[Laminar]

I thought once high school was over I'd never have to deal with another prom. Then I made the mistake of dating a sorority girl, which means I have a Formal coming up this Saturday night. At the Semi-Formal last November, along with my black suit, I sported a black shirt, silver tie, and black "dress" shoes from Wal-Mart. I want to do a bit better this time.

I've been told my date will be wearing an ivory-colored dress. I plan on wearing the black suit. Besides that, it's up to you: Shirt, tie, shoes, belt, nipple piercings, socks, etc. Suggestions?

For reference, here's me in the (awful) outfit I wore to a dance last year.

[Doofy]

Go as Wonder Woman.

[BasketofPuppies]

[Mrjinglesusa]

Black suit? Go with a white shirt and thin black tie ala Pulp Fiction. I'm not joking, this is a classic look.

[Andrew Stephens]

If you're after something designer, UK fashionista Bruce Oldfield has just redesigned McDonalds uniforms.

and you get paid to wear them (just)

[Peter]

deep red shirt, pink tie, black jacket.

[Peter]

oh and wear a good pair of shoes, the shoes make what you're wearing look good.
and chicks always notice your shoes. I own about 23 pairs of shoes.
Trendy shoes would be converse or black laceless shoes.

How tall are you? Lifts?

[Peter]

and don't wear a shirt with buttons on the collar.
and make sure its long sleeved.
and wear a GOOD blazer/jacket.

[RAILhead]

I'd just tell her to meet up with you afterward.

[Peter]

you're no fun!

[Captain Obvious]

Formals aren't proms. The fact they occur twice a year and you have 8-10 in your own house over the course of your college career as well as those of the people you date or as asked to escort to formals mean they don't really carry the significance of a prom.

Plus you drink you're ass off at formals diminishing a lot of the champagne toast like atmosphere of a prom. Formals are just an excuse for a sorority to play dress-up. Unlike pledge parties and activations the girls get to focus on themselves. Formals are usually a bigger deal to the people who are about to graduate since its their last big bang.

The point: A Greek formal is not really black tie formal. Its a party at a country club or hotel with a lot of booze. If you want to impress the girl or make the night special for her then the focus shouldn't be on what you are wearing. Find out whose name the room is in and have flowers (if she is really into the whole sorority thing still then google her sorority's name and find out what their flower is) delivered to the room before you arrive. Bring Champaign rather than peach schnapps. She is already shelling out $250+ for the night so spend some of your own cash on her so she doesn't have to pay for other things for the event.

From that picture you included I am just going to say you need to refine your overall sense of style. If she has been with you this long its not because you dress like you fell out of the pages of GQ. Buy a shirt with a tab collar, learn to tie a Windsor knot, and stay away from colored shirts unless its a shade of blue. Look for a tie that's more a monochrome pattern or design rather than that hideous thing you are wearing there.

Lastly, don't drink so much you get sick or embarrass yourself.

[Doofy]

Originally Posted by Peter 

I own about 23 pairs of shoes.

Sex change much?

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by Doofy 

Sex change much?

Why much ?

Isn't once enough ?

-t

[cjrivera]

[Sherman Homan]

[Laminar]

Originally Posted by Peter 

oh and wear a good pair of shoes, the shoes make what you're wearing look good.
and chicks always notice your shoes. I own about 23 pairs of shoes.
Trendy shoes would be converse or black laceless shoes.

How tall are you? Lifts?

Any links to pictures of what I should be looking for in the shoe area? Frankly, shoe shopping isn't too fun for me because I can never find a good selection of 13s. And I'm 6'5", so I don't need any help in the height department.

Originally Posted by RAILhead 

I'd just tell her to meet up with you afterward.

That's the plan for Friday night. They're hosting a "Boyfriend BBQ" but to attend I'd have to take off work early since it's a 5 hour drive. Frankly, the pay is much more valuable to me than making awkward small talk with a bunch of people I've already decided will suck.

Originally Posted by Captain Obvious 

Formals aren't proms. The fact they occur twice a year and you have 8-10 in your own house over the course of your college career as well as those of the people you date or as asked to escort to formals mean they don't really carry the significance of a prom.

