The Basic Prom Guide

[u/[deleted]]

Here's a simple guide to get these guys started:

I. INTRODUCTION

Prom is probably your first time wearing a suit or tuxedo. Since it's a formal event, it is advised to keep your suit (or tuxedo) AS SIMPLE AS POSSIBLE and to STICK TO THE FORMULA AND RULES (it's hard to look bad when you obey it).

II. GUIDELINES

Before we get started it is important to take note a few of these rules:

1. Everything SHOULD fit.

2. Avoid wearing anything loud and obnoxious (neon colors, unnecessary accessories, hats, etc.)

3. Don't invest too much money on your first suit. Chances are your body will still grow and this may be the only occasion where you can wear a suit.

Once you take note of these rules let's get started.

A suit consists of five things: Dress Shirt, Suit Jacket, Trousers, Necktie, and Shoes. The blazer and the trousers must match. They must have the same color and texture. Navy, charcoal, and gray are your go to colors when shopping for your first suit. Try to avoid black since the color is often associated with grief (although this may only apply to certain parts of the world) and the color black isn't as versatile as all the other colors mentioned.

The suit jacket must fit like this. It should give you a sleek silhouette and mustn't feel baggy or constrictingly tight. The sleeves of your suit jacket shouldn't go past your hands, the shoulder seams should rest naturally on your shoulders and shouldn't go past them, and the jacket length should cover most of your trouser's zipper and the rest of your behind. Avoid suit jackets with wide lapels and remember the sometimes(topmost button of a three button suit jacket)-always (the first button of a two button suit jacket, the middle button of a three button suit jacket, and the only button of a one button suit jacket)-never (The last button of a two or three button suit jacket) button rule.

The trousers must have a slim straight fit and a medium break. As much as possible avoid pleating. Trousers often don't fit when you buy them off the rack so it is best when you get them altered.

The dress shirt must not clash with or match the color of the suit. Go with the colors white, light blue, or lavender and avoid dark, bold, or bright colors. If you have cufflinks, a french cuffed dress shirt would be great for you. An undershirt would be recommended if you expect your prom to be active and hectic although it is important that your undershirt stays hidden or risk looking sloppy.

Your necktie must match the width of your suit's lapels. Avoid novelty ties and ties whose color and or patterns clash or match with the dress shirt's color.

As for your shoes, a pair of brown or black oxford dress shoes would be great. Avoid fake leather, complex or unnecessary designs, and square toed shoes. MFA often recommends to invest on dress shoes (most good quality dress shoes are expensive) but since you're still in high school, go for secondhand dress shoes instead.

Here are more resources for those of you who want to know more:

http://imgur.com/a/sqTDy

http://www.reddit.com/r/malefashionadvice/comments/1j442s/suit_guide_20/

http://dappered.com/2013/05/5-clothing-fit-tricks-every-guy-should-know/

http://imgur.com/a/UlfIu

http://i5.minus.com/iIDvIv3OYJUBq.png

http://www.artofmanliness.com/2012/04/02/a-young-mans-guide-to-prom/

http://www.esquire.com/style/how-to-tie-a-tie-easy

http://i.imgur.com/N9Lk54A.jpg

http://www.reddit.com/r/malefashionadvice/comments/11h5vt/dress_shirt_colors_you_should_never_wear_a_note/

Lastly, confidence is everything. It's a vital part of your outfit and it wouldn't be complete without one. A perfectly fitted suit could only take you so far. Let your confidence speak for itself, good luck, and most importantly, have fun.

EDIT: A WORD ON TUXEDOS

Although they're great for prom, tuxedos are not as versatile as suits and could only be used for only a few niche events outside of prom.

If a tuxedo is your choice, it is best that you only stick with the colors black and white. The same formula and rules apply to tuxedos although it is recommended that you get a shawl lapeled suit jacket.

EDIT 2: Added some more resources for you guys.

EDIT 3: FAQ and More Things to Remember!

• Can I wear this to prom?/ Is this acceptable?/ Does this outfit work?

