What to Wear as a Father of the Groom to a Destination Wedding in 2027

Direct Answer

For a destination wedding in 2027, the father of the groom should wear a lightweight, breathable suit or a tailored separates set in a neutral or warm-weather tone, paired with a linen or cotton shirt and leather loafers or dress sandals. The fit should be relaxed but polished, with fabrics like linen, cotton, or tropical wool that handle heat and humidity without wrinkling excessively. Accessories like a pocket square and a woven belt add personality while keeping the look appropriate for the setting.

What to Wear

The core of a destination wedding outfit for the father of the groom revolves around lightweight fabrics and a muted color palette—think beige, sand, light gray, navy, or olive. For men, a linen suit from J.Crew or Bonobos in a shade like stone or charcoal works perfectly, while women can opt for a midi dress from Aritzia or a coordinating set from Mango in blush or sage. The key is to avoid dark, heavy fabrics; instead, embrace breathable weaves and natural fibers. For footwear, Cole Haan loafers or Allbirds wool runners (in dressier styles) keep comfort high without sacrificing style. Always check the wedding invitation for a dress code—beach formal or resort attire often means a jacket is optional, but a tailored vest or blazer can elevate the look.

For Men

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

Outfit Board: 20s

Modern Resort Minimalist

Men's · 20s · Destination Wedding Father of the Groom · $400–$700

Linen-blend suit jacket — Light Beige · Unstructured, unlined from Bonobos

Linen-blend trousers — Light Beige · Slightly tapered, no break

Cotton poplin shirt — White · Spread collar, short sleeves for tropical heat

Suede loafers — Tan · Driver style, no socks

Woven leather belt — Cognac · 1.5-inch width, brass buckle

Sunglasses — Tortoiseshell · Wayfarer shape by Ray-Ban

Outfit Board: 40s

Refined Linen Classic

Men's · 40s · Destination Wedding Father of the Groom · $600–$1,000

Two-button linen suit — Navy · From J.Crew, full lining removed for breathability

Linen-cotton blend shirt — Light Blue · Button-down collar, chest pocket

Leather loafers — Dark Brown · Penny style by Cole Haan, with rubber sole for grip

Silk pocket square — Ivory with navy dots · Folds into a puff

Leather watch — Silver case, brown strap · Minimal face, e.g., Seiko 5

Panama hat — Natural straw · Optional for sun protection

Outfit Board: 60s

Timeless Tropical Elegance

Men's · 60s · Destination Wedding Father of the Groom · $800–$1,500

Three-piece linen suit — Light Gray · Single-breasted, notch lapel, from Suitsupply

Cotton voile shirt — White · French cuffs for cufflinks, spread collar

Leather oxfords — Cognac · Full brogue, unlined, from Allen Edmonds

Silk tie — Navy with micro-geometric · Narrow width, four-in-hand knot

Cufflinks — Silver · Simple round, monogrammed optional

Linen handkerchief — White · Flat fold in breast pocket

For Women

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

Outfit Board: 20s

Effortless Resort Separates

Women's · 20s · Destination Wedding Father of the Groom · $300–$600

Linen wrap top — Sage Green · V-neck, short sleeves from Mango

Wide-leg linen trousers — Cream · High-waisted, floor-length

Leather sandals — Gold · Flat, with ankle ties, from Sam Edelman

Woven tote bag — Natural Raffia · Medium size, open top

Gold hoop earrings — Yellow Gold · 2-inch diameter

Silk scarf — Ivory with green floral · Tied as a neckerchief

Outfit Board: 40s

Polished Midi Dress Ensemble

Women's · 40s · Destination Wedding Father of the Groom · $500–$900

Midi A-line dress — Dusty Rose · V-neck, elbow sleeves, from Aritzia

Leather block-heel sandals — Nude · 2-inch heel, ankle strap

Structured clutch — Woven Leather · Brown, gold clasp

Pearl stud earrings — White · 8mm, classic

Cashmere wrap — Light Gray · Draped over shoulders for evening

Gold bangle — Yellow Gold · Thin, stackable

Outfit Board: 60s

Classic Silk and Linen

Women's · 60s · Destination Wedding Father of the Groom · $700–$1,200

Silk crepe sheath dress — Navy · Knee-length, cap sleeves, from Ann Taylor

Linen blazer — Ivory · Unstructured, single-button, worn open

Leather pumps — Nude · Low block heel, pointed toe

Pearl necklace — White · 18-inch strand

Silk pocket square — Navy with white edge · Peeking from blazer pocket

Leather crossbody bag — Tan · Small, with gold hardware

How to Adapt by Age

The shift from 20s to 60s is about formality and fit. For the 20s, opt for unstructured, short-sleeved pieces and casual footwear like driver loafers or sandals—modern and relaxed. In the 40s, a structured suit with a full shirt and leather loafers strikes a balance between polished and comfortable. By the 60s, traditional tailoring with three-piece suits or sheath dresses and closed-toe heels ensures a timeless, dignified appearance that respects the occasion without sacrificing personal style.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Wearing dark, heavy fabrics like wool flannel or velvet—they trap heat and look out of place on a beach or resort.
• Choosing overly casual attire like cargo shorts or flip-flops—even in a tropical setting, a jacket or dress is expected for the father of the groom.
• Ignoring the wedding dress code—if the invitation says "beach formal," a linen suit or midi dress is appropriate, not a tuxedo or a sundress.
• Forgetting to break in shoes—new leather loafers or heels can cause blisters; wear them around the house for a week before the trip.
• Skipping sun protection—a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential; a burnt nose ruins photos and comfort.

FAQ

Can I wear a tuxedo to a destination wedding? Only if the invitation specifies "black tie" or "formal." For most destination weddings, a linen suit or lightweight separates are more appropriate and comfortable.

What color suit is best for a beach wedding? Light beige, sand, light gray, or navy are ideal. Avoid black or charcoal, which absorb heat and clash with the setting.

Should the father of the groom match the groomsmen? No, but coordinate. If the groomsmen wear navy suits, the father can wear light gray or tan. Check with the couple for any color guidelines.

Is it okay to wear shorts as a father of the groom? Generally no, unless the wedding is explicitly "casual" or "beach casual" and the couple approves. A linen suit with no tie is a safer, more respectful choice.

What shoes are appropriate for a destination wedding? Loafers, drivers, or dress sandals for men; block-heel sandals, wedges, or flat sandals for women. Avoid stilettos that sink into sand or grass.

How do I handle a hot climate without sweating through my shirt? Choose linen or cotton voile shirts, wear an undershirt (cotton or moisture-wicking), and consider a lightweight suit with no lining. Stay hydrated and use a handheld fan.

Bottom Line

For a destination wedding in 2027, the father of the groom should prioritize lightweight fabrics, neutral tones, and comfortable footwear that suit the climate and setting. Whether you choose a linen suit from Bonobos or a silk dress from Ann Taylor, the goal is to look polished without overdoing it—respect the couple's vision while staying true to your own style. Plan ahead, break in your shoes, and enjoy the celebration.

*Published June 2027 · Updated June 2027*