Prom suits and beyond: Moss' men’s prom guide
Featuring everything you need to know about prom.
Need help with your prom outfit this year? From fabric, to fit, all the way to how to tie a Windsor knot, here’s how to make prom a night to remember. We'll help you prep for your prom like a pro and impress your friends when you hit the red carpet. Learn how to pick out the right prom suit for men in the perfect cut, and how to ace your shoes and accessories; our men’s prom outfits guide is a one-stop-shop to looking sharp from head to toe.
CONTENTS:
Prom suit, tux or blazer?
Unless your prom has a strict dress code, you should be able to choose between a suit, a tuxedo or a blazer and trousers. Here’s what you should be looking at:
Prom suit
A prom suit is a good choice if you want a smart, 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 slim, tailored, regular or relaxed. You can go for colour, texture or even a classic black prom suit, depending on your taste.
Our tailored fit light blue linen is a great choice for the summer months; it feels fresher than a classic navy suit, and with the matching waistcoat, you'll look extra put together. Add a tonal tie and a pocket square to finish off your look – perhaps in the same colour as your date’s outfit? And, in the years following, this suit can be dusted down and worn again for a summer wedding.
Tuxedo
Defined by sleek satin lapels, a wing-collar shirt and bow tie, the tuxedo – as seen above – channels old-school style. Much like a suit, slim, tailored and regular variations of the tux mean that men of all sizes and tastes can pull it off, while a pair of black patent shoes, silver cufflinks and a smart dress watch often get paired with this to complete the polished look.
Ou regular fit tux would look great at prom. Its sharp cut creates a modern, streamlined silhouette, while the satin shawl lapel adds vintage-style charm.
Blazer
The blazer (basically a suit-style jacket) can instantly transform a shirt and chinos combo into a prom outfit. Often available in a bolder range of colours than a standard suit jacket, they also tend to be cut more casually.
An example would be pairing a burgundy velvet jacket with a crisp white shirt, matching bow tie and sharp black chinos. This way you’re keeping to the dress code but putting your own spin on it.
Choose your fit
For a suit to look good and feel comfortable, you have to match it to your body type. So, which would you fit best: slim, tailored, regular or relaxed?
Slim fit
Defined by a narrow fit around the shoulder, chest, waist and sleeve, the slim fit look is finished off with tapered trouser legs to create a sharp, modern silhouette. It’s a look that works well for men with a slight, slim or medium build.
Tailored/regular fit
The tailored or regular fit is a great way to accentuate your frame, while still leaving room to breathe. Defined by a jacket that’s gently cinched at the waist and has classic lapels, the trousers are tapered for a polished look. Ideal for guys with a slim, regular or large build, it’s a style that has wide appeal.
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Relaxed fit
Slightly dropped shoulders and a boxier cut through the torso create an easy, slouchy profile, while the trousers have been widened for a straighter fall that puddles at the shoes. This is our most generous fit yet - roomy, laid-back, and designed for a looser, more comfortable feel.
If you’re still not quite sure about your size and ideal cut, why not try our Custom Made service? You can select your fit, colour and lining, but you can also have a unique. personalised message embroidered on the inside to make it truly yours.
Just drop in to see us in store, and one of our suit experts will get you measured so your custom suit fits the very best it can.
Should I go for a two-piece or three-piece suit?
Both two- or three-piece suits give you a distinct look. Here’s our take on each to help you choose.
Three is the magic number?
A three-piece suit is just like a normal two-piece but has a waistcoat. More formal than a two-piece but less so than a dinner suit, it takes a classic, refined look to the next level.
If you’re looking to channel a touch of old-school charm, or want to echo Ryan Gosling or Bradley Cooper (who are often seen in three-piece suits), perhaps three is the magic number.
Double trouble
Alternatively, the freedom of a two-piece suit may be more your thing. By ditching the waistcoat it’s easier to go loud with coloured or patterned shirts and ties.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, actors Timothée Chalamet and Michael B. Jordan always pull off two-pieces like pros.
What colour suit should I choose?
Moss' picks for prom
Do you go for classic black, blue or grey, or switch things up with a daring colour scheme? Let’s explore your options.
Back to brown
Sure, black suits offer classic sophistication, but how about adding a contemporary touch by trying brown instead? Brown suits are having a resurgance of late - you can read about it here - and now's the perfect time to jump on the trend. Try yours with a tonal tie and matching brown loafers for a cohesive feel.
Neutrals galore
Neutral suits can be a suave choice for prom when carefully accessorised. If you're into styling a full suit, pair a neutral, double breasted jacket with pleated trousers for a tonal look that's equally as put together as a two-piece. Add a striped shirt for a subtle pattern. and finish with a pair of suede loafers for a bit of texture.
Into the blue
You can't go wrong with a blue suit for prom. Lean away from the classic navy and try a lighter, more premium option from Italian fabric specialists Zegna. Crafted from a wool silk linen blend with a subtle stripe, it's a great way to ease into colour and pattern without feeling too exposed.
