The Evening Standard's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
M&S/Mr Porter
Tania Leslau24 July 2023
There’s a reason prom is the apex of most coming-of-age films ever made. For high schoolers across the globe, prom signifies the end of an era and the start of summer.
A dashing prom suit is an essential - after all, you want to go out with a bang, right?
From retro, Eighties-inspired designs to sleek minimalist tuxedos, there is a plethora of styles to choose from. Hollywood has done the groundwork for us, doling out an eclectic array of prom suits courtesy of movies such as Footloose, Pretty in Pink, American Pie and Mean Girls.
Prom has always provided an opportunity for men to don their finest glad rags and to do so unapologetically. Gone are the days where the all-black suit is the only option for prom-goers. The annual affair is the perfect place to experiment with formalwear, from toying with pastel palettes to cropped cuts, embroidery, prints and more.
Plus, a good suit is one of the most versatile pieces one can own – meaning it always warrants pride of place in the wardrobe. Take a thrifty approach to suit shopping and the piece can double up as a future office staple, a black-tie choice or the ultimate wedding guest garb. Suits are never the most pocket-friendly of buys, so it’s best to get your money’s worth.
If you feel like splashing the cash and bagging yourself a luxurious suit to last the years, then this is your time to shine. However, if you are saving up for a summer sojourn abroad, university fees or any other future investments then a suit may not be top of your checklists. Luckily, high street brands such as Marks & Spencer, Next and Reiss have affordable offerings for those on a budget. No need to sacrifice the cash for a sartorial splash.
If dapper, dashing, or deliciously suave is what you’re aiming for, look no further. We’ve rounded up the best prom suits so you have the pick of the crop for your special night.
Best summer fragrances for men 2023: Tom Ford, Aesop and more
Best comfortable formal shoes for men that look and feel great
18 best menswear brands to buy online
Ted Baker Bryont Suit
Ted Baker
Ted Baker pays homage to the fact that real men wear pink. This dusty rose suit by the beloved British label offers a lively twist on traditional tailoring. The matching trousers are available for £150.
It’s giving Kray Twin with a prom-ready spin. Topman’s pale khaki suit is an understated choice boasting a smart double-breasted design, trim lapels and decorative pockets. The matching trousers are available for £40.
Buy now£90, ASOS
Next Slim Fit Velvet Blazer
Next
The king of all prom looks, the not-so-humble velvet blazer can be paired with plain black suit trousers for a dashing 007 aesthetic.
Bottega Veneta Double-Breasted Satin-Trimmed Grain de Poudre Wool Suit Jacket
Bottega Veneta
A bold, boisterous Bottega Veneta creation. This high-end set exudes avant-garde glamour with its light-blue grain de poudre wool, sleek satin notch lapels and a double-breasted silhouette. The matching trousers are available for £720.
Buy now£2060, Mr Porter
Marks and Spencer Slim Fit Marl Stretch Suit
M&S
Another set that embraces a think pink philosophy, Marks & Spencer’s quartz-coloured suit is trim purchase with a touch of flair.
Gucci Double-Breasted Logo-Jacquard Cotton and Wool-Blend Suit
Gucci
When it comes to tailoring, Gucci is one of the best in business. Plucked form the autumn/winter 2022 runway, this blazer suit showcases a double-breasted profile, a jacquard-woven material, wide peaked lapels and the Italian house’s signature horsebit insignia. How very Harry Styles. The matching trousers available for £1,000.
Buy now£2550, Mr Porter
River Island Blue Slim Suit
River Island
Prom panache has never been more attainable with River Island’s affordable pieces. Pair this sky blue set with a crisp white shirt and patent brogues. The matching trousers are available for £25.
Shine, shimmy and sparkle in this pale pistachio showstopper. The jazziest suit of the bunch, this bow-clad two piece exudes disco fever to the nth degree. The matching trousers are available for £45.
