Outfits for the Lads
Whatever you do, don’t listen to your Dad when he says “I’ve got a dinner jacket, you can wear that.” That’s the time to smile,leave and go to the suit hire shop to talk to people who know how to make you look fantastic.
Trust us – it might have looked great on your Dad ten years ago, but won’t suit you today.
Everyone seems to talk about prom dresses when it comes to prom outfits, but don’t just assume that as one of the boys you can get off lightly. There are a lot of details that can make or break your outfit, so if you want to dress to impress, get the skinny on what makes up the traditional “black tie” outfit here, and then follow our top tips.
The anatomy of the formal black tie ensemble
Tie
The traditional black tie of the name is a bowtie, and yes, you guessed it, black. You can get pre-tied, clip on or loose bow ties. Don’t go for a clip on – it’ll look naff when it flies off in the middle of the dance floor. Choose either the pre-tied (which is attached to a band worn under the shirt collar), or the loose. The pre-tied is nice and easy, but the loose ties do look cool late on in the evening when you untie them for that ruffled, casual “I’ve had a great time” look. But be warned they are hard to tie, so if there isn’t anyone at home who knows how to tie a bowtie properly, you’ll have to learn. As prom outfits can be slightly less formal, a normal tie can be worn instead of a bow tie.
Dinner jacket
This usually has black satin lapels, distinguishing it from a standard jacket. Prom dinner jackets can be a bit more daring, with edging around the lapel in a different colour to match the waistcoat. Only wear one like that if you’re comfortable with attention and can pull it off.
Trousers
These have a black satin stripe that run down the outer edge of the legs, and pressed in crease down the front. Don’t worry, it looks good on this type of trousers.
Shirt
Usually white – though if you want togo for the rebel / rock star look, try a black shirt with a white tie. The collar changes depending on what kind of tie you want to wear; you need a “wing collar” shirt if you want to wear a bow tie. Formal shirts usually require cufflinks.
Waistcoat
Not compulsory, but a waistcoat can look really good. Leave the bottom button undone (it’s a tradition handed down from the upper classes of yesteryear).
Cummerbund
This is by far the most silly name of any garment, it’s effectively a wide strip or sash of fabric that’s pleated and worn around the waist. It’s also optional if you’re not wearing a waistcoat. If you have a waistcoat, don’t worry about one of these.
Top tips for looking razor sharp
Don’t forget the shoes! It’s easy to assume that any old pair of black shoes will do – they won’t. Nothing lets a smart outfit down more than a scruffy pair of school shoes. When you’re hiring your outfit, try on hire shoes too – not only will they look great, they’ll be shined for you. Hire an outfit all together. Don’t just get a jacket and think it’ll go with the black trousers you have at home. It won’t – black fabric is incredibly hard to match, so hire all of the pieces as a set to look slick.
Only one colour
If you want to wearcolourful accessories, only choose one colour; don’t have a coloured tie, then a waistcoat in another colour. Different shades of the same colour can work if selected carefully.
If you want to wear a suit
If you can’t see yourself in black tie, you could always wear a suit, but it has to be really smart. Again, considering hiring one after being professionally measured up for it, it makes all the difference. If you can afford it, buy a high quality suit – you’ll need it for interviews anyway.
The sock issue
There is only one rule: never wear white socks with black shoes.
And for extra boyfriend / partner points
Coordinate your accessories with your partner’s dress. So if she’s wearing red, get a red waistcoat. It can be tricky if she’s wearing a particularly girly colour (lime green or hot pink anyone?) so you might want to negotiate in those circumstances.