The brave and the bold
You’ll be the talk of prom if you opt for a bold, untraditional colour for your suit, like our emerald suit. Tie your outfit together with a tie and or pocket square that complement (or contrast) the suit’s colouring or, if you decide you want to make an entrance, dial it up with a bright printed shirt.
Formal or casual shirt?
As part of your prom gear, you'll need a shirt. Match the fit to your suit: skinny, slim or tailored. And you have to get the style right, depending on what vibe you're going for. Here are your options:
Formal shirt
A formal shirt is a safe bet. Just like your normal shirt, but smarter, it’ll look great paired with your prom suit or blazer. A smooth white shirt in the finest cotton and a sharp fit will add a refined edge to your look.
Or why not give your plain suit or blazer a burst of bold with a patterned formal shirt? With its delicate floral pattern, it's a great balance between formal and casual and features a cutaway collar and single cuffs to let the pattern do the talking.
Casual shirt
After something more casual? A linen shirt will fit nicely with a suit jacket or blazer. Keep things on the smart side by buttoning it right to the top.
Crisp white is always a good option for prom. Smart double cuffs always give a semi-formal vibe, while a slim or tailored fit is perfect to keep your look streamlined. Alternatively, look to a contrasting shirt if your suit is a bit lighter. It's a bold but equally sophisticated alternative to the classic white shirt.
How to accessorise a prom outfit
You’re probably going to want a tie or bow tie, but you can also accessorise your prom suit with things like a pocket square or cufflinks.
Ties and bows
A tux needs a bow tie. For colour, you can’t go wrong with classic black. A pre-tied version is easily slipped on and off. Not feeling black? Get a pop of colour with this bold floral bow-tie crafted from Liberty fabric.
For two- and three-piece prom suits, pick out a regular tie in a colour that complements your suit or date’s outfit. A Botinelli silk tie with a subtle floral print has a light, summery feel to it. Keep it in place with this slick tie bar.
Cufflinks
Provided you haven’t gone mad with colours or patterns in your outfit, cufflinks are a prom essential if you really want to make the effort. Some silver knots or mother of pearl cufflinks add a bit of designer flair to your outfit.
Pocket squares
Adding a pocket square to the chest pocket of your jacket can give your outfit a refined boost. Whether you go red, white or blue, or say it with a bold print, it’s a simple but effective upgrade.
Socks
Don’t undo all your hard work by flashing a tatty pair of socks when you stride into prom. A pair of bold socks make a great contrast to your suit. Pick a colour that matches your tie and pocket square to balance your look.
Belts
A worn-out belt is really going to show you up. You’ll probably want to match your shoe colour, which might mean a stylish black or brown leather belt will do the trick.
Braces
Not essential, but worn with a tux or retro style suit, braces are a great detail that show you’ve made a real effort – something your date will appreciate.
How to choose the perfect pair of prom shoes
Prom shoes say a lot about a man, so pick a pair that makes the right statement. If you’ve decided on a tux or a dress suit, you should probably go with a shiny pair of black patent dress shoes.
If you’re going less formal, then you have a ton of colour and style options. Leather loafers are stylish and distinctive, and they’ll pair up well with darker coloured suits. Choose the brown option if you’re going for something lighter.
Trainers will only work if they go with the overall look. Choose a smart pair in black or navy to complement your outfit. Perfect for a suit without the tie, or a more casual blazer and pleated trousers look, they’ll ease up your outfit a bit, and you'll feel more comfortable too.
Should I buy or rent a suit?
Whatever you choose, you can do either at Moss. If you visit us in-store to look for your perfect three-piece suit or put together prom suit, our in-store teams will give you impeccable service either way. To make up your mind:
Buying your prom suit
Buying a prom suit may not be as expensive as you think. Not only will you have something in your wardrobe sorted for your next event or big interview, but you can get more mileage out of it by wearing it other ways too – like with a t-shirt and trainers, or just the trousers with a sweatshirt or knit. You’ve also got the option to have it tailored for a custom fit at an additional cost.
Hiring your prom suit
Hiring a quality prom suit from Moss can set you back between £40 to £142, so you’ll it could work out cheaper than buying. It also gives you the chance to road test a new look with no commitment, or to wear an outfit you wouldn’t necessarily invest in. There’s plenty of options too, like the navy black check (below right), and you won’t have to worry about dry cleaning it either.
Windsor knot or bow tie?
The key to mastering the bow tie is to not get it too tight so that it stays perfectly put and doesn’t bunch your collar up. Of course, you could opt for a pre-tied version if you want to save on hassle.
Suitable for regular to skinny ties, tying a Windsor knot (the most common tie knot) is a skill you can pull out of the bag for an interview or a business meeting as well as your prom. So it’s worth knowing how to do it yourself.
