It is common to worry about prom night being a wreck, but the nerves really begin to wash over you when you must decide what to wear.
As long as you got a tux and tie
From afar, tuxes and suits are fairly identical. One of the most commonly known differences between the two is that tuxedos have satin on their lapels, buttons, pocket trim and the trousers’ side stripes, while suits do not.
As for looks, tuxedos are generally black and look best with a bowtie and patent leather shoes, whereas suits come in various colors and are worn with a necktie and oxfords. Both choices have their own benefits, but people usually associate tuxedos with formal evening events rather than suits, which people wear to conventional affairs, such as meetings and weddings.
For a pop of color, choose a bowtie that matches your date’s dress. This helps to bring your two looks together. Otherwise, keep your look filled with blacks and grays to stay sophisticated.
If the tux fits, wear it
The last thing you would want is for a tacky, ill-fitted tuxedo to ruin the night to remember. Rental and retail tuxedos are not designed specifically to fit each customer’s body, so tailoring and adding alterations will make any height and frame look dashing.
Some higher-end tuxedo shops offer custom alterations with the rental or purchase of a tux, but a borrowed tux from a friend or an old one from your closet would not be tailored to your fit. Visiting a tailor is just a small cost for a tux in which the material fits snugly with your shoulder width, arm length and pant height.
For tuxedos and alterations, visit 2000 Dreams Bridal or Friar Tux Shop. You can earn $40 off your next purchase at Friar Tux if you pick up their business card in room 311.
Tie in general fashion etiquette
Do not let the debate over necktie lengths put you into knots; just remember that your tie’s tip should graze the top of your belt buckle. This presents an overall refined look.
To find out more about dresses, Rampage interviewed with Los Angeles based Fashion Stylist Ms. Naz Meknat, the founder of stylebynaz.com. Ms. Meknat has a degree from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Los Angeles.
Say yes to the fit-and-flare dress
To feel the most confident at prom, wear a dress that flatters your body. This way, you’ll be sure to look great in all your photos.
Ms. Meknat finds that the go-to style for all body shapes is fit-and-flare dresses. The top half of these dresses reach the smallest part of the waist while the bottom half flares outward. This accentuates curves of a straight body, highlights the slimmer, bottom half of the legs in a pear-shaped body and shows off hourglass figures.
Be classy, not trashy
Not only is concealing more skin school-appropriate attire, but it is the fashionably smart way to give off an enchanting energy.
If you have a large bust, it is wise to steer clear of halter or strapless dresses.
“The trick to look chic and classy is to not show a lot of skin,” Ms. Meknat said. “So, if you are going for a dress that is short, choose one with long sleeves, concealing the upper body and showing off your legs, or the other way around.”
Be the first star to shine bright
In spite of different skin colors, jewel-toned colors manage to make everyone radiant. Ms. Meknat recommends a jewel-toned dress and accessories that highlight your best features and conceal your worst.
For example, to bring more color to pale skin, include pinks and deeper shades of golden yellow in your wardrobe. Also, if you want to dress according to this year’s Peter Pan-themed dance you can sport an emerald green or a dusty light blue dress.