What to Wear as a Best Man to a Ballroom Wedding in 2027

Direct Answer

The best man for a ballroom wedding in 2027 wears a well-tailored tuxedo or a formal evening suit in deep jewel tones or classic black, paired with polished leather shoes and minimal, elegant accessories. For men, a midnight blue or charcoal tuxedo with a satin peak lapel is the gold standard, while women can opt for a floor-length gown in velvet or silk, or a sophisticated jumpsuit with a structured blazer. The key is to match the formality of the ballroom setting—crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and grand architecture demand elevated fabrics and precise fits.

What to Wear

The core of a 2027 ballroom wedding look is formal eveningwear with a touch of personal flair. For men, a tuxedo remains the foundation, but velvet dinner jackets in emerald or burgundy are trending, paired with pleated trousers and a cummerbund or waistcoat. For women, floor-length gowns in silk charmeuse or crepe are standard, with high-neck or one-shoulder silhouettes dominating. The palette leans toward deep jewel tones—sapphire, amethyst, and ruby—balanced with metallic accents like gold or silver. Real brands that fit this look include J.Crew for its Ludlow tuxedo line, Bonobos for tailored dinner jackets, and Aritzia for elegant gowns and jumpsuits. Bold statement earrings or a clutch bag complete the ensemble.

For Men

Masculine-presenting women — these looks work for you too.

Below are three outfit boards tailored to the best man’s role, shifting from modern trends in the 20s to classic elegance in the 60s.

Modern Midnight Velvet

Men's · 20s · Ballroom Wedding · $800–$1,200

Velvet dinner jacket — Midnight Blue · Slim-fit, shawl collar, silk-lined

Pleated tuxedo trousers — Black · High-waist, side stripe, wool-blend

Silk bow tie — Burgundy · Self-tie, matte finish

Patent leather oxfords — Black · Cap-toe, mirror shine, from Cole Haan

Cuff links — Silver · Round, engraved initials, from Tiffany & Co.

Classic Charcoal Peak

Men's · 40s · Ballroom Wedding · $1,000–$1,500

Peak-lapel tuxedo jacket — Charcoal · Two-button, wool-viscose blend, from J.Crew Ludlow

Flat-front tuxedo trousers — Charcoal · Single-pleat, unhemmed, side adjusters

White wing-collar shirt — White · French cuffs, pique cotton, from Brooks Brothers

Black patent leather loafers — Black · Horsebit detail, from Gucci

Pocket square — Ivory · Linen, presidential fold

Timeless Black Tie

Men's · 60s · Ballroom Wedding · $1,200–$1,800

Single-breasted tuxedo — Black · Notch lapel, wool-silk blend, from Ralph Lauren

Double-pleated trousers — Black · Braid side stripe, high-rise, from Bonobos

Marcella shirt — White · Fly-front, stud buttonholes, from Charles Tyrwhitt

Opera pumps — Black · Patent leather, grosgrain bow, from Saint Laurent

Lapel pin — Gold · Vintage, single pearl

For Women

Feminine-presenting men — these looks work for you too.

Below are three outfit boards for women, shifting from trend-forward in the 20s to refined sophistication in the 60s.

Sleek Satin Statement

Women's · 20s · Ballroom Wedding · $600–$1,000

One-shoulder satin gown — Emerald · Floor-length, side slit, from Aritzia

Strappy stiletto heels — Nude · 4-inch heel, ankle strap, from Stuart Weitzman

Geometric clutch — Silver · Hard-shell, chain strap, from Kate Spade

Crystal drop earrings — Clear · Teardrop, lever-back, from Swarovski

Velvet hair ribbon — Black · Wide, tied in a bow

Velvet Power Suit

Women's · 40s · Ballroom Wedding · $800–$1,200

Velvet tuxedo blazer — Burgundy · Single-button, notch lapel, from Banana Republic

