Welcome, Activis.
Moving thread to Personal Style.
I'd like to invite any member to add to what I have said here. I may be way off base ... been a long time since I was at a prom.
I am a stylist, so I just want to say that I am coming from the perspective of what is traditional. Things may be different now in her school.
So, before you make any decisions, you might want to do some research about the past proms at that school ... there's likely pics on line somewhere, so you can see what other guys typically wear. Follow that lead, but try to make is a bit more classy than everyone else. Your date will notice the difference and appreciate your efforts and style.
You don't have to "match" her dress ... but you do need to dress at the same level of dressiness as her gown. So, you will probably need to decide between a tux or a suit. Tuxes are more formal and are pretty traditional for Proms .... but in some schools, suits are the preference ... or sometimes even less.
Consider this ... if you can make yourself look like James Bond (look it up) ... you will look extremely classy and timeless ... so you will never look back at the pictures and say "What was I thinking!?".
A tux, in my opinion, is best when it's traditional black. (OMG... you should have seen the ugly tuxes in the 80's .... pastel or bright colors, ruffled ( not just pleated) shirts and huge bow ties!) ... now that makes for a lot of WWIT moments.
)
Tuxes are usually rented and the guys in those shops are very good at helping young men dress appropriately. They will supply you with everything you need.
If you opt for a suit .... and you are buying it, you can never go wrong with a black or a very dark grey one ... you will have it for years and can use it again for all sorts of occasions.
Accessories:
If you choose a suit, you might consider a tie and a pocket square in a color to compliment her dress ... see link below, so you don't overdo it. A boutonniere (flower in your lapel) is another way to snazz up the suit. White shirts only ... it's way classier..
And if it's a tux ... you will have to choose for a cummerbund (a wide, folded satin sash at the waist) or a vest ... and they come in black or colors to compliment dresses (see link below). If that much color makes you uncomfortable, you are best with black. Your tie for a tux will be a bow tie.
Shoes:
With the suit, choose a black leather dress shoe ... like you see on businessmen. Well shined and heels in good condition. With a tux, you will choose a black patent leather (very, very shiny) shoe (rented with the tux). Black dress socks ... that come up the leg, so you never expose skin when you sit and cross your legs ... for either look.
Watch:
Nice dress watch with the suit, if you have one ... don't wear a clunky sports watch ... just not classy ... and prom is a classy occasion, at least in the mind of your date. If you don't have a nice dress watch ... go without.
If you have a tux, you will have French cuffs and cuff-links ... so no watch.
Don't forget flowers .that will look nice with the color of her dress (doesn't have to match but should not clash) .. often a wrist corsage ... to give her, before you leave. Yeah ... that's traditional too. When you research school photos ... see what the girls are wearing in the way of flowers, and use that as your guideline.
Lastly ... here's a link to some information that you will find helpful:
How to Dress For Prom | A Young Man's Guide To Formal Menswear
Good luck ... have fun!
