TUXEDO TREND: Gray

A color we are starting to see more of in tuxedos is gray, dark steel gray in particular. One benefit of a gray tuxedo is that it looks good with so many colors that are perfect for prom. You will never have to worry about not matching your date! It also looks stunning with a silver vest and tie that will match virtually everything.

Don't forget to check Mestads.com or stop in to find ways to save on your tuxedo! 

TUXEDO TREND: The Fitted Tuxedo

Most of you have your dresses by now, or at the very least, know what you are looking for, so it’s time to start thinking about tuxedos.

One new trend we are seeing in tuxedos this year is the fitted tuxedo. This tuxedo is fitted in the waist giving it a more modern look, and comes with flat front pants more like a normal men’s dress pant instead of a more traditional pant with pleats. Our two most popular fitted styles are the Fitted Notch in white and the Ridge in black.

Don't forget to stop in and ask a Mestads Stylist how you can save money on your prom tuxedo!

PROM 2012

2011 is quickly coming to an end, which means it's time to start thinking about Prom! All three Mestads locations already have prom gowns out, with new ones coming in every day, and don't forget that we register your dress so we won't sell it to anyone else at your school!

 Make sure to stay tuned to our blog and facebook page to find out all of the new trends and styles for 2012, makeup tips, events, our staff picks from our expert stylists here at Mestads and much more! Happy Holidays and we hope to see you in the new year!

HOW TO: Avoid Prom Drama

About.com author Casey Lewis has this to say:


What does “prama” mean?:

"Prama" is a term coined by the New York Times that means "prom drama."

Because prom is widely considered the most important event of high school (though we hear graduation is kind of significant), it's only natural that the occasion will spark a healthy dose of drama.

What does "prama" include? :

The term "prama" include things like two guys inviting the same girl to prom, two girls buying the same prom dress, or one couple agreeing to go with two different pre- or post-prom bashes.

Other "pramatic" events: deciding you hate your dress at the last minute, realizing your tux doesn't fit the day of prom, breaking up with your date a month before prom, or finding yourself a victim of "dress jealousy."

How can you avoid date “prama?":

• In the months prior to the big event, stay in the good graces of your prom date – no breakups, no second thoughts, no last-minute backing out.

• Communicate! Discuss your ensembles, transportation, dinner arrangements, and after-prom plans before the week of prom – or worse, the day of.

• If you find out that your Prince Charming (or your Princess Enchanting) is a toad wearing a tuxedo disguise, grin and bear it... and don't feel guilty dancing with your best friends.

How can you avoid dress or tux “prama?":

• Trying it on before you buy should be an obvious move. Try it on again a week in advance and then, just to be on the safe side, the day before.

• Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but prom is not the time to show your admiration for a classmate. Like a girl's boyfriend, once she claims her dress, it's hers (If she shops at Mestad's, that's guaranteed). Lucky for guys, every tux looks the same.

• If you hit the dance floor and notice a dress twin across the room, keep your cool. Flash a big smile, tell her she looks nice, then appreciate the fact that you added your own brand of cool to yours.

How can you avoid “prama" queens?:

• With months of preparations and pressures, the stress is bound to wear everyone a little thin. While some girls feel pure excitement, others feel constant anxiety.

• Did I choose the right dress? Are my shoes okay? Will my date like me? Will I get salad stuck in my teeth at dinner and have a giant glob of green in professional prom photos? Pre-prom jitters are normal, but stressful nonetheless.

• With a little TV relaxation (Gossip Girl prom episodes, perhaps?), iTunes therapy, and plenty of pedicures, the night will go off without a hitch – even if you have to deal with a prama queen or two.

HOW TO - Choose a Boutonniere

A what? It’s the flower that is pinned to the collar of your date’s tuxedo. You might consider going to the flower shop together to select his boutonniere and your corsage, or you might just want to surprise each other. Either way, be sure to let him know what color your gown is, so he can choose something for you that will compliment your outfit. This way, you can choose something for him that will pull the whole look together.

