Prom Outfits For Men (and Other Humans) | The Black Tux Blog (2024)

Don’t spend your one free hour searching for men’s prom outfits. Just use our guide and find prom suit ideas and looks that match your vibe.

Stressing about prom? Can’t wait? Maybe… both? Congrats, you’re normal. But if you’re definitely going, you definitely don’t want a “normal” prom outfit. It’s a big deal, and you only get one shot to show up.

We have some recommendations. Whether you’re looking for some version of the classic black and white tux, or a modern look that won’t age poorly, we’ll get you ready for the party.

WHAT DO YOU NEED?

First, let’s talk about the basics: what you need, what’s optional.

NEED

Suit or Tux: It’s prom—polo shirts are not okay.
Tie or Bow Tie: Which one is up to you. Bow ties work best with tuxedos.
Dress Shirt: White is the way to go. If you wear a tux and bow tie, try a tuxedo shirt.
Black Shoes: Shiny patent leather is great for a modern outfit. Black leather works, too.

OPTIONAL

Suspenders: A fun, vibey accessory, but tux pants have waist adjusters and you can use a belt for a suit. Your pants will be fine without suspenders.
Pocket Squares: You should wear one if you can—it just looks great.
Vest: You don’t have to wear a vest, especially for a modern look.
cumme*rbund: An old-school tux garment that’s coming back, but it’s not required.
Cufflinks: You should totally wear these, but you can get by without.

If that seems like a lot to handle, let us do it for you—check out our complete outfits with everything you need for prom. Or, read on to build the perfect look for you.

Table of Contents

Classic Prom Outfits
Modern Prom Outfits

Classic Prom Outfits for Men

Do it right, and a classic look won’t feel outdated. Google vintage pics of OG actors, athletes, or musicians—the legends keep it simple. Below are three men’s prom outfits to help you reach legend status in your own time.

Classic Prom Suit Ideas

Unless your prom has a black tie dress code (learn more about that here), you’ll still look formal enough for prom if you wear the right suit. While everyone else goes big with a tux, a suit can make a low-key, timeless statement. A blue suit (or navy, or grey) is a great base for accessories.

As good as this suit looks with the red tie and brown shoes above, you’ll want to dress it up with black and white ties, shoes, and accessories for a formal prom. Make yours interesting with unique patterns like tartan or pindots. Don’t forget the pocket square (learn more about pocket squares here).

Classic Prom Tuxedo Ideas

The classic tux has been around for a long time, and that’s because it makes everyone and every body type look great. It’s a good choice when you want to go big, but in a subtle way. To pull this off, less is more. Start with a black tuxedo and white shirt, then add black and white accessories.

If you want to coordinate with your date, try matching the color of your pocket square to their outfit. Our quad pocket squares to each have four shades—in blue, green, red, yellow, and more colors—so you can fold up to the right tone and let it peek out of your jacket pocket. It’s like a rubik’s cube, except cool. (Jk, those are fun.) Keep everything else B&W to avoid looking like a twinning sibling combo, not cool.

Okay, so you want to go classic, but not that classic. If a black tux doesn’t get you hyped, midnight blue might be the move for you. It’s just as classic, but the dark blue fabric is a little more unexpected.

Modern Prom Outfits for Men

If the classic looks are too traditional for you, or you’re looking to make a statement, a modern prom outfit could be a wise move. Need to bring awards season energy? One of the modern looks below should do it.

Modern Prom Suit Ideas

If you wear a suit with a pattern—a modern trend, btw—you should try to avoid doubling down patterns on your accessories. It gets messy quick. This suit has a simple black and white pattern (called gingham) that isn’t too “out there,” and looks great on anyone.

Since you don’t want more patterns, find accessories with different textures, like a knit tie or a bow tie made of rich velvet fabric. If you do decide you want a little pattern, make sure it’s different from the one on your suit. A polka dot pattern should work with gingham (see the pocket square below).

Modern Prom Tux Ideas

For a modern take on the classic tux, try a dinner jacket look—a unique jacket paired with black tuxedo pants. The burgundy version below is just one of many options—emerald, plum, marigold, and rose are all bold colors that are equally rock-able.

If you haven’t noticed, we recommend a lot of black and white accessories for prom. Maybe that’s just us, traumatized by shiny, bright-colored vest and tie combos. Besides, you can take the accessories below and wear them with any suit or tux (or dinner jacket prom outfit), and you’ll look perfect. Don’t overlook the shoes—these grosgrain loafers are great for dancing.

Make the Look Yours

Choosing the right suit is big, but the tie, shoes, and sunglasses you pair with that suit or tux are important, too. That’s how you truly own your look and make it personal, and choosing the right accessories is the easiest, best way to stand out.

We make it easy to personalize men’s prom outfits. In fact, we make the whole process of renting (or buying) prom suits simple. If you like the classic approach, we have over 300 showrooms across the country where we’ll help you find your sizes (and style).

If you want a modern experience (that is, if you want to do it all from your phone), we’ve got you, too. Either way, we’ll deliver your prom outfit 10 days before the big night with everything you need. Ready to get started? Answer a few questions to find your sizes online right now.

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