Be a real role model and go and buy a decent suit for your son. Every man should own a plain, well fitting dark suit and it is your responsibility to advise him on this and not give in the whims of youth. Once you have purchased this suit, go to a clothing alterations joint (even a laundromat) and stick a $50 in their palm to alter it to his body type, it will turn an off the rack $200 job into something on par with a tailor made or designer suit, or at least provide the illusion of it.
Tips for purchase:
- Buy understated block colours. Dark navy, charcoal or gunmetal in wool or at worst firm cotton. Black suits are for funerals and light colours are for European fridge salesmen and dandies. Bright colours are the realm of the clueless bogan.
- single breasted only and 2 buttons max.
- go for a slim, fitted look as is the rage but skin tight, particularly in the trousers is no good.
- a slim, black tie (which you can get for $10 from cotton on) on a plain white shirt is a classic look that you can wear to any function and will look mint at the formal amongst all the "look at me" idiots.
- do not allow him to wear sneakers or skate shoes with this suit or do something geniused with his hair unless he wants to be embarrassed in 5 years (for the rest of his life). Press on him that this is not an event to do something outrageous and looking timeless cool and classic speaks way louder than looking ridiculous.
Follow my advice and your boy will be the sexiest man at the formal and you will be proud.
