What to Wear to Prom: Men's Complete Style Guide

Prom is a landmark event where you want to enjoy every moment and not worry whether you’ve chosen the right outfit. To achieve a standout look, it’s essential to have a handle on the subtleties of various prom dress codes and style options.

Prom styles for men can be confusing. Our complete style guide eliminates confusion and gives you the confidence to know when your attire is spot on. We cover everything from tuxedos to modern suits, explain how to coordinate your attire with your date’s, and describe how to accessorize for a polished, exceptional look that’s uniquely yours.

Understanding What Men Wear to Prom

Prom is traditionally a formal event that calls for either a tuxedo or a dark suit. Today, prom attire remains formal but has evolved to allow for more personal expression.

When planning your prom attire, start with the dress code. Then, honor your personal style preferences, your date’s outfit, the prom theme, and the formality of the venue.

The Tie Bar provides every item you’ll need to create the perfect prom ensemble. Whether you’re a traditionalist or prefer a modern vibe, we feature everything from quality neckwear to formal wear and accessories.

Tuxedo vs. Suit: Which is Right for You?

Tuxedos: The tuxedo is the most formal and traditional attire for a prom. Tuxedos have key features that make them elegant and unique, including satin lapels and trousers with no belt loops but with a satin stripe on the outside seam.

A tuxedo will work best for evening proms held at formal venues. Also, if your date will be wearing a formal gown, a tuxedo may be the best choice for a cohesive look and to coincide with the formality of her attire.

Suits: Modern suits are an increasingly popular and versatile option for prom. From traditional styling to modern fit cuts, a suit offers more flexibility in style, color, and pattern than a tuxedo.

Suits work well for afternoon proms and less formal venues. A suit is also a great choice for prom when you want to create a personal look that expresses your taste and style.

The cost-effectiveness of a suit is also important to consider. Investing in a quality suit gives you the opportunity to wear it on a range of occasions long after prom has passed.

A suit also offers terrific flexibility in expanding your wardrobe. The suit jacket can be worn with various styles of pants for a variety of looks. And the suit pants can be worn with a range of dress shirts and sweaters or a vest.

Essential Components of Men’s Prom Attire

The Foundation: Your Jacket and Pants

A well-tailored suit or tuxedo is the cornerstone of prom style. Properly fitted clothing elevates your look and can even transform an average garment into a standout piece. Alternations are critical to a custom-fitted, polished look.

The jacket shoulders should sit naturally on your body. Jacket sleeves should end about an inch past your wrist, allowing about ½" of your shirt cuff to show. The jacket length should cover your seat, and the pants should break slightly at your shoe. A tailor can guide you.

Fine merino worsted wool is a timeless fabric choice for a tuxedo or suit. Mid-weight wool works well for all climates while summer-weight wools have a more open weave for breathability. Wool blends offer a budget-friendly option.

When shopping for a tuxedo or suit, check for the garment’s drape, wrinkle-resistance, sheen, and breathability/warmth. You can create the perfect suit or tuxedo combination with The Tie Bar’s beautifully designed coordinated separates.

Dress Shirts: Classic White or Something Bold?

A crisp, well-fitting dress shirt is essential for prom. Whether you prefer something classic or tastefully eye-catching, dress shirts are available in a range of colors, styles, and fits.

Classic White Shirts: The most traditional and timeless choice for prom is a classic white dress shirt. White will pair perfectly with any suit or tuxedo color and ensure a polished, pulled-together look.

Also, a white shirt will go with any type and color of neckwear. Explore The Tie Bar’s beautiful selection of matching ties for white shirts.

Colored or Patterned Shirts: Colored or patterned shirts work best for less formal proms, a prom where you want to express your taste and personality, or when you want to coordinate with your date’s dress.

Subtle tones like light blue or pale pink and small-scale patterns will provide a more sophisticated look. Overly bold colors and patterns may compete with other elements or awkwardly stand out. Think twice if you’re tempted to go with flashy shirt colors and patterns.

You’ll find a number of handsome matching ties for light blue shirts at The Tie Bar.

Neckwear: Ties, Bow Ties, and Style Statements

Neckwear is a great way to showcase your style and personality while maintaining formal standards.

For Tuxedos: A bow tie is the traditional neckwear for tuxedos. You’ll notice that in any James Bond film, a black bow tie is the epitome of classic elegance and refinement. Patterned or colored bow ties offer a modern flair and a way to express your personality and individual fashion sense.

