What do college guys wear to formals?

[Anonymous]

My older DS rushed a fraternity his freshman year and he had a couple of formal events with his fraternity. My middle son is currently a freshman and he's an athlete at his college . His team had a formal party in January right before their season started their official in-season practices. Both of them took a blazer, dress shirt, tie and khaki pants and wore those. For shoes, I would recommend "throw away" shoes - I remember being in college and the floor would get sticky/gross with beer and they both are reporting nothing has changed!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Freshman usually don’t attend formals

Wrong. My freshman had a class formal and then rushed and had his fraternities formal. They could get invited to a girls formal. Even clubs had formals, such as sports clubs and acapella groups.

+1. UVA son bought a tux the first year and used it all four years. He was not in the Greek system but active in debate and other groups on grounds that did have

This. When I was at UVA I had a friend (male) who had a tux and got invited to lots of events as people’s date. It was a great investment.

[Anonymous]

Your kid will know when the time comes. Don't worry about it know OP - just give him some cash to buy clothes when he needs them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your kid will know when the time comes. Don't worry about it know OP - just give him some cash to buy clothes when he needs them.

stupid advice. I think all guys should go to school with at least the basics. Nothing worse than finding out you have a club interview or a date function and you suddenly have to run out and find something to wear. Blazer, multiple khakis, white shirt, ties, dress shoes, dress belt. Guys should go to school with at least those items. He will not need a tux.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your kid will know when the time comes. Don't worry about it know OP - just give him some cash to buy clothes when he needs them.

stupid advice. I think all guys should go to school with at least the basics. Nothing worse than finding out you have a club interview or a date function and you suddenly have to run out and find something to wear. Blazer, multiple khakis, white shirt, ties, dress shoes, dress belt. Guys should go to school with at least those items. He will not need a tux.

I agree with everything except the last sentence.

Many guys will need a tux at school -- it will depend on the school you attend.

[Anonymous]

A good black suit covers it all. Tuxedo not necessary...just wear a nice bow tie with the black suit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your kid will know when the time comes. Don't worry about it know OP - just give him some cash to buy clothes when he needs them.

stupid advice. I think all guys should go to school with at least the basics. Nothing worse than finding out you have a club interview or a date function and you suddenly have to run out and find something to wear. Blazer, multiple khakis, white shirt, ties, dress shoes, dress belt. Guys should go to school with at least those items. He will not need a tux.

I agree with everything except the last sentence.

Many guys will need a tux at school -- it will depend on the school you attend.

Agree that it depends on the school, but also agree a tux can be a good investment if they do need one. Renting once usually costs just a little less than buying and a guy with a tux who is available at the last minute is always in demand. Not to mention it will fit better.

[Anonymous]

^I think that's good advice about buying vs renting tux. Only issue I see is that size might change, so I would avoid expensive choices. If buying, I'd plan on it being a college tux only, not really applicable to later in life.

(I am a PP who mentioned kid might need tux this weekend for a sorority formal. He wisely decided not to spend the $$ to rent, and is wearing his suit instead.)

[Anonymous]

So many of us can't help you Op as we would have steered away from encouraging any school where a tux was worn. But good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pants that are too tight and too short.

Ha ha. What is with the too short, tight khakis?

LOL! Wondering the same.

[Anonymous]

My freshman DS is doing zoom interview right now in his suit, so that is the basic that you definitely send with him. Tuxes are not likely going to be required at the college level, though if he has done, he'll sure look dapper!

At my sons fraternity "formal", all the guys wore suits or blazers and khakis and the girls wore prom type gowns.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your kid will know when the time comes. Don't worry about it know OP - just give him some cash to buy clothes when he needs them.

stupid advice. I think all guys should go to school with at least the basics. Nothing worse than finding out you have a club interview or a date function and you suddenly have to run out and find something to wear. Blazer, multiple khakis, white shirt, ties, dress shoes, dress belt. Guys should go to school with at least those items. He will not need a tux.

Look, if you want to treat your adult child like a toddler and dress them, go ahead. My kid is an adult, and can figure out how to dress himself.