Choosing the proper prom tuxedos is a major event for most teenage boys, but it is great training for other life events requiring formal wear like funerals and weddings. Here is a guide to selecting prom tuxedos and men’s prom suits for the perfect prom night experience.
Formal Wear 101
Determine the formality of the prom to identify the proper prom tuxedos or men’s prom suits. Is it a formal, semi-formal, creative black tie, or cocktail attire event? Here is a quick guide to decoding etiquette requirements for formal wear for these events.
Formal events require tuxedos for men and cocktail gowns or evening dresses for women. Semi-formal events call for tuxedos or dark suits for men and cocktail gowns for women. Creative black tie events allow more freedom for men to express a signature look by wearing a trendy tie or eclectic bow tie while women wear dresses of varying lengths. Cocktail attire translates to dark suits for men and cocktail dresses for women.
Choosing Prom Clothing
Once the formality of the prom is identified, there are a few other elements to consider. How formal is the date’s outfit? The gentleman matches his formal wear to the level set by his date’s prom clothing. Other items to consider are matching or complementing her color scheme. Is it more cost-effective to rent prom tuxedos or purchase one? Can an existing suit be used as a men’s prom suit?
The benefits of renting prom tuxedos are:
This is usually the less-expensive option for teens having few social occasions requiring formal wear. Tuxedo rental personnel are experts in the formal wear field and have a vast repertoire of advice to offer guys. Renting prom tuxedos is a turn-key purchase with all the accessories available from the same source and rentals are simple, inexpensive, and easy-to-do.
Prom Clothing Accessories
Here are some accessories guys need to consider adding to their formal wear for prom night:
Cummerbunds – these can match the prom tux color to create a monochromatic look or be selected in a color to match or complement the color of his date’s dress.
Cuff links are a must with tuxedos but optional for suits and depends on the cuff style of the shirt.
Bow ties – these prom clothing accessories are available in pre-tied or tie-it-yourself styles and are a great way to express individual style and pizzazz.
Black or white neckties are traditional with prom tuxedos, but matching the tie to a date’s dress color is a way to add a signature look to prom clothing.
Vests are a hot fashion trend for prom clothing and are matched to prom tux color or selected in an interesting texture, fabric or color.
Pocket squares are the epitome of class and elegance and an inexpensive way to complete an outfit and add a dash of color to prom clothing.
Wearing suspenders or braces is an individual decision based on personal preference, but it adds to the overall formal effect and most men look incredibly charming in a pair of braces.
Prom Outfit Finishing Touches
To pull together a finished elegant prom night look, think carefully about footwear. Shoes and sock colors match or complement each other, and the style of the shoe matches the formality of the garment. Sock shades are never lighter than trouser colors.
Here is a list of appropriate shoe styles to pair with prom tuxedos, men’s prom suits, or other prom clothing. They are ranked in order of formality. Opera pumps are always worn with tuxedos. Black tie dress shoes (lace ups) are worn with tuxedos. Oxford dress shoes are appropriate with tuxedos, men’s prom suits, formal wear, and formal suits. Wingtip dress shoes are worn with men’s dress suits or informal prom clothing.
Prom night is an exciting time for teens, and having the proper formal wear builds confidence and self-esteem. By following this simple guide, teens can easily choose the right prom clothing for any type of prom.
Sources:
A Tailored Suit, “Style Guide – Different Types of Dress Shoes”, accessed 3/27/2010