For Suits: If you’re wearing a suit to prom, silk ties provide a versatile and sophisticated look. Available in a rainbow of color choices, it’s easy to coordinate your date’s dress or the prom theme with a silk tie. Ties with a subtle stripe, paisley, geometric, or floral pattern provide visual interest.

Styling Tips for Different Prom Styles

Classic and Timeless Prom Look

A black or navy suit or tuxedo with a white dress shirt will ensure a classic and timeless prom look. Choose a black silk bow tie to wear with your tux. Go with a classic silk necktie for your suit.

Perfect fit, clean lines, and minimal accessories underscore a classic style. Classic attire photographs beautifully and never looks trendy or dated.

Check out these matching ties for black suits, and matching ties for navy suits.

Modern and Fashion-Forward Prom Style

What do men wear to prom when they want to achieve a stylish modern look? They opt for a slim cut tux or suit and trim fit dress shirt for a modern, contemporary silhouette.

Choose a suit in a trending color like burgundy, forest green, or lighter tones like pewter or dusky blue. Then pair your suit with a patterned or colored skinny tie for added style.

Balance your modern look with a complementary pocket square. Just be sure to stay within formal guidelines while you express your individuality.

Coordinating with Your Date

There are several ways to coordinate your tux or suit with your date’s dress. One method is to select a shirt color, neckwear, or a pocket square that picks up the colors of her dress. For example, your burgundy silk necktie would echo the burgundy of her gown. You can also choose to wear outfits in the same color family, such as his dusky blue suit and her sapphire gown.

Just be sure to discuss color coordinating with your date and come to an agreement before making any purchases. With ties and pocket squares in a myriad of colors, The Tie Bar’s wide selection makes coordination easy.

Prom Theme Considerations

Whether your prom will be a Night in Paris or Enchantment Under the Sea, you can aim for a subtle nod to the theme while still maintaining formal standards. One way is to acknowledge the theme through your accessories. You can reflect the theme via the color or pattern of your neckwear, pocket square, or boutonniere choices.

Avoid wearing costume-like elements. Scarves, pins, hats, or garish colors would overshadow the prom’s formal elegance. Keep your look tasteful and discerning.

Accessories That Complete Your Prom Look

Pocket Squares for Personality

Pocket squares add sophistication and balance to an outfit, pulling together your entire look. For classic elegance, choose a white linen pocket square. To coordinate with your date’s attire, select a pocket square in a color that coordinates with her dress.

You can fold a pocket square in a variety of ways. The presidential fold creates simple elegance while a puff fold provides style and dimension.

Tie Bars and Clips for Polish

A tie bar or clip serves double-duty. It will keep your tie in place during prom activities like dancing, photos, and socializing. Tie bars also provide aesthetic benefits by adding a sleek, refined detail to your outfit.

Place your tie bar between the third and fourth shirt buttons from your collar, approximately at chest height. The tie bar should be about ¾ the width of your tie.

Common Prom Attire Mistakes to Avoid

Assure an enjoyable and memorable prom by avoiding common attire pitfalls:

• Don’t wait until the last minute to shop. Alterations take time.
• Try on your complete outfit several days before the prom. If something is missing or just isn’t right, you’ll have time to make adjustments.
• Avoid matchy-matchy outfits — don’t match all your pieces and don’t exactly match your date’s colors.
• Avoid clashing, garish, and uber-bold colors and accessories.
• Don’t forget about comfort. Make sure your shoes are broken in, your collar fits correctly, and your well-tailored suit or tux fits comfortably.
• Avoid budget mistakes. Don’t overspend on an outfit that you’ll wear only one time. Invest in quality pieces that can be worn in the future.
• Don’t sacrifice fit for price. Alterations are worth the investment.

Shop Prom Essentials at The Tie Bar

For an outstanding prom look, feel confident by selecting a tux or suit that aligns with your prom’s dress code. Then decide if you want to go with a classic, traditional look or a trendy modern vibe. Once you decide on style, make sure your garments are properly tailored for a great fit, then choose accessories that balance and complete your look.

Everything you need for prom can be found at The Tie Bar. We offer quality suits and a smashing tux along with a range of handsome dress shirts. Our beautiful neckwear, pocket squares, and tie bars add the finishing touch for effortless prom style.

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