Plus you drink you're ass off at formals diminishing a lot of the champagne toast like atmosphere of a prom. Formals are just an excuse for a sorority to play dress-up. Unlike pledge parties and activations the girls get to focus on themselves. Formals are usually a bigger deal to the people who are about to graduate since its their last big bang.

This is definitely the case, as it's her senior formal.

The point: A Greek formal is not really black tie formal. Its a party at a country club or hotel with a lot of booze. If you want to impress the girl or make the night special for her then the focus shouldn't be on what you are wearing. Find out whose name the room is in and have flowers (if she is really into the whole sorority thing still then google her sorority's name and find out what their flower is) delivered to the room before you arrive. Bring Champaign rather than peach schnapps. She is already shelling out $250+ for the night so spend some of your own cash on her so she doesn't have to pay for other things for the event.

From what I've been told, they went very low-key this year and are just doing dinner/dance at a local place, no travel or hotel room, as had been done in past years.

. Look for a tie that's more a monochrome pattern or design rather than that hideous thing you are wearing there.

That's what I've heard

Lastly, don't drink so much you get sick or embarrass yourself.

Never have, don't plan on it.

Thanks for the tips. Keep 'em coming.

[olePigeon]

[turtle777]

If you buy shoes, invest in something that will last and won't go out of style.

You can never spent too much on good shoes, the better they are, the longer they'll last.
Or, to put it differently, the cheaper shows ain't worth fixing, expensive shoes can be fixed or resoled, and all is good.

-t

[ghporter]

A relatively modern suit in a relatively conservative color (I like charcoal or navy but that's just me) with a RICHLY colored shirt and contrasting but not too busy tie. White color and cuffs are optional, and really depends on what the locals go with where you are; some schools collectively think they're really "all that" and others consider such shirts a sign of an overinflated ego. Good shoes-if there's dancing to do, DO IT. That means you NEED good shoes that both look good and fit! (I seriously believe that 90+% of the worlds troubles would be solved or just disappear if everybody had properly fitting shoes.)

And ask your sorority lady what SHE is wearing so you won't clash with her. This is VERY important! If she's wearing a summery dress in a light, floral print and you show up in a "Mr. Establishment" suit, that just wouldn't go and would reflect on HER. Find out her intended colors and consider those when you pick a shirt and tie. Your function is to accessorize her, so you need to play your part and be a proper accessory.

Once you figure out the way things work and what to wear, have fun. Just make sure your date has plenty of fun too.

[Laminar]

Originally Posted by Captain Obvious 

If she has been with you this long its not because you dress like you fell out of the pages of GQ.

For what it's worth, for the first two and a half months she knew me, she didn't see me in anything in a pair of shorts and plain white t-shirt.

Okay, how about this.

Shirt: Arrow Solid Fitted Dress Shirt
Tie: Isaac Mizrahi for Target® Tie and Pocket Square Set - Opal Cream (Ivory) : Target (leave out the pocket square)
Shoes:Nunn Bush Kent Shoes

Good call on their flower, except she's allergic. We'll see what happens there.

[alligator]

Here you go.


Go with the best.

[Railroader]

I say go with this:

[Laminar]

Originally Posted by Railroader 

I say go with this:

Thanks for the suggestion, but I already have a date.

[brassplayersrock²]

Originally Posted by Railroader 

I say go with this:

wouldn't he rather go to the prom with his female date?


!damn it, we were making the same post at the same timish

[scaught]

Are we allowed to suggest a different jacket? You look like you're wearing your dad's coat in that picture. It's hanging off your shoulders and the sleeves are maybe a touch long.

No button down collars (I personally hate them).

I like the fitted shirts, you look like your physique would need them (you look slim). Normal shirts on skinny guys make it look like you're a pirate or something. A really nice white or LIGHT ivory/cream coloured shirt with the right tie is a good way to rock a black suit. Too much colour under a black suit makes you look like regis philbin.

If you had the right jacket for it, I would say rock the matching pocket square so hard people get nosebleeds.

Mostly wear what you're comfortable in. Buy something you love, not just like. It will make a difference in how you present yourself that night.

ps. Daniel Craig in that last 007 movie was so hot I almost spit gay out of my nose.