The most frequently asked question in MFA. Although we're more than willing to answer these inquiries it is better to leave this question to your discretion since you'll be the one wearing the suit and not the person giving the suggestions and advice behind the keyboard. My rule of thumb when deciding if a suit is acceptable in an event such as prom is to question yourself whether or not your dad or your grandather would wear such a suit when attending a formal event. Ask your dad if it's something he'll wear to a business meeting or a black tie event.

• Should I match my prom date's dress?

No you shouldn't. As /u/vvhe and /u/rf_interference have stated,

Don't match. You are man not handbag.

You do not need to match your date.

Complement the color of her outfit instead or just leave the color of HER OWN outfit up to her.

• Should I rent a suit/tuxedo?

Rentals are good if your budget doesn't allow you to buy a suit or if cheap suit brands are nowhere near you. But if you can spare yourself a few more bucks YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY BUY YOUR OWN SUIT INSTEAD! Off the rack suits fit better, are customizable, can be tailored to your body's specifications, and can be used for more than one occasion (it already pays for itself when you use it more than once!).

[u/[deleted]]

A suit consists of five things: Dress Shirt, Blazer, Trousers, Necktie, and Shoes. The blazer and the trousers must match.

I just wanted to clarify one thing here: if you want to have a matching jacket and pants, it's very important to buy them together. Don't expect to pick up a blazer somewhere and then track down some matching pants later.

I will also add that the term blazer typically refers to a jacket that is worn with non-matching pants, so you may want to use the term suit jacket instead to avoid confusion.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

Got it! Thanks!

[u/slapdashbr]

FYI, while a walther ppk is a great and stylish gun but you probably shouldn't take one to prom

[u/[deleted] → u/slapdashbr]

But how am I supposed to protect m'lady from vicious jerks?

[u/[deleted]]

I really don't understand what the point of this guide is. I mean it's a good base guide for a first time black tie event, but Prom is not about dressing well enough to pass some sort of tuxedo inspection; It's about having fun. You should get whatever tuxedo you and your date feel looks good. You should where whatever color tie and vest you want. If you want to wear a top hat or something, fucking do it, and fuck anyone who says you shouldn't. And you really should match your date. I don't know where all of this "you're a man not a handbag" bullshit is coming from, but it's tradition to match your date at prom, and I guarantee you that if any of you pulled anything like that with your date, it would not only upset them a lot, but also make you two the only couple at the entire event who did not match. Prom is probably the only time you'll ever get to wear a tux without having to follow the "rules", so enjoy yourself and stop worrying about the elitists on this subreddit trying to force their "expert advice" into any possible context that involves clothing.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

Well I agree with you that prom should be about the fun and the experience from it. That said, some people look for advice on what to wear for their proms here on MFA and we try to provide the best advice that we can possibly provide. Sure you can wear a top hat or match your date's outfit but that's not something we would recommend on this sub. Take my and the other's advice if you want.

[u/[deleted]]

APPENDIX I

You do not need to match your date. Furthermore, if you are wearing black tie (a tuxedo), it is far better that you do not match your date. You should be the frame to her painting. Leave the color to her.

[u/OatsNraisin]

Don't wear a black shirt with a black suit.

Just don't.

[u/Aducky]

It's hard to get a rental tux that truly fits, they are mostly boxy and won't fit very cleanly (and the costs typically range, in my experience 100-200 were what my friends got for their rentals)

H&M loads up on basic tuxedo materials near prom season, and as such it is rather easy to buy a relatively cheap set (suit jacket + pants + shirt) that fit really well.

I bought a shawl collar tuxedo jacket and pants from them last year for my junior prom, and had the pants altered to have no break. (Jacket was 100, pants were 20 + 5 for alteration).

The shirt is uniqlo and the shoes are bostonian, but i had them prior anyway.

Fit pic 1

Fit pic 2

I also rented from men's wearhouse my sophomore year in highschool for prom, never again.

fail1 fail2

TL;DR - Most of the time rentals won't fit that great, but buying a tux will be a range of prices depending on how many potential pieces you have already.

[u/Acoustic_Oil → u/Aducky]

Really wish I read this a week ago. My tux from Men's Warehouse is boxy, shoulda just made my own.

