The first thing you need to do before picking a fall formal outfit is to check your school’s dress code. Most likely, the dress code is not formal or black-tie, but if it is, what does that mean? Formal dress codes encompass all kinds of dressier options, including dress suits, dinner jackets or tuxedos, so plan to go all out if you’re comfortable with it.
- Black-tie. 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 aren’t super common for Fall formal, but if you like to stand out, this is a unique way to go!
- Semi-formal. Semi-formal outfits are dressier than what a guy might wear to the office but not as dressy as a tux. If you want to look amazing but not go ultra-formal, we’d suggest skipping the tux and opting for one of our Egara suits.
- Dressy casual. Chances are, this will be the dress code for fall formals. Dressy casual can include khakis or even jeans paired with a sport coat or suit jacket.
While guys tend to get off easier than girls with regard to fall formal outfits, some schools may ban certain types of clothing or shoes. For example, your school may prohibit you from wearing sneakers or hats. We don’t want to be responsible for getting you in trouble, but it’s up to you how seriously you want to take the dress code. It’s worth considering that they may not let you in if you don’t follow the code.
The Most Common Fall Formal Outfits for Guys
Now that you’ve thought through the big-picture considerations, it’s time to dive into the details. When planning your look, consider the three most common options outlined below so you know what to look for when you head out to shop for or rent your outfit.
Consider the Theme
You don’t necessarily have to dress in a way that vibes with the theme of the dance, but it can serve as inspo if you’re lost on which direction to take. Some common themes include masquerade, Old Hollywood, fairytale and decade themes. If the theme correlates with a certain time period — say, the ’60s or ’70s — you may want to look online for a look from that period and let that guide you to the right fall formal outfit.
Consider Matching Your Date
There’s one last thing to consider before you dive into the options. Your date may want to coordinate colors or styles, so make sure to talk to them before deciding. Whether you wear a suit or not, it’s common to match your tie, vest, pocket square and other accessories to your date’s dress. If your date is wearing a suit as well, you could go for a matching look or wear two different suit colors with accessories that coordinate.
The Ultra-Formal OG: Tuxedos
Tuxedos are the most formal and dressy option, so they’re ideal for black-tie and formal dress codes. They are typically made of a high-quality material such as wool and are usually worn with a bow tie, a formal shirt and either a vest or cummerbund. Tuxedos have a few fancy trimmings that make them dressier than a typical suit, including satin trimming on the lapels, the sides of the trousers and even the buttons.
Wear this option if you want to:
- Dress as formal as possible
- Want a more classic look
- Wear a bow tie, vest or cummerbund
- Want to wear traditional dress shoes
- Try something you don’t normally wear
- Wear something that matches your date’s look
If you want to keep it classic, we’d recommend going with an all-black tuxedo and pairing it with either a black bow tie and vest or a bow tie and vest that matches your date’s dress. Black and midnight blue are popular colors for fall Formal tuxedos, but those aren’t the only options on the table. Tuxedos come in tons of cool colors — burgundy, white, gray, etc. — and even some patterns. If you want to match your date’s look, consider that we offer bow ties and men’s vests in a huge assortment of colors to keep it coordinated.
Buying vs. Renting Tuxedos
Since you’re not likely to bust out the tux very often, teens typically opt for a homecoming tuxedo rental rather than buying their prom suits. However, if you think you’ll wear it more than once a year, it may be worth your while to buy one to keep in your wardrobe. You never know when you might want to get fancy!
The Effortlessly Cool Option: Dress Suits
Dress suits are another common option for guys going to prom. We’d recommend taking this route if you still want to look dressy but aren’t feeling the vibe of a classic tux. Unlike a tuxedo, fall formal suits don’t necessarily have to be worn with a bow tie and the extra components, such as the vest or cummerbund. It’s perfectly acceptable.
Wear this option if you want to:
- Look great without going ultra-formal
- Wear a necktie rather than a bow tie
- Skip the vest or cummerbund
- Wear brighter colors or patterns
- Prefer a more modern vibe
- Already own a dress suit
How to Wear a Suit
The great thing about the dress suit is that it can be played up or played down, depending on the vibe you’re after. You could take a page out of Terrence J and Rami Malek’s book and rock a brightly colored suit or go classic with a black or midnight blue material. The men’s dress shirt options are virtually limitless as well. Create a modern look and pair your suit with a turtleneck or go classic and wear a crisp white button-up.
The Suave Alternative: Dinner Jackets
In addition to the tux and suit, there’s one other option that you want to keep on the table — the dinner jacket. A favorite among well-dressed guys like Daniel Craig and Jake Gyllenhaal, the dinner jacket has been called “the black-tie must-have for men.” This type of jacket differs from the standard tux or suit jacket in that it traditionally features shawl lapels that curve and have no peaks or notches. Plus, these jackets come in bold prints and patterns rather than the typical black or midnight blue.
Wear this option if you want to:
- Stand out with a fun print or pattern
- Rock a mix-and-match look with pants in a different color
- Skip the vest or cummerbund
- Go for a more modern, suave vibe
- Wear loafers rather than dress shoes
The dinner jacket brings a modern polish with a twist, so it’s perfect for dance-goers who want to stand out and rock a style that matches their adventurous personality. Warm burgundy, unexpected jade green, cool off-white, funky florals or sharp paisley are all on the table for those who want to go the dinner jacket route. Many of the most stylish options are crafted with velvet or jacquard fabric for a little extra texture.
How to Wear a Dinner Jacket as a Suit
You don’t have to wear a vest or cummerbund with the dinner jacket. A bow tie and one of our nice men’s dress shirts will tie it all together. The pants you choose depend entirely on the look you want to achieve. While it’s totally fine to match pants to jacket, it’s common for guys to wear an eye-catching dinner jacket with more subdued, contrast pants. For example, it’s trendy at the moment to rock an eggshell dinner jacket paired with perfectly tailored black pants. Oh, and don’t forget the loafers with no socks!
Buying vs. Renting Dinner Jackets
You can either rent or buy your Dinner jacket. But which is the best option? While guys were once limited only to tux and suit rentals, you’ve now got the option to go the rental route with the dinner jacket as well. If you intend on making this option a part of your wardrobe for the long-term, there’s no shame in buying one either!
We’ve Got You Covered for Fall Formal
Men’s Wearhouse is your one-stop shop for all fall formal outfits, whether you’re looking to rent the perfect tuxedo or buy a suit. No matter which direction you take, you want to make sure you focus on fit. Looking for alternative ways to jazz up your fall formal outfit? Read our guide to what do guys wear to homecoming for more creative and casual ideas!