Tuxedo and Pocket Square to match Prom Date

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will Carothers 

Hello everyone, just joined and i have a question:

 

1.  I'm a sophomore guy who just got asked by a senior to prom (yay).

 

2.  I know how dorky it is, but after seeing Skyfall, I've been itching to wear a midnight blue shawl collar tuxedo.

 

3.  The problem is my date and I aren't sure if her white dress with gold lace will "clash" with the blue of the tux. It's my opinion that a blue tux with black cummerbund and bow tie with a gold pocket square would compliment her gown very well (maybe even give her a corsage of dark blue flowers).

 

3 too.  I do not want to be the guy who goes to prom and looks like a fool, so do you all think that the combination i suggested would look alright, or should i just keep it simple and stick with a black tux?

1.  First off, good work and congrats, mi amigo, but damn, how early does this process start now?

2.  Not dorky, as [well fitting] midnight shawl collar tux = attaboy.  Treat it the same as [again and always, well fitting] black.  I know you mean [the dorky comment is about] the fact that it's from Skyfall, but I don't care, same answer.

3.  Here is where we get real.    There are numerous threads here that deal with black tie, wedding and special occasion attire, etc.  Read and study them. Srs. However, for now I am going to sum them all up here in ONE piece of salient advice that you should remember for the rest of your life, but 'specially now that you as a sophomore are taking a senior to prom [don't you dare think it's the other way around]: you are the frame to her art.  That means, inter alia, you do not wear a goddamned gold pocket square - you wear white.  Your tuxedo facing matches your bow tie.  Your tuxedo fits.  Hell, don't even tell her what you're wearing ahead of time, just show up and blow her mind...as...

she can wear chartreuse green, magenta, hell even white with gold lace () yet you keep it simple and let her stand out, such that there is no need to "coordinate" as the obvious chemistry you two well dressed folks will ooze is more to the point and, if you keep it simple, you will not only only "coordinate," but complement her - and that's the point.  

Godspeed.

I will never discourage a young man from dressing well, but I neither would I suggest rented formal wear so this is tricky.  

-Like mentioned above you will not likely find a true midnight blue number through a rental firm.  Wait until you are older to get into a proper midnight blue dinner jacket.  

-It is unwise for you or your parents to spend money on an expensive item like a tux when you will not fit into it next year.

So my thought are:

• Think in the long term.  Look for a nice wool tuxedo that is very very classic.  You will have pictures taken at the prom.  These are forever.  You do not want yours or your date's family and friends looking at this picture 15 years from now laughing at you because you look like a tool in a stupid blue tuxedo. 
• Go classic black tuxedo or dinner jacket with peak lapels, waistcoat (vest) unless wearing double breast (true tuxedo), white fold-down collar with a black bow tie, black studs. 

Like the other guys said- you are the frame- compliment her.  A well fitted classic black tuxedo will be perfect.

Have a good time and remember- be a gentleman: 

• Be perfectly groomed- trim nose and ear hair, clean shaven, clean and trim fingernails.  Have your hair cut a few days before the event.
• Offer your left arm to you date when walking, walk nearest the street when on a sidewalk (if necessary switch to the right arm). 
• Open all doors for all women.
• Carry a clean white handkerchief in your inner left pocket for a lady in case of a spill or tears. 
• Carry a small tin of mints.
• Ask before you go in for a kiss. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will Carothers 

I agree that purchasing one would not be a good idea, but I've look around at some local rental shops, and about 3 of them carry a slim fit midnight blue tux to rent, i was really just wanting to ask if (since i can get access to one) if it was a good idea...

 

Thanks,

Will

Do you have a link to the tuxedo available for rental?

The problem I have with rentals is that they never fit right. When buying a suit or tuxedo, you generally get some alterations done (at least sleeve and trouser length). You (probably) can't do this with a rental.

Quote:

Originally Posted by aravenel 


True, but in this case, I think a rental is a good idea. He will likely never wear the tux again before he outgrows it.

Some rental places will do a real quick hem for you if you ask. Obviously nothing permanent, but enough to keep it from dragging on the ground or covering your hands. Last time I had to rent (for a wedding... sigh) I asked about it and they were happy to accomodate.

Good point. I didn't realize some places allowed for a hem. I would urge the OP to ask the rental place for that option.