Buy now£105, ASOS
ASOS DESIGN Skinny Double Breasted Suit
ASOS
co*ckney charm meets suited and booted in this pocket-friendly suit featuring a double-breasted cut, an uber-wearable kahki hue and a heritage print. The matching trousers are available for £35.
Usually, you can't go wrong with neutral-toned pieces, such as gray, black, or navy. If you're looking for something more daring, opt for nontraditional colors or bold patterns, such as plaid or paisleys. Either way, ensure that whatever you select coordinates with your date's color scheme.
Usually, you can't go wrong with neutral-toned pieces, such as gray, black, or navy. If you're looking for something more daring, opt for nontraditional colors or bold patterns, such as plaid or paisleys. Either way, ensure that whatever you select coordinates with your date's color scheme.
Featured: Egara Slim Fit Shawl Lapel Velvet Dinner Jacket
Among the top prom trends of 2024, the emergence of bold colors stands out. This year is all about embracing vibrant shades like rich emerald green suits or velvet dinner jackets, for a striking statement on prom night.
Unlike a tuxedo, prom suits don't necessarily have to be worn with a bow tie and the extra components, such as the vest or cumme*rbund. It's perfectly acceptable to wear a necktie with a dress suit rather than a bow tie. Wear this option if you want to: Look great without going ultra-formal.
So, if there are only three suits you could ever have in the wardrobe, or if you are building a wardrobe of clothes from scratch, the dinner suit, navy suit and mid-grey suit are the three you should consider, no matter who you are or what you do.
In conclusion, the most popular prom dress color is red. Red is a bold and vibrant color that exudes confidence and energy. It is a versatile color that complements a wide range of skin tones and looks great on all body types. Red prom dresses are also timeless and always in style.
For women, this usually entails wearing a long or short evening gown, co*cktail outfit, or even a jumpsuit with elegant accessories like statement jewelry and high heels.
The corsage is going to be given to the girls when they are picked up for the prom. Since it is the date that is buying the corsage, it will generally fall on the guys to buy this item. However, the girls do not get out of this free as the tradition holds the girls are to buy a boutonniere for the guys to wear as well.
Prom tradition says the guy presents his date with a beautiful floral corsage. What's a corsage, you ask? It's a small bouquet of flowers worn on a female's wrist. (Your date will likely buy a similar boutonniere for the lapel of your tux.)
o Dresses that are too revealing, are skin tight or form-fitting, expose midriffs or cleavage, or are too short in length are not appropriate. o Claims that a dress was worn at last year's Prom or at Homecoming, or comparisons to the dresses of other girls already admitted to Prom will not be entertained or discussed.
If you've got broad shoulders and a narrow waist you'll look great in our tailored fit, however, if you're slim-framed with slim limbs, then you'll pull off a skinny fit or slim fit. Whatever fit you go for, your suit should sit flat on the chest and shoulders.Not too wide and not too tight.
Although prom in its precise definition is short for promenade dance—a formal dance party for high school students held toward the end of the school year—there are several other activities that typically take place on prom night, including group photo sessions, dinners and afterparties.
We recommend sticking with dark-colored suits, like black, navy, or charcoal gray for a formal event. For a day at the office, an all black men's suit is way too formal. Instead, we recommend wearing a gray or navy blue men's suit to work.
However, if you intend to wear your suit beyond rare occasions, then charcoal grey and navy blue are the superior choices. Why? They are the most versatile and useful suit colours that provide a great value for those who have to wear formal suits regularly and look for a classic and timeless option.
How to mix and match suit colours? Pick 2-3 colours to work with. No more. If you're wanting to combine two solid colours, be sure that one stands out against the other to create a curated contrast in your outfit, for example, cobalt blue with grey, or cream beige with white.
Common Questions: What 5 suits should a man own? Everyman should own a black suit, a navy suit, a grey suit, a brown suit and a tan suit with white, powder blue or cream shirts.
Introduction: My name is Horacio Brakus JD, I am a lively, splendid, jolly, vivacious, vast, cheerful, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.