Formal attire.

[similar.squirrel]

I'm going to a Graduation ball type affair in September, and I have yet to purchase the required clothing.
However, I'm not doing too well financially. The catch is, I was looking for a nicely-cut blazer for casual use anyway, and I've found one that would look good in a formal setting too.
My girlfriend is sceptical about this, as she had a more decent upbringing with decorum and rules and things.

Any snappy dressers here? Am I just being a slob, or would buying this piece of clothing for both uses be a good idea? I'm sure I can find a matching pair of trousers. I just hate spending money, especially on something one would wear maybe once a year.

Apparently, spending an exorbitant amount just to look good for one night is part of the thrill of these fancy do's, but I frankly think that's kind of perverse.

 

[Kpt._Rob]

You should be able to rent something fancy, shouldn't you? I remember when I went to prom I rented some nice stuff to wear. That wouldn't cost you as much as buying, but you wouldn't risk looking like a slob either. (I myself am not much of a snappy dresser, so I don't know if the blazer would be a bad idea or not, but if you want to be sure renting is probably cheaper than buying)

 

[Broady Brio]

Well I went to my prom with HALF a cumber-band, a fake bow tie and a jacket where the button broke in the first 5 minutes I got in the damn thing.

If I had choice between blazer or proper attire?

The proper thing. That item of clothing will be the only solid memory of that day.

 

[similar.squirrel]

I meant a more durable suit-jacket. As opposed to the flimsy crap that you can't wear in everyday life. I'm not trying to skimp, I'd just like to buy something I can wear often.

 

[pantsoffdanceoff]

To my graduation I wore purple dress shoes, track pants and a purple blazer, I was stylin'

 

[Daveman]

Can't go wrong with a standard black suit. It works for 90% of smart occasions.

 

[Dags90]

It depends entirely the formality of the event. If it's black tie, absolutely nothing short of a tuxedo is (socially) acceptable. I'm not sure on the availability of rental tuxes in your area, but they're great in the U.S. as a way to not spend a fortune.

Balls are generally black tie events (or at least should be). Ask your girlfriend if she plans on wearing an "evening gown" or other full length dress. If the answer is yes, you'd do her a favor to wear a tux. You're a man, people will criticize your girlfriend equally if you fail to dress properly because of social norms about men and dressing.

As a young person, you get a fair amount of leeway when it comes to tuxedo specifics, so don't fret too much on those. Just make sure the damned thing fits, well, and know what that means.

 

[HTID Raver]

get the durable one if you want to wear it casualy. formal suit coats are ment for special occasions only, and the seams could tear with repeated use. i own a vintage suit coat from the 50s that wear often and i havent had any problems with it yet!


EDIT: oh yeah, if its a ball, rent a tuxuedo and look for a casual suit coat later.

 

[wooty]

I wore a Ghillie suit to my graduation, I went paintballing instead of attending tthe snooty party/ball. Thats the only suit I've ever owned

 

[Anarchemitis]

Just put on some ritz.

 

[Jark212]

I have formal Hawaiian shirts usually with a nice pare of slacks and semi-formal shoes...

That's how Stuart men do formal...