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When most people think of prom fashion, the choices usually fall into two camps: dresses and suits. And while clothing has no gender, the fashion industry hasn’t quite caught up to reality.
We know firsthand how daunting it can feel to dress up for formal events like prom, especially if you prefer androgynous or menswear-inspired styles. Maybe you’re not interested in wearing a dress, but every suit you try on is designed with a cisgender male body in mind. Jackets pull at the chest, pants gape at the waist, and nothing fits quite right.
Here’s what we want you to know: it’s absolutely possible to find androgynous prom outfits that fit your body and celebrate your authentic style. Let’s ditch traditional prom wear options and find something that’s way more you.
Make Your Moodboard
Creating the perfect androgynous prom outfit starts with knowing what inspires you and understanding your event’s dress code. Let’s break down both elements to help you find a vision that’s uniquely yours.
Look for Inspiration
Start by looking for inspiration — and trust us, there’s way more formal wear inspiration out there than just the traditional “suit or dress” binary.
Are you drawn to specific eras? Think of the glamorous tailoring of the 1940s, the bold power suits of the 1980s, or the understated simplicity of the 1990s.
Maybe you’re a fan of celebs who’ve mastered gender-defying red carpet looks: Janelle Monáe’s futuristic elegance, Billy Porter’s edgy glamour, Harry Styles’ vintage-meets-modern aesthetic, Kristen Stewart’s effortless cool, Zendaya’s chameleonic style transformations, or Tilda Swinton’s gender-fluid, avant-garde sophistication.
Even your favorite influencers and content creators can provide stunning, androgynous style inspo for exactly what you’re envisioning.
The point is, once you start looking beyond traditional categories, you’ll realize there are endless possibilities for expressing your authentic style.
Decoding the Dress Code: Formal vs. Semi-Formal Proms
Next, let’s break down the level of dressiness you’ll want to achieve. Is your dance semi-formal or formal?
Semi-Formal Proms (Cocktail Attire Level)
Semi-formal proms typically ask for what some folks call “cocktail attire.” This means the style should be elevated but not the pinnacle of fanciness.
You can wear a full suit, but dress pants and a shirt with fun accessories can also do the trick. Think suit pants, a vest, and a fun tie or pocket square.
Formal Proms (Complete Suit Required)
For formal proms, a full suit is suggested, but hey, we’re chasing what feels best to us here.
Remember that “formal” doesn’t have to mean “boring.” Have fun with color, fabric, and prints, or go all out by opting for a tux.
Typically, the most formal outfit is considered to be black tuxedo pants with a white tuxedo jacket, paired with — you guessed it — a tuxedo shirt.
Finding the Right Pieces for Prom
Once you’ve understood the assignment, it’s time to think about the technical details.
Dress Shirts
For a true androgynous look, start with dress shirts that avoid darts, which tend to give more of a feminine, curvy appearance. Instead, look for structured collars that work seamlessly with ties and bowties for a polished, gender-neutral foundation.
Suit Jackets and Blazers
When comparing prom suit jackets and blazers, look for options that are as functional as they are stylish.
Ideally, your suit jacket should have functional pockets, meaning pockets you can actually store things in. Many traditional-style women’s suits only have the appearance of pockets, and expect the wearer will be carrying a bag.
Unless you’re planning to rock a bag (and power to you if you are), you’ll want a place to stash your phone and other necessities.
Beyond practicality, look for personality-driven details like patterned linings or bold, contrasting color accents that make your look uniquely yours.
Pants for Prom
When choosing pants, the lines of the garment are key to creating an androgynous silhouette. A straight or tapered leg works beautifully here, especially when paired with an overall tailored fit that maintains clean lines.
Consider pants with contrast waistband linings for an unexpected pop of detail that elevates your look.
Most importantly, remember to choose pants that are comfortable enough to dance in — because what’s the point of looking amazing if you can’t move with confidence on the dance floor?
Related: How a Suit Should Fit
Coordinating Your Prom Colors
Color coordination can make or break your prom look, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. What you really want is a cohesive palette that reflects your personal style while providing that polished, androgynous aesthetic you’re going for.
Start with Neutrals for Your Base
If in doubt, start with a neutral base. Look for navy, charcoal, or black suits to convey a sense of elegance. As a bonus, you’ll have no trouble restyling these pieces for job interviews, family weddings, or any time you want your date to faint at the sight of you.
If you’re choosing a timeless foundation, you can either double down on the subtle or go wild with the accessories. For our suave and subtle friends, you’d be surprised how sophisticated a cream, ivory, or soft gray shirt looks paired with a suit in a classic color.
Consider a Monochromatic Look
Monochromatic color combos can look effortlessly stylish. For example:
- A navy suit with a lighter blue shirt
- A charcoal suit over a smoke-gray shirt
- A black shirt under a black blazer
Monochromatics add depth to your prom attire but with a fresh, androgynous vibe.
