Out are the days of showing up to Prom in a boring, traditional tuxedo. Despite being a staple outfit choice at the dance, the typical black blazer, white dress shirt, and tie combination plagues every Prom night with its unoriginality. As prom night approaches, deciding what to wear can be stressful, but step away from the conventional suit. Instead, take inspiration from the chic suiting techniques displayed at recent Fashion Week 2024 shows in Paris and New York City, and play with proportions and colors when styling.
Dysmorphic Silhouettes
EGONLAB’s recent Fall/Winter 2024 show explored distressed evening wear — blazers were broad at the shoulders, clamped at the waist, and resolute with distinctive cuts. The collection manipulated the form of the traditional suit with tops asymmetrically tailored, bottoms loose and oversized, and skin periodically unveiled throughout the collection.
Ditch basic, conventional suiting for the unorthodox — experiment with asymmetry and pair an oversized blazer with fit-to-form pants, or vice versa. The distorted looks of EGONLAB FW24 can be matched with Sixth June’s Oversized Belted Suit Jacket, a stylish, asymmetric blazer similar to designs seen at the show, yet significantly more affordable.
When styling, play with proportions and try oversized suit pants, which look phenomenal paired with both slim and wide-fit blazers or shirts. Inexpensive options include Topman’s black Wide Leg Suit Trousers, and for an edgier oversized look, try Jaded London’s Goliath Charcoal Suit Pants.
Dynamic Coloring
If distorted styling seems too daunting, color is an effortless alternative to elevating the classic Prom suit. Gucci Men’s Fall/Winter collection sported bolder, more vibrant looks — striking hues of purple, red, and forest green curated into sleek, dynamic tailoring — altogether creating a refreshing, atmospheric cohesion of formal menswear. Meanwhile, Valentino’s FW men’s collection settled for colors subdued yet sophisticated, with beige, white, and gray tones complimenting the traditional suiting of the collection.
The distinctive color palettes of Gucci’s and Valentino’s high fashion collections can be manifested in a high school prom suit. Minimalist colors like beige, white, gray, and brown aren’t bold yet manage to be classy alternatives to the traditional noir. Consider pairing a dark brown blazer with a white dress shirt, or a light tan suit with a darker sepia tie. Weekday.com offers sophisticated, though budget-friendly blazers in a variety of neutral hues, including beige Liv Linen Mix Blazer and classic dark gray Leo Blazer. The brand’s Uno Loose Suit Trousers are darker-toned, evoking nonchalance with colors like navy blue and dark mole.
For the more daring, explore vivid, eye-catching colors like maroon, sage, and blue. Ditching the typical neutral palette seen in most suits, these colors conjure personality — wearing sage or cerulean tones radiate poise, while fiery, maroon or burgundy attire exude confidence. Clint’s Tux Shop in Buena Park offers suits in these vibrant colors; the local formalwear shop even sells patterned suits for those who crave extra flair when styling.
Abandon the basic black tuxedo for more revitalized, stylish suiting, yet don’t be afraid to experiment with varying proportions and bold color palettes during the process. Any memorable night needs an equally as memorable outfit. Although Prom is guaranteed to be a night to remember, what will set it apart from other high school experiences is stepping into the dance in sharp, sophisticated fashion.
