As the title says, how can younger male (16-17) go about learning how to buy formal clothing for events (highschool graduation). Like how do we match colors of the vest and pants, tie and dress shirt, etc? The cost management aspect of it and the overall decision of buying a good deal, and nice fit? I’m new to this and just wanted to get some ideas.
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Suits can be expensive and you aren’t done growing yet. Maybe consider renting as needed until later in life?
At your age I recommend renting as well
Learn the different styles of suit fits. I prefer “modern fit” because it’s more form fitting without being overly flamboyant.
Figure out what type of button, shoulder, and lapel styles you like and how they look when you wear them.
Get accurate measurements and have it tailored to fit.
Colors should either contrast or be like. If you’re wearing a dark top, wear dark or light pants, never the other way around.
Shoe color should match the belt.
Make sure to take the jacket off if you’ll be sitting for a long time before the event. Nothing worse than having a wrinkly back.
This is a skill and art you’ll pick up over time as you learn yourself more and your body settles into its own frame over time.
As far as style, that’s all on you. If you can rock it, go with whatever it is you want. But obviously certain looks are more appropriate for different occasions.
The most basic tips I can give you are be aware of different styles/cuts, and when you decide to buy your own suit, look at navy blue or a shade of grey. Never black unless you work for the government, or are going to a funeral.
Often times, less is more. A subtle color shirt lighter than your suit (like white or light blue, or light grey (yes, that simple)), and your tie should *always* be darker than your shirt.
Don’t *match* your pocket square to your tie. Make your pocket square *complement* your tie.
Belt color and shoes should always match. Silver jewelry is better for darker shoes and suits. Gold is better with brown shoes and lighter suits.
Hold off or go to Goodwill..l your body’s going to change and it’ll be a huge waste.
You’re going to want to go get measurements so you know your size and you can get one that fits, but you’re probably going to want to get one pret-a-porter instead of tailored because you’re young and still growing, and that can be expensive for a high school kid.
Go to a suit store and simply ask. They do this stuff all day long. They’re getting paid to make you look good. If you’re disappointed in what they do, they’ve lost a customer, and any potential customers you’d recommend to them. Never hurts to just ask.
Gay friends are extremely valuable in these situations. Great friends to have throughout your life.
If you can afford it, go to a store like suit supply and have one of the staff fit you for a suit. I’d recommend something pretty staple, blue, double vents. The pants and jacket come as a pair, so no need to match anything yourself.
Just stick to white shirts and solid colored ties. You can go with brown or black shoes and belt with a blue suit, just make sure the shoes and belt match.
Don’t try to go rogue with this because suits need to fit pretty precisely to look good, so get professionally fitted. Tailoring is often included when you buy a suit from stores like this.
Check your thrift store or find a cheap suit and have tailored. A proper fit will make all the difference. Avoid mixing cool colors with warm colors.
If you are in a major US City, go to Brooks Brothers and ask them just like in your post. Their suits are pretty expensive but I am sure they will be glad to school you. Also, you can look at Nordstrom.
Also – If you don’t have much money…go straight to a tailor and ask what is in style (lapel width etc…) then go to a thrift store, buy one that sort of fits and get it tailored. In my opinion, there are only a certain number of different materials. There is really no need to pay 2 or $3,000 for a suit based on the label.
Since you’re younger and still have time to grow, I would recommend going to a thrift store and buying one that fits. It won’t be tailored to your size, but I don’t think that’s something you really need. Plus tailored suits are expensive af. I dropped about $500 on mine and it’s still not really high end compared to some executives you see. You can sometimes find a whole matching suit with pants and jacket and/or vest at a thrift store. You can occasionally find expensive brand names as well. As for shoes, black dress shoes work for just about anything. You can wear dark browns with blueish suits. Black and charcoal suits are seen as more professional as well.
Go to second hand stores (some near me sell blazers, pants, and ties for a dollar, each). look in a catalog at the people wearing suits and try to mimic one of them with your colors and patterns.