The first thing you need to do before picking a \u2019fit is to check your school\u2019s prom dress code. Most likely, the dress code is formal or black-tie, but what does that mean? Formal dress codes encompass all kinds of dressier options, including dress suits, dinner jackets or tuxedos. Typically, prom dress codes are a bit dressier than homecoming or winter formal, so plan to go all out if you\u2019re comfortable with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Black-tie.<\/strong> If the dress code explicitly states that you must wear black-tie apparel, you\u2019re going to want to wear a tuxedo with a bow tie<\/a>. Tuxes are super common at prom, so you won\u2019t feel out of place if you go this route regardless of if the dress code is black-tie or semi-formal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Featured: Pronto Uomo Bow Tie Pocket Square Set<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Semi-formal. <\/strong>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 put together but not go ultra-formal, we\u2019d suggest skipping the tux and opt for one of our suits<\/a> or vests<\/a>. Dinner jackets are also an ideal option for semi-formal dress codes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
![\"what](\"https:\/\/www.menswearhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/what-do-guys-wear-to-prom-vest.jpg\")
Featured: Egara Skinny Fit Suit Separates Vest<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Dressy casual. <\/strong>Dressy casual can include khakis or even dark-wash jeans paired with a sport coat<\/a> or suit jacket. Style it with a button down shirt or even a crewneck T-shirt for a stylish casual prom look.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Featured: Calvin Klein Slim Fit Sport Coat<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consider the Theme<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You don\u2019t necessarily have to dress in a way that vibes with the theme of the dance, but it can serve as inspo if you\u2019re 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 \u2014 say, the \u201980s or \u201990s \u2014 check out our guide to the best Y2K and 90s prom looks <\/a>to take inspiration from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Consider Matching Your Date<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s 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. If you wear a tux or a three-piece suit, it\u2019s common to match your tie, vest, pocket square and other accessories <\/a>to your date\u2019s dress. Navy is one of the most popular prom dress colors to wear and if that’s what your date is wearing, we’ve got you sorted! Check out our guide on What Color Tux To Match A Navy Prom Dress<\/a> for specific ideas on how to complement her outfit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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What To Wear To Prom Guys<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Now that you\u2019ve thought through the big-picture considerations, it\u2019s time to dive into the details. When planning your look for prom, 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. The Ultra-Formal OG: Tuxedos<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Prom tuxedos<\/a> are the most formal and dressy option, so they\u2019re 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>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.menswearhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/MWTSP20_PROM_PSL_FML_1859_MAIN@1x.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nWear this option if you want to:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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- Dress as formal as possible<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Want a more classic look<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Try something you don\u2019t normally wear<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wear something that matches your date\u2019s look<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Featured: Calvin Klein Black Satin Edged Notch Lapel Tux<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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If you want to keep it classic, we\u2019d recommend going with an all-black tuxedo<\/a> and pairing it with either a black bow tie and vest or a bow tie and vest that matches your date\u2019s dress. Black and midnight blue are popular colors for prom tuxedos, but those aren\u2019t the only options on the table. Tuxedos come in tons of cool colors \u2014 burgundy, white, gray, etc. \u2014 and even some patterns. If you want to match your date\u2019s look, consider that we offer bow ties and men\u2019s vests in a huge assortment of colors to keep it coordinated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Buying vs. Renting Tuxedos<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Since you\u2019re not likely to bust out the tux very often, prom-goers typically opt for the tuxedo rental rather than buying their own. However, if you think you\u2019ll 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nRent Your Prom Tuxedo<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. The Effortlessly Cool Option: Suits<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Suits are another common option for guys going to prom. We\u2019d recommend taking this route if you still want to look dressy but aren\u2019t feeling the vibe of a classic tux. Unlike a tuxedo, prom suits<\/a> don\u2019t necessarily have to be worn with a bow tie and the extra components, such as the vest or cummerbund. It\u2019s perfectly acceptable to wear a necktie <\/a>with a dress suit rather than a bow tie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nWear this option if you want to:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Look great without going ultra-formal<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wear a necktie rather than a bow tie<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Buy your prom look rather than rent<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wear brighter colors or patterns<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Prefer a more modern vibe<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Already own a dress suit<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
![\"what](\"https:\/\/www.menswearhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/what-to-wear-to-prom-guys-blue-suit-separates-coat.jpg\")
Featured: Egara Skinny Fit Suit Separates Coat<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n How to Wear a Suit<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The great thing about a suit is that it can be played up or played down, depending on the vibe you\u2019re after. You could take a page out of Terrence J and Rami Malek\u2019s book and rock a brightly colored suit or go classic with a black or midnight blue material. Our men\u2019s dress shirt<\/a> 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 shirt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Buying vs. Renting Suits<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
You can either rent or buy your prom suit<\/a>. But which is the best option? Chances are, you\u2019ll have more occasions throughout your life to wear a dress suit. For that reason, you may want to consider investing in a solid suit to wear to prom and having it professionally tailored to you rather than renting one. This will ensure that you always have something nice to wear. With that said, renting is more cost-effective, so you can totally go the rental route if you prefer to save a little cash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nShop Prom Packages Here<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. The Suave Alternative: Dinner Jackets<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In addition to the tux and suit, there\u2019s one other option that you want to keep on the table \u2014 the dinner jacket<\/a>. A favorite among well-dressed guys like Daniel Craig and Jake Gyllenhaal, the dinner jacket has been called \u201cthe<\/em> black-tie must-have for men.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"what](\"https:\/\/www.menswearhouse.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/what-do-guys-wear-to-prom-egara-slim-fit-shawl-lapel-dinner-jacket.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nWear this option if you want to:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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- Stand out with a fun print or pattern<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Rock a mix-and-match look with pants in a different color<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Skip the vest or cummerbund<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Go for a more modern, suave vibe<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wear loafers rather than dress shoes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Featured: Egara Slim Fit Shawl Lapel Dinner Jacket<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dinner jacket brings a modern polish with a twist, so it\u2019s perfect for prom-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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Wear a Dinner Jacket<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
You don\u2019t have to wear a vest or cummerbund with the dinner jacket. A bow tie and one of our nice men\u2019s dress shirts will tie it all together. The pants you choose depend entirely on the look you want to achieve. While it\u2019s totally fine to match pants to jacket, it\u2019s common for guys to wear an eye-catching dinner jacket with more subdued, contrast men’s dress pants<\/a>. Oh, and don\u2019t forget the loafers <\/a>with no socks!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Buying vs. Renting Dinner Jackets<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
While guys were once limited only to tux and suit rentals, you\u2019ve now got the option to rent dinner jackets<\/a> as well. If you intend on making this option a part of your wardrobe for the long-term, there\u2019s no shame in buying one either! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ve Got You Covered for Prom<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
- Dressy casual. <\/strong>Dressy casual can include khakis or even dark-wash jeans paired with a sport coat<\/a> or suit jacket. Style it with a button down shirt or even a crewneck T-shirt for a stylish casual prom look.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Semi-formal. <\/strong>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 put together but not go ultra-formal, we\u2019d suggest skipping the tux and opt for one of our suits<\/a> or vests<\/a>. Dinner jackets are also an ideal option for semi-formal dress codes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n