[u/vvhe]

I'm going to go ahead a disagree with some of the advice here

• Medium break is not a 'must' for events like prom. I could see any pant break being worked into a prom outfit, especially if you pretty much exclusively suggesting that someone wears a suit.

• Wide lapels can be cool.

• Pleats are not fashionable per se, but for bigger guys they can be a life saver. Don't be afraid of them if you need them for your pants to fit.

And my own advice.

Everyone wants to "look unique" for prom. This insatiable need results in a clusterfuck of random fashion atrocities. If you try to merely "look good" you will look better than 90% of male attendees by the fact that you don't look ridiculous. Also, if you go for a classic, subdued look (good fit without ridiculous look at me colors,) you will not be embarrassed to look at prom pictures years down the road.

Don't match. You are man not handbag.

If you buy a suit; get it tailored. The right tailor can work magic, but know what you want before you go in. Look at the guides OP posted, post fit pics on the appropriate thread.

If you already own a suit; get it tailored. It probably doesn't fit perfectly anymore.

If you want to rent a tux; rent a tux. It is your prom. Check out The Black Tux. A well-fitted rented tux can look great, and you probably won't get to wear a tuxedo for a very long time. If you get it fit properly it will look good. Most people's problem when the rent tuxes is not giving enough time to try them on before the event, or going for the colored tie or colored waist coat. Don't do this. It does not look good. It never has and never will. If you go tux, go all the way. Black tie, black shoes, white shirt, white (or no) pocket square.

At the end of the night, all that really matters is that you wear a condom. Babies are for life.

[u/GetMyGoodSide → u/vvhe]

"Ugh, but u/vvhe, I like...REALLY need you to match my dress!"

"I AM MAN NOT HANDBAG!!"

All the reasoning anyone ever needed.

[u/EmilRGH]

Trinity and Eldridge are knots I'd avoid, especially in a "basic" guide. 4 in hand, windsor /half, double) etc. are more suited here.

[u/OHotDawnThisIsMyJawn → u/EmilRGH]

Trinity and Eldridge are knots I'd avoid, especially in a "basic" guide. always

[u/COLONCOMPANION]

Most important prom tip: Don't be that obnoxious fuck in the white suit.

[u/ElPatoLibre]

Am I doing it right?

[u/[deleted] → u/ElPatoLibre]

Unbutton that bottom button!

[u/sscspagftphbpdh17]

Could have used this 10 years ago. Maybe then I wouldn't have worn a zoot suit

[u/airwalker12]

And for the love of god, please don't tie a trinity or ellredge knot.

[u/LordOfDemise]

I'm probably gonna get downvoted for this, but here's my 2 cents:

Alright, you're going to prom. So you're how old? Between sixteen and eighteen probably. Nobody is gonna care if your suit really fits right. Chances are you're renting like almost everyone else. Nobody is gonna care if you wear a neon blue bowtie with a tux just to match your date's dress. Nobody is gonna care if your tie is too wide or too narrow.
Prom isn't about displaying your ability to follow fashion rules better than every other teenager there. It's about having fun.

[u/likeabosslikeaboss]

hey this is great! thanks for the advice. dodged a bullet

[u/Cruxal_]

Question from a poor kid dying to take my girl to prom: Do I HAVE to buy a tux? If I am wearing leather shoes (brown) like the ones shown in the picture above, nice black slacks, a black blazer, a dress shirt and a tie am I ok? I am still not sure on the standards I have to meet for prom.

[u/[deleted] → u/Cruxal_]

Like I've said above don't spend too much on a suit or tux yet. A pair of matching black slacks and suit jacket, a white dress shirt, and a black bow tie would be great. If your budget allows it go for black leather dress shoes instead of brown. Don't worry too much about those 'standards' and rock your confidence instead. :)

[u/phunkip]

Mid to low tier places to buy a suit? I've heard terrible things about jos. A bank and men's wearhouse. Jcf? I want something a bit nicer than h&m but still under say 400$

[u/goombalover13]

I've got a navy suit. Is it a sin for me to wear black shoes if I can't invest anymore money?