[Laminar]

Originally Posted by scaught 

Are we allowed to suggest a different jacket? You look like you're wearing your dad's coat in that picture. It's hanging off your shoulders and the sleeves are maybe a touch long.

The sleeves are a good length, I just have a habit of grabbing the cuffs of any long sleeved attire I wear.

I like the fitted shirts, you look like your physique would need them (you look slim). Normal shirts on skinny guys make it look like you're a pirate or something. A really nice white or LIGHT ivory/cream coloured shirt with the right tie is a good way to rock a black suit. Too much colour under a black suit makes you look like regis philbin.

You got the slim part right. If I'm buying a normal button down shirt, I'll get a medium so it fits my physique and roll the cuffs up because they barely reach my wrists. What would you suggest as the "right tie?" I'm a visual learner, so pictures would be great.

[OldManMac]

[scaught]

That's what fitted shirts are for! Don't roll the sleeves. Or look for a shirt cut for tall guys (if you have really long arms).

I mean. It has to coordinate, so, some black in there and some white or ivory (or whatever shirt colour you end up picking). If you pick white or ivory for the shirt, IMO this gives leeway to add some extra colour in there for free. Something that will POP just a bit. A screaming red tie would be inappropriate. There's no real learning, and your tastes are going to be the final say. Get the shirt and tie at the same time. You're matching it to black, so that part is easy. (if you had any other shade going on with that suit, it gets complicated on another level)

I mean. Do you have a mens suit shop/tailor near you? Not mens wearhouse or syms or whatever, but somewhere you think MIGHT be a front for the mafia (or at least where they might shop?)?

Go there.

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by Laminar 

What would you suggest as the "right tie?" I'm a visual learner, so pictures would be great.

You can never go wrong with Brooks Brothers ties.

Brooks Brothers | Men | Ties | Stripes

Find an outlet though, otherweise they are pricey, 'cause hand-made in NEW York.

-t

[IceEnclosure]

The word "fitted" on a shirt only means that it has a neck size, and a sleeve length size on the collar.

You specifically should find a "slim" fitted shirt. Get a tighter neck then the one in your photo, and make sure the sleeves are the right length.

edit: whoopsie

Oh, and wash and dry clean(or carefully iron) the shirt before you wear it!

[IceEnclosure]

I'm not much on buying suits, but a friend just got a Hugo Boss and it's pretty sick. He spent a few dollars on it though.

I try to underdress whenever possible.

With your jacket off the most important thing will be the fit of the shirt. Slim fit is also called "modern fit" sometimes. Calvin Klein, BCBG, DK and such all have them.

[Face Ache]

Originally Posted by scaught 

ps. Daniel Craig in that last 007 movie was so hot I almost spit gay out of my nose.

If you swallowed, that wouldn't happen.

[Captain Obvious]

If you have time go to a tailor and have that off the rack jacket fitted properly. It will take 3 or 4 days and maybe cost $40-60 out there?

Originally Posted by Laminar 

Shirt: Arrow Solid Fitted Dress Shirt
Tie: Isaac Mizrahi for Target® Tie and Pocket Square Set - Opal Cream (Ivory) : Target (leave out the pocket square)
Shoes:Nunn Bush Kent Shoes

Good call on their flower, except she's allergic. We'll see what happens there.

I would go to a store that specializes in suits to buy your dress shirt. It will cost you a bit more but they will take your measurements and get you one that fits right. A department store just doesn't offer that.
You are going to end up taking the jacket off after dinner anyway so a proper fitting shirt is important.

I hate that tie.
Ties are one thing you can buy online and know it will fit so just go that route. A grown man's tie just shouldn't cost twenty bucks. That is just plain wrong. I am not saying you need to spend $150 or more but it should be at least $50-60. Look at banana republic or someplace like that I am sure you will find one. And I did suggest monochrome not solid.

The second line of stitching on those shoes make them look bad to me. Since you like those, these Kenneth Cole Reaction T-Flex (Black Leather) - Men's are in the same price range and look of better quality than they actually are.
While you are at it, get a new belt.