Add Strategic Pops of Color
If you’re feeling a little spicy, a neutral base is the perfect canvas for accessories full of personality. Introduce color through ties, pocket squares, or fabric lining. Think about jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, ruby, or amethyst to add richness, maturity, and sophistication to your look.
You Might Like: The Perfect Androgynous Wedding Suits: Classic Black or Navy
Mixing Fabrics and Textures
Once you’ve nailed the cut, color, and overall vibe of your prom dress-up look, understanding how to mix textures can take it to the next level.
Create Contrasts
Matte wool suits pop when contrasted with crisp, woven cotton shirts, or add silk and satin details, like satin trim, ties, bowties, and pocket squares. You can layer in dimension with subtle patterns like micro-checks and stripes.
Prioritize Comfort
You can learn a lot about fabric by touching it. Does it seem scratchy or thin? Make sure it’s something that will stand up to dancing, chatting, and having the time of your life.
Fabrics that have a bit of stretch can be a lifesaver during a long night of dancing. If it’s going to be warm or even hot where you live by the time prom night rolls around, consider cotton or linen layers over wool for maximum breathability and minimal sweating.
Lastly, remember you can shop off-the-rack suits or go the custom-made route.
Learn More: What is the Difference Between Ready-to-Wear and Custom Suiting?
Androgynous Prom Suiting Options
Gender-neutral prom looks are easy to find when you know where to look. Check out these effortlessly stylish pieces and wear them like no one else — because your style is unique.
The Kirrin Tuxedo
The Kirrin Tuxedo is for our fanciest of friends.
Ideal for formal proms, the Kirrin tuxedo suit jacket, tuxedo pants, and shirt are available in inclusive sizing, with snazzy satin details and a pop of color in the printed lining. The classic shawl collar will have you feeling very Bond, They-mes Bond.
Go full Billy Porter and pair a tuxedo jacket with a full skirt, or tux it from head to toe with satin ribbon-trimmed tuxedo pants.
The Georgie Suit
The Georgie Suit has a lightly structured blazer and navy dress pants with a slightly tapered fit. Neither masculine nor feminine, it’s ready to be styled to your preferences.
Add our Georgie vest to achieve a three-piece suit, or rock the vest without the blazer for a more semi-formal look.
Consider wearing a Georgie Suit in one of our limited-edition colors if you want to be the boldest person on the dance floor. Or, opt for understated neutrals that you’ll be wearing long past prom.
Finishing Touches for Androgynous Prom Outfits
Your accessories are the most versatile component of your look and the most powerful.
Swapping accessories can completely change the feel of your look. A new tie, pocket square, or pair of shoes can help you nail the androgynous or gender-neutral prom outfit you desire.
Kraken Tie and Pocket Square
Keep it classic with a black-and-white print like the Kraken tie and pocket square. The pattern is subtle but unique and is guaranteed to earn you compliments all night long.
Lisa Congdon Floral Print Tie, Bow Tie, and Pocket Square
Go bold with a bright floral pop. Florals aren’t just for femmes, they’re for all of us — and this cute bow tie in a cheerful spring print is the peak of androgynous fashion, neither masc nor femme.
You can also try it as a necktie or pocket square.
Gold Leaf Print Skinny Tie, Bow Tie, and Pocket Square
Think outside the box with a pattern that’s neither hard graphics nor fluffy florals. Our eye-catching Gold Leaf Print bow tie, skinny tie, and pocket square layer pastels with neutrals for an elegant splash of color.
Suspenders
Not only are suspenders a fun touch of vintage dapper, but they’ll keep your pants up no matter what moves you’re pulling on the dance floor. Belts can sometimes feel restrictive if you’re really getting low or have sensory sensitivities.
We also recommend them if you’re opting to go with a vest or waistcoat, as belts can create bulk at the hip and get in the way of the lines of the suit.
Prom is About The Experience
At the end of the day, going to prom should be about having a blast. Whether you go by yourself, with friends, or with a date, all that matters is you make the most of it.
It’s time for a little advice from your queer elders: we asked around the office for the best advice for prom-goers, and here’s what our team said.
“My advice for prom would be to wear what makes you feel most authentically you and not to fall into the trap of trying to look like everyone else. And don’t be afraid to ask someone to prom. I asked my date two years in a row, and he said yes two years in a row, so you might be pleasantly surprised. Break the mold!”
—Ali
“Prom was really fun for me because I was always so nervous about dancing, but I finally let go of feeling like everyone was watching me — they weren’t — and danced with my friends until I was completely sweaty. Those are the kinds of things you’ll remember.”
—Elaine
“I didn’t go to my actual prom. The anxiety of wearing a dress was too much, and heels — dear god. I’m Caribbean, so my family wasn’t hearing I wanted to wear pants. I did get to go to a queer prom a few months ago. It was so affirming seeing everyone in tuxedos, pantsuits, and rompers!”
—Shakarah
Dressing up isn’t the enemy, but dressing as anyone except yourself is. Shop for your prom look now, and don’t settle for anything less than looking authentically yourself.