Wide-leg velvet trousers — Burgundy · High-waist, floor-length, from Ann Taylor

Silk camisole — Champagne · V-neck, adjustable straps, from Everlane

Pointed-toe pumps — Black · Kitten heel, suede, from Cole Haan

Pearl stud earrings — White · 8mm, freshwater, from Mikimoto

Graceful Lace Gown

Women's · 60s · Ballroom Wedding · $1,000–$1,500

Long-sleeve lace gown — Navy · Illusion neckline, A-line, from M.M.LaFleur

Low-heel sandals — Silver · Block heel, leather, from Allbirds Tree Breezers

Beaded evening bag — Gold · Frame clutch, vintage-style, from Bottega Veneta

Diamond stud earrings — White · Round-cut, 1 carat total, from Tiffany & Co.

Cashmere wrap — Ivory · Fringed edge, from Nordstrom

How to Adapt by Age

The shift from 20s to 60s is about formality and comfort. In the 20s, a velvet dinner jacket and bold colors like emerald or burgundy show modern flair, while the 40s lean toward classic charcoal or navy tuxedos with peak lapels for a refined look. By the 60s, timeless black with opera pumps and vintage accessories like a lapel pin or diamond studs prioritize elegance and ease. Women follow a similar arc: the 20s favor satin gowns with strappy heels, the 40s embrace velvet power suits for sophistication, and the 60s opt for lace gowns with low heels and cashmere wraps for comfort without sacrificing style.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Wearing a suit instead of a tuxedo. A ballroom wedding demands formalwear—a suit lacks the satin lapels, braided stripes, and formal shirt required for black-tie events.
• Choosing trendy over timeless. Avoid overly flashy colors like neon or bright prints; stick to jewel tones or neutrals that photograph well and respect the occasion.
• Ignoring fit. An off-the-rack tuxedo without tailoring looks sloppy. Invest in alterations for sleeve length, trouser break, and jacket shoulder.
• Over-accessorizing. Skip the watch (it clashes with cuff links), and limit jewelry to one statement piece—like crystal earrings or a lapel pin—to keep the look clean.
• Forgetting the dress code. If the invitation says "black tie optional," a dark suit may work, but for "black tie," a tuxedo is mandatory. Confirm with the couple.

FAQ

Can I wear a colored tuxedo as a best man? Yes, but coordinate with the groom. A midnight blue or burgundy velvet jacket is acceptable if the groom wears a classic black tuxedo, but avoid matching the wedding party’s exact shade. Always get approval first.

What shoes are appropriate for a ballroom wedding? Patent leather oxfords or opera pumps for men, and strappy stilettos or low-heel sandals for women. Avoid loafers, sneakers, or open-toe shoes unless the dress code is less formal.

How do I handle a wedding with multiple dress codes? If the invitation lists "black tie" for the ceremony and "cocktail" for the reception, bring a jacket change—a velvet blazer for the reception—or stick with the formal look throughout. A tuxedo is always safe.

Can I rent a tuxedo instead of buying one? Yes, but ensure it’s from a reputable rental service like The Black Tux or Menguin. Rentals are cost-effective for one-time use, but buying from J.Crew or Bonobos offers better fit and reusability for future events.

What accessories are must-haves for a best man? Cuff links, a bow tie, and a pocket square are essential for men. For women, statement earrings and a clutch complete the look. Avoid hats or large bags that distract from the formal attire.

How formal should the gown be for a ballroom wedding? A floor-length gown is standard, but a midi dress in silk or velvet can work if it’s paired with heels and formal jewelry. Avoid mini dresses or casual fabrics like cotton.

Bottom Line

Dressing as a best man for a 2027 ballroom wedding means embracing formal elegance with a personal touch. For men, a tuxedo in classic black or a velvet jacket in jewel tones, paired with patent leather shoes and minimal accessories, ensures you stand out without overshadowing the groom. For women, a floor-length gown or velvet suit in deep hues, with statement jewelry and polished heels, strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and comfort. Always confirm the dress code with the couple and invest in tailoring for a flawless fit.

*Published June 2027 · Updated June 2027*