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

Direct Answer
For a 2027 courthouse wedding, the best man should wear a tailored, semi-formal outfit that respects the ceremony's intimacy but still feels celebratory. Think a structured blazer with wool trousers or a midi dress in a refined fabric, paired with polished leather shoes. The look should be sharp and confident, avoiding anything too casual or overly formal like a floor-length gown or a full tuxedo.
What to Wear
The core of a courthouse wedding look for a best man in 2027 balances sophistication with a relaxed edge. The palette leans toward neutral tones like charcoal, navy, taupe, and ivory, with pops of color through accessories like a pocket square or a silk scarf. Key pieces include a well-fitted blazer (from brands like J.Crew or Banana Republic), high-waisted trousers (from Everlane or Aritzia), and leather loafers (from Cole Haan or Allbirds). For women, a satin midi dress or a tailored jumpsuit from Mango or Ann Taylor works perfectly. The goal is to look put-together without overshadowing the couple.
For Men
Masculine-presenting women — these looks work for you too.
Here are three age-specific outfit boards for the best man at a 2027 courthouse wedding.
For Women
Feminine-presenting men — these looks work for you too.
Here are three age-specific outfit boards for the best woman standing up at a 2027 courthouse wedding.
How to Adapt by Age
For the 20s, the look is modern and relaxed—think unstructured blazers, lighter fabrics, and trendy accessories like a gold chain. In the 40s, it shifts to refined classics with structured blazers, polished leather shoes, and subtle color pops like a burgundy pocket square. By the 60s, the style becomes timeless and elegant, favoring double-breasted cuts, full-break trousers, and understated luxury like cuff links and diamond studs. The key is to maintain formality while adjusting fit and detail to suit each age's confidence and comfort.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wearing jeans or sneakers. A courthouse wedding is still a formal event; denim and athletic shoes are too casual for the best man.
- Over-accessorizing. Avoid loud watches, multiple rings, or flashy bags. One or two refined pieces are enough.
- Choosing a floor-length gown. This can look overdramatic for a small ceremony. A knee-length or midi dress is more appropriate.
- Ignoring the dress code. If the couple requests a specific color or style (like all-black or no ties), follow it exactly.
- Forgetting to fit the blazer. An ill-fitting jacket ruins the silhouette. Get it tailored for the shoulders and sleeves.
FAQ
Can I wear a suit without a tie? Yes, a suit without a tie is acceptable for a 2027 courthouse wedding, especially for the 20s look. Keep the top button undone and add a pocket square for polish.
What color should the best man avoid? Avoid white or ivory, as these are traditionally reserved for the bride. Also, skip overly bright colors like neon pink or lime green, which can distract from the ceremony.
Are jumpsuits appropriate for women? Absolutely. A tailored jumpsuit in a fabric like crepe or satin is a modern, elegant choice. Look for one with a defined waist and a modest neckline.
Should I match the groom's outfit? Not necessarily. Coordinate with the groom's color scheme (e.g., same suit color or complementary shades) but don't match exactly. The best man should stand out slightly less than the groom.
Can I wear open-toe shoes? For women, open-toe shoes like block-heel mules are fine for a courthouse wedding. For men, closed-toe shoes like loafers or oxfords are standard.
Bottom Line
The best man's outfit for a 2027 courthouse wedding should be sharp, semi-formal, and age-appropriate, balancing modern trends with classic elegance. Focus on neutral tones, tailored fits, and quality fabrics from brands like J.Crew, Everlane, or Ann Taylor. Avoid casual or overly formal pieces, and always check the couple's dress code first.
*Published June 2027 · Updated June 2027*