Guy's guide to prom fashion

Make a style statement at prom with our tips for perfecting your look.

March 31, 2012 at 9:00PM
Zach McKenzie, right, is wearing Calvin Klein minimal pinstripe tuxedo with solid black matte vest and black and silver polka-dot bow tie from Savvi Formalwear ($148); fish cuff links from MartinPatrick3 ($45). Danny Zerka, left, is wearing Red Sleeve black and white modern tuxedo with contrasting lapels, apple red vest and three-colored pocket square from Savvi Formalwear ($135); silver knit tie from Martin Patrick3 ($115); barbed-wire cuff links from MartinPatrick3 ($145). Styling by Erick DeL
Zach McKenzie, right, is wearing Calvin Klein minimal pinstripe tuxedo with solid black matte vest and black and silver polka-dot bow tie from Savvi Formalwear ($148); fish cuff links from MartinPatrick3 ($45). Danny Zerka, left, is wearing Red Sleeve black and white modern tuxedo with contrasting lapels, apple red vest and three-colored pocket square from Savvi Formalwear ($135); silver knit tie from Martin Patrick3 ($115); barbed-wire cuff links from MartinPatrick3 ($145). Styling by Erick DeLeon (Colleen Kelly — Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Guys are getting good at looking great, and there's no time like prom to show off how dapper you can be.So with the big event coming up fast, young men are looking to prove, that yes, it's OK to look polished and put together, especially for one of the most memorable dates of the year.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so you have to look good," said Walue Xiong, a senior at St. Paul's Central High School. "For most of us, it's our one chance to impress the girl."

Keep in mind, however, that dressing to impress doesn't just happen. Here are some tips on turning that tux from drab to fab, getting a proper fit and highlighting your personal style. From classic and conventional to hip and offbeat, this is your road map for snagging best-dressed bragging rights.

"Looking put together is very in right now," said Minneapolis stylist Erick DeLeon, who helped us create a couple of class-act looks that are sure to turn heads at prom. "Girls like guys with more of a sense of style."

Illustration for the Sunday Variety cover on Prom Tuxedo Fashion. [ TOM WALLACE � twallace@startribune.com _ Assignments #20022680A_ March 24, 2011_ SLUG: tuxedo0401_ EXTRA INFORMATION: For Variety Sunday cover Zac and Danny are the models.
Zach McKenzie, right, is wearing Calvin Klein minimal pinstripe tuxedo with solid black matte vest and black and silver polka-dot bow tie from Savvi Formalwear ($148); fish cuff links from MartinPatrick3 ($45). Danny Zerka, left, is wearing Red Sleeve black and white modern tuxedo with contrasting lapels, apple red vest and three-colored pocket square from Savvi Formalwear ($135); silver knit tie from Martin Patrick3 ($115); barbed-wire cuff links from MartinPatrick3 ($145). Styling by ERICK DELEON (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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AIMÉE BLANCHETTE, Star Tribune

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