It may be more than you planned to spend but take solace in the fact that unlike the dress your chick bought you will get to use all this stuff again.

[Captain Obvious]

Also get a haircut
depending on your comfort or acceptance of the practice, hitting the tanning bed 3 times in the 10 days leading up to this event wouldn't be a bad thing. You can bet your ass that all the girls will be doing it and looking anemic next to your date is never a good thing.

[turtle777]

And while we're at it: STOP STARING !

-t

[Peter]

and drink some alcohol. You stand out if you're only drinking juice.

[Peter]

Originally Posted by Laminar 

Any links to pictures of what I should be looking for in the shoe area? Frankly, shoe shopping isn't too fun for me because I can never find a good selection of 13s. And I'm 6'5", so I don't need any help in the height department.

Men's Designer Collection: Shoes Size 13 - Free Shipping Both Ways & 365-Day Return Policy

Shoes with no laces are trendy right now, eg:

but they work better in brown, with jeans.

these are nice:


these are good, but slightly more risky:

[Dakar the Fourth]

Is this a Salty thread?

[Oisín]

Originally Posted by Face Ache 

Originally Posted by scaught 

ps. Daniel Craig in that last 007 movie was so hot I almost spit gay out of my nose.

If you swallowed, that wouldn't happen.

You two just made me spit juice* out of my nose!




* The apple kind, not the man kind. Pervs.

[Dakar the Fourth]

That post may have answered my question.

[Oisín]

That was the intention.

[Dakar the Fourth]

A likely story...

[Nivag]

Personally I wouldn't go for black shoes, get a pair of brown/tan ones.

Least if you have to go to a place that allows jeans but no trainers you've got something to wear that don't look like work/court shoes.

These are a good colour, though I don't like the buckle.


some others here
SCHUH  SCHUH HAMILTON LOAFER at Schuh

BASE LONDON  CAVELLI SIDE LACE at Schuh - nice side lacing

TED BAKER  TED BAKER PLEDGE at Schuh

[Dakar the Fourth]

Ugg. I can't see many opportunities to use a shoe of that color, not that I'm fond of something that reminds me of adobe clay.

[IceEnclosure]

jeans and those brown shoes? eck. all you people and your rules.

[Doofy]

The only males who have ever looked cool in brown shoes are: Jesus, Spartacus and that bloke out of Jethro Tull.

Don't do it, people.

[Nivag]

I wouldn't wear them with jeans having now plugged my MacBook into the larger screen (the colour looked better on the laptop) just trying to throw some more options. but would defo wear this colour though.

[paul w]

I don't see how any male could go wrong with a nicely tailored black suit, a pair of stylish black shoes and some crisp, fitted shirts. Mainly white. As for the tie, I'm one for softer, muted colors myself. Loud ties are tacky.

It'sa really not heard. Get the cut and the fit right - which is what most people don't - and you're golden for any occasion.

[Laminar]

Originally Posted by Captain Obvious 

Also get a haircut

I would, but it usually takes at least a week or two before I can stand how my hair looks after getting it cut, and I have approximately 18 hours until I leave.

depending on your comfort or acceptance of the practice, hitting the tanning bed 3 times in the 10 days leading up to this event wouldn't be a bad thing. You can bet your ass that all the girls will be doing it and looking anemic next to your date is never a good thing.

I had actually thought of this. I tan easily, so a few hours of biking outside have given my face and arms some good color, and a few days of using sunless tanning lotion (I felt awkward buying it...) took the rest of me from pasty-white to slightly less pasty white.

Originally Posted by Captain Obvious 

If you have time go to a tailor and have that off the rack jacket fitted properly. It will take 3 or 4 days and maybe cost $40-60 out there?

The suit jacket was tailored to me, but like I said, I have weird posture, especially when being photographed, which explains the shoulders and cuff length.

I hate that tie.

I have grown to.

It may be more than you planned to spend but take solace in the fact that unlike the dress your chick bought you will get to use all this stuff again.

I did take solace in the fact that this will all come in handy when doing interviews for real jobs this coming semester.

Thanks for all of the tips.

[Laminar]

Yes, I am "slim."