Since there will be a ton of pictures taken on the night of prom, you’ll want to ensure that your formal prom attire is on point. Wearing a black-tie prom tuxedo or a formal prom suit is one way to establish your fashion savviness while achieving a dapper look. Ensuring your prom suit or tux matches your date’s prom dress or coordinates with your group will instantly take your look, and the pictures, to a whole new level. While what to wear to prom can vary depending upon your plans to attend prom solo, with a group of friends, or with your high school sweetheart, looking and feeling your best is key to having a great time.
If you are going with a date or a group of friends, ask their opinion on the matter of formal prom attire. Wearing a prom suit or tux that coordinates with a date’s prom dress or that matches the attire of people you are attending prom with is the perfect way to tell the room, “I am with them.” If you’ve opted to attend prom solo, your options for what to wear to prom are endless and can really highlight your personal style. Most important, you want to be comfortable and confident at prom, so wear the prom suit or prom tux that is best suited for you. Whether you’re looking for a tux or want to ensure that your date’s prom tux will match your formal prom attire, this section of the Prom Guide provides advice on how to select a prom suit or tux for prom that will achieve a polished look and coordinate well with a prom dress.
What Are the Parts of a Tuxedo for Prom?
The typical tuxedo is a five-piece formal suit, comprised of a jacket, a dress shirt, cumme*rbund or vest, bow tie or long tie, and pants. For the jacket, standard black is a crisp clean look that is flattering with any other accent colors. A silver or gray tux is a sleek and modern option. The shirt should be tailored to create a custom fit and can have traditional pleats or not, per personal preference. Shirt cuffs are usually either French or barrel style. Barrel cuffs are the traditional look that most people are experienced with in normal button-up dress shirts. French cuffs are folded back, creating a fancy double-layered look. Shirt collars can vary as well, but are usually dictated by the type of tuxedo selected. Wing-tipped or lay-down collars are the most common, with wing-tipped typically being the fancier of the two options.
When choosing a tie for prom, you can opt for the traditional bow tie or select a long necktie, as either is appropriate for prom. For cumme*rbund or vest, basic black is always in style and creates a cohesive look when paired with almost any color. Bow ties, long neckties, cumme*rbunds, and vests are now offered in a wide variety of color options to match the prom dress. A pocket square is another unique way to add a pop of color to the look, while maintaining an ultra-stylish formal vibe.
Last, but not least, are the shoes. Although not considered part of the tuxedo, they are definitely a necessity and can really set off your prom style. Typically, shiny black dress shoes are the most popular option for prom. However, fashion trendsetters can let their fashion savvy shine with a contemporary look, color, or style that highlights their vibrant personalities.
What Color Tux and Accessories Should I Wear to Prom?
Coordinating the tuxedo color and tux accessories is a sure-fire way to achieve a polished look for prom. Whether it’s matching the formal accessories to the tuxedo color or the color of a date’s prom dress, this simple step can make a world of difference in those prom pictures. Get a formal black-tie vibe by pairing a black bow tie, cumme*rbund, or low-cut vest with the classic look of a black tux and white shirt. For a fun, stylish vibe, add a pop of color with a unique bow tie, vest, or even pocket square. This is the perfect way to coordinate with a specific prom dress color and create a cohesive-looking couple. Whether choosing to match the accessories to the color of the tuxedo or to the color of a date’s prom dress, remember that a smile is always the best accessory one can wear.
Can Girls Wear a Tux to Prom?
Suits and tuxedos aren’t just for the boys anymore. Trendsetters have shown that anyone can sport a tux at prom. Today’s suits for women are incredibly stylish. Impeccably tailored and anything but basic, the modern trend of wearing a suit or tux to prom allows you the freedom to showcase your chic fashion style. A tuxedo for prom or a prom suit is easy to accessorize, decreases the risk of potential wardrobe malfunctions, and features pockets. And really, who doesn’t love pockets?
Should I Rent or Buy
Since you’re young and still growing, it’s best to rent a tux for prom. Be sure to visit the local formal attire rental store early so that you can reserve your prefered tuxedo or the color needed to match your date. Remember, the closer it gets to prom night, the fewer options you’ll have to choose from at the rental shop, so it’s best to be prepared and shop early. There are also several pros to renting a tuxedo for prom. You’ll be able to get all of the pieces for your prom attire in one place. From the essentials like the jacket, shirt, and pants, to details like ties and cufflinks, the convenience of one-stop shopping is hard to beat. Better yet, when prom is over, you just place all of the items back in the rental bag and return them, so there’s no need to even launder the garments!
FAQs
If the dress code explicitly states that you must wear black-tie apparel, you're going to want to wear a tuxedo with a bow tie. Tuxes are super common at prom, so you won't feel out of place if you go this route regardless of if the dress code is black-tie or semi-formal.
