Celebrating your fraternity formal ls an integral part of Greek life on most campuses. They are a chance to mingle with the girls from the neighboring sororities as well as strut your stuff. However, if you're like most guys, the whole process of finding the right things to wear, finding a girl to go with you and acting properly during the fraternity formal fills you with a slight terror. While we can't help you get a date, we can give you some tips on what to wear and how to act at the spring fraternity formal.
Deciding what to wear to the spring fraternity formal can be overwhelming. You want to look hip and stand out
1. Ask your fraternity brothers what they’re wearing to the fraternity formal. For some added assurance, follow the trend of your fraternity brothers or campus when it comes to formals. Each fraternity formal may follow a little different dress code, so just to be safe – ask. You can never go wrong with a dark suit, crisp white shirt, and classic tie paired with a tie bar . For a twist on that look, try a bow tie and cuff links.
2. Classic is best. While that lime green tux may seem like a good idea when you and your buddies are at the tux rental shop, trust me, it's not. When preparing for the fraternity formal, go for the traditional dark suit or black tie duds that fit properly. Let your date's outfit add the color and flash to your ensemble.
3. If renting, know what to ask for. The classic tuxedo ensemble should include a black jacket and pants, white pleated shirt, black bow tie, black or white suspenders, a cummerbund, patent lace-up shoes, a white pocket square, black silk socks and nice shoes. This is not the time to wear your favorite sneakers.
4. A dark suit is okay. Depending on your event and what the other guy's are wearing, a black or navy suit can be appropriate for the fraternity formal. However, be sure to ask. You don't want to be the only one without a tux. Pair your suit with a white shirt (not a button-down) and a dark tie (not a bow tie.)
Sure, you went to prom, but you're grown up now and you need to act cool, not like the dork you were in high school. How to behave? First, relax. If you're relaxed and confident, your date and everyone around you will be relaxed too. It doesn't matter if this is your first fraternity formal or your 10th. Here are a few musts:
1. Grooming is not optional. A man with a two-day growth on his chin still looks unkempt even in tuxedo. Enough said.
2. Keep your tie and jacket on. The elegant dark suit and black tie look is lost the minute you untie your tie. It's only for a couple of hours. Keep your act (and your look) together.
3. Show up with flowers. Surprises are always nice and you can never go wrong giving your girl a bouquet of flowers. You may also consider a simple gift in the form of something she can keep as a memento. Want something to impress your date and remind her of the good time you had together at the fraternity formal? Consider a small after-dance gift with your fraternity's letters on it.
Campus Classics, a name you can rely on, offers a variety of quality Greek letter items.