Prom Style 101: How to look legendary on prom night

MANILA, Philippines - Prom is that one night when previously madungis shirt-and-jeans kind of boys put on suits and do their best Barney Stinsons. It’s a boy’s rite of passage to sartorial manhood. Who can forget the first time he wore a suit? It’s almost like a symbolic act of leaving childhood and entering young adulthood. And needless to say, on a night like this, looking your best is obligatory.

Many have fallen victim to fashion on prom night. For my prom, I was convinced I looked cool, looking like I skinned an animal and pinning a makeshift fur stole on my button-down. It’s a sad sight and seven years later, I still cringe at the thought of my prom outfit. I didn’t know any better.

So to spare you from the embarrassment of prom-style disasters, we’ve put together some pointers to get your dapper on. Somewhere, Ryan Gosling is shining down on us.

• Semi or all the way? The first thing to take into account is the dress code for the big day. Is it formal or semi-formal? The entire game plan will revolve around this. Depending on the venue of the event, clothes, most often than not, are subject to the ventilation of the location, among others. Air-conditioned hotels are usually formal while stuffy school covered courts, semi-formal. Dressing in accordance to the temperature of the venue is crucial as it could spell the difference between a successful and a disastrous night (see: sweating buckets in a suit).

• Size matters. Unless you want to look like you rummaged through your dad’s office wardrobe, make sure your outfit is tailored to fit your body. Ditch the baggy black slacks from your grade school graduation and opt for a tapered pair. There is no excuse for oversized button-downs, and worse, a tucked-in shirt a few inches away from being called a blouse. Look sharp in a slim-cut shirt, your size. Why would you wear a size 12 when you’re a US 8? Always keep in mind that a slouchy outfit is tantamount to a lousy you.

• Suit up. In the famous words of Barney Stinson, there’s no better way to go. For those who have formal proms, nothing goes better with a beautiful girl in a beautiful gown than a well-fitted suit. Of course, having a suit custom-made from a designer is the ideal but it may also come with a hefty price tag. So for a more economical alternative, there are many nice suits available off the rack. A bit of alteration here and there will take you from mediocre ready-to-wear prince to a sleek style king. Feeling a little adventurous? Put the conservative black suit aside and try navy, gray or brown in a sartorial, slim-cut silhouette.

After party: Trust us, a nice suit goes a long way. Photos by BJ PASCUAL for “Well Groomed” editorial in Metro Weddings Styled by ADRIANNE CONCEPCION Clothes by Francis Libiran

• The ironed man. After deciding on what to wear, make sure your clothes are cleaned and ironed properly, free from unsightly wrinkles and stains, the collars starched and not floppy, and the fabric double-checked with a lint roller. These little things make the overall look. Small as they may be, these standard operating procedures are necessary to looking sleek and dapper.

• Quickie. Shoes are crucial in completing an outfit. It can make or break you. For one, sneakers and rubber shoes paired with formal and semi-formal wear is distasteful and unacceptable. If you aren’t sprinting straight to prom from a marathon, please leave your sports shoes at home. It’s just appropriate to wear dressy leather shoes to special events like prom. Footwear speaks volumes. Pointy-toed shoes in patent leather exude an air of confidence while a round-toe pair in matte leather conveys classic taste. If you’re using an old pair, make sure to take a trip to Mr. Quickie for a needed shoeshine.

• All in the details. Take style a couple of notches higher through the right accessories. Never leave the house without a leather belt on. Always go for muted colors and classic prints for neckties and bowties. You wouldn’t want to look like a clown with a neon pink bowtie. Pocket squares, cufflinks and a watch will instantly bring out the GQ man in you. Little nuances like these create the sophisticated, put-together finish to your look.

Getting your outfit right is one thing and having a successful night is another. Be confident, own it and enjoy the company of your friends. Prom only happens once in your life so make it memorable, stylish and legendary. Cheers!