Do guys wear tuxedos to prom in 2024? ›
As Prom 2024 approaches, the excitement is palpable, and the anticipation of what everyone will be wearing is at its peak. From the modern flair of shiny suits and bold colors, to the allure of classic tuxes and dinner jackets, this year's prom trends are all about making a statement that's true to you.
Is it okay for a girl to wear a suit to prom? ›
The best prom suits for women are a great alternative to dresses and can help you stand out in a crowd full of gowns on the big night. Aside from being a unique choice (which adds to the cool factor), prom suits are also comfy to wear.
What is the best color combo for prom suits? ›
Usually, you can't go wrong with neutral-toned pieces, such as gray, black, or navy. If you're looking for something more daring, opt for nontraditional colors or bold patterns, such as plaid or paisleys. Either way, ensure that whatever you select coordinates with your date's color scheme.
Does formal attire mean tuxedo or suit? ›
The tuxedo is typically considered more formal than another kind of suit and is often required for the most formal occasions, such as weddings and white tie events. Because tuxedos are usually more expensive than suits and worn less often, people will typically rent a tuxedo only when they need one.
What is formal dress code for prom? ›
Prom is a formal event and you are expected to wear formal attire. Formal prom attire may be classified as a dress, tuxedo, dress suit, including a tie or bow tie, a dress shirt, which may include a vest or cumme*rbund, and dress shoes. Dresses may be strapless (if they fit properly) or include spaghetti straps.
Do boys wear tuxedos to prom anymore? ›
Most proms have a black-tie dress code, which means you should wear a tuxedo. In some invitations it is even strictly mentioned that tuxedos should be worn. In that case it's best to adhere to the dress code.
What are guys supposed to wear to prom? ›
Q: Do I need to wear a tuxedo to prom, or is a suit acceptable? A: While a tuxedo is the traditional choice for prom, a well-fitted suit can also be a stylish option for a semi-formal or co*cktail attire event. Consider factors such as personal preference, dress code, and budget when making your decision.
What do guys wear to prom besides a tux? ›
There are several options available for men, including tuxedos, suits, and even casual outfits. Tuxedos are usually considered formal wear and are typically worn with a bow tie or necktie. Suits are slightly less formal but still appropriate for a prom setting; they come in a variety of styles and colors.
What is inappropriate for prom? ›
o Prom attire should reflect more a formal family occasion (like a wedding) rather than a night on the town or at a dance club. o Dresses that are too revealing, are skin tight or form-fitting, expose midriffs or cleavage, or are too short in length are not appropriate.
A bow tie (for tuxedos or a fun take on a suit), classic neckties, and pocket squares should be your go-to place to add some color and fun to your all-black prom suit look. You can opt for something bold and solid in color, like our go-to emerald green or burgundy ties, or pick something lighthearted and fun.
Can I wear a suit instead of a dress to prom? ›
Unless your prom has a black tie dress code (learn more about that here), you'll still look formal enough for prom if you wear the right suit.
What is the most formal suit color? ›
Black is the most formal men's suit color. It's perhaps the most appropriate color for weddings and funerals because it's classic and respectful. For your next event, try on Samuelsohn's Black Ice Wool Suit or Black Ice Wool Notch Tuxedo - Classic Fit.
What color do most girls wear to prom? ›
A wide range of colors are popular at proms, and it really depends on personal preference. That being said, red, light blue, periwinkle, pink, and black are big right now. Red is a universally flattering hue that looks great on all skin tones, while pink can add a cheerful touch to any look.
What do you wear to prom a suit or tux? ›
Unless your prom has a strict dress code, you'll have the choice between wearing a suit and a tuxedo. So what's the deal – they're both pretty smart, right? Yes, but put simply, one is more formal than the other. The main difference is satin: tuxedo jackets have it and suit jackets generally don't.
What is inappropriate for a prom dress? ›
o Dresses that are too revealing, are skin tight or form-fitting, expose midriffs or cleavage, or are too short in length are not appropriate.
Is it okay for a girl to wear a tuxedo? ›
Tuxes are more versatile than you think
There are so many different ways you can wear it depending on the occasion and what you want to say. You can wear a tux jacket, with a vest, Levi's 501s and Converse – that's a fantastic look. Or with a Victorian lace blouse under a beautiful tux, or with a classic silk shirt.”
What kind of suit do you wear to prom? ›
A prom suit is ideal if you want a smart and modern look on the big night. Choose either a 2- or 3-piece suit (a waistcoat being the third piece), and what colour and cut you want: either skinny, slim or tailored. You can go for colour, texture or even a classic black prom suit, depending on your taste.
