead, ask your tailor to take in the seams that run above the vents of a double-vent jacket.

4. The length of your jacket is critical. If it’s too long, the shape of the jacket can be compromised if it’s shortened. If it’s too short, it can look altered if it’s extended. To get this right, stand up with your arms stretched out at your sides and make a fist. Your jacket should end at the base of your fist.

5. If your jacket is slim-fit, your trousers need to be too. Ask your tailor to taper them using the inside seam.

6. Make sure the trousers fit well at the waist. If the waist fits comfortably but the trousers are too tight around your thighs, rather choose a waist size up. It’s much easier for a tailor to bring in the waist than to give you more breathing room around your thighs.

Fashion & styling: Kim Coe
Photography: Gareth van Nelson/hsmimages.co.za

Considering that your wedding band should last a lifetime, it’s no easy task finding your perfect fit – especially if you’re a guy, or shopping for your beau’s ring. Here, our best advice to ensure you buy a ring to cherish forever.

1 It’s all about lifestyle and personality…

Before you even step into a store, ask yourself:
• Does your husband-to-be wear jewellery?
• What type of career does he have – is he a creative or a nine-to-five businessman?
• Is he flashy or does he prefer to stay under the radar?
The answers to these questions will help you determine the type of ring you should choose. If your guy frequents an office every day, chances are he already owns a number of other jewellery items so you can easily suss out his style, while if he works with his hands a lot, he might not want something that feels bulky on his hand or that looks overly complicated.

2 and value

So we all know that when it comes to a woman’s engagement ring and wedding band, no expense is spared. From the simple band bearing only a diamond to the ornately carved band encrusted with stones, the value can reach crazy heights. But for a men’s band, it’s all about practicality – something that’s durable and easy to wear – such as these three metals:
• Gold – the lower the karat, the more durable a gold band is. It seems so wrong but it’s actually true.
• Silver – the most common metal for grooms’ bands, silver looks masculine but isn’t as durable as gold.
• Titanium – Affordable and durable, titanium offers the best of both worlds and looks great too.

A special day deserves a special memento and his wedding band should tell a ton about who he is. If you’re still unsure, head to a high-end retailer or jeweller who can show you options depending on your guy’s personality and preferences.

TRY, main image: 9ct hand-made organic wedding band R12 000 (for white-gold), R11 000 (for rose gold), R11 500 (for yellow gold), all Afrogem; second image: 9ct white- and rose-gold Hand-hammered set with 0.10ct diamond R 27 900, Afrogem

Text Kim Mitha-Coe
Photography Afrogem

Old-world glamour never goes out of style – in fact, it’s called classic for a reason! Have your groomsmen add pocket squares to their suits to complement your bridesmaids’ dresses or even the decor! Use our handy little infographic to get that perfect fold.

Illustration Ryan Sedeman/HSMimages.com

Photography Olu Eletu/Unsplash