Here are a few unique alternatives to the classic rose:

Tuxedo Vocabulary

Bow Tie: a short necktie tied into a bow at the neck

Collar Types:
Wingtip: a collar style that points down in the
front but does not lie down around the entire
neck, generally worn with a Bow tie
Lay down: standard wide, pointed collar of a
dress shirt that lays down flat, generally worn
with a Windsor tie


Cuff Links: a fastening used in place of a button on the cuff of a shirt

Cummerbund: broad waistband worn with a dinner jacket instead of a vest

Lapel: the folded back collar on a coat

Lapel Types:
Notch: a notch cut out of the lapel of the coat
Peak: the lapel will form a “V” or a peak
Shawl: rounded, smooth lapel


Pocket Square: a folded square of fabric put in the breast pocket of a coat for decoration

Stud: a fastening used in place of a button on the shirt front

Suspenders: supporting bands that go over the shoulder and clip or button to waist of pants to hold them up

Tailcoat: a tux coat which is shorter in the front and has two tapering tails in the back

Tuxedo (Tux): outfit consisting of a tuxedo coat, pants with satin strip down the side, cummerbund and bow tie, or vest and tie and polished shoes.

Vest: a sleeveless garment worn over a shirt

Windsor Tie: a wide necktie tied with a slip knot with both ends left hanging

Tuxedo vs. Suit

When high school guys come in to look at tuxes, they often ask “What’s the difference between a tux and a suit?” Well girls (and guys) we’ll let you know so you no longer wonder!

(Warning: There will be some terms that are unfamiliar to you, so we have supplied a list of definitions in a different post if you wish!)

First of all, tuxes have always been considered more formal than a suit. After that, things begin to get a little tricky because tuxedos have changed from what was traditionally considered a tux to what society calls a tuxedo today. Today, the easiest distinction between a tux and a suit is that the tux will have a satin lapel (collar) and a satin stripe down the outside of the pant. This is the most basic knowledge you need to know about a tux, so you can go ahead and rent a tuxedo for your upcoming formal event. But if you’d like to know a little more, continue reading!

Traditionally, tuxes would have either had a shawl or a peak lapel, never a notch, but today this is no longer true. Notch lapels are very common in modern tuxes. Tuxes were often worn with a pleated shirt, bow tie and cummerbund; again, this has recently changed. Not to be confusing, but historically, a tux only had one button, but today can be found having anything from one to four buttons!

For all you young ladies and gentlemen out there, the most important thing to remember about a tux is it has a more formal look than the suit, so for an event like prom or a gala, be sure to show up in a full tux to avoid any faux-pas!

Mestad's Wants to Help Pay for Your Prom!

Come in to receive $25 off tux coupons to hand out to your friends. Each sheet has 8 coupons all marked with your personal identification number. For each coupon turned in and tuxedo paid, you will receive $10 cash back.


One coupon credit and discount per tuxedo rented. Must be a complete tuxedo rental, including shoes. Not valid with other coupons or discounts. Coupon MUST be presented at the time you book your tuxedo. Your cash back will be issued via rebate check no later than June 15, 2010. Tuxedo must be paid for and used for Prom 2010. Coupon holds no cash value and may only be redeemed for merchandise. No purchase necessary to earn cash back! Offer expires May 30, 2010.

Mestads Wants to Help Pay for Your Prom

Come in to receive $25 off tux coupons to hand out to your friends. Each sheet has 8 coupons all marked with your personal identification number. For each coupon turned in and tuxedo paid, you will receive $10 cash back.

One coupon credit and discount per tuxedo rented. Must be a complete tuxedo rental, including shoes. Not valid with other coupons or discounts. Coupon MUST be presented at the time you book your tuxedo. Your cash back will be issued via rebate check no later than June 15, 2010. Tuxedo must be paid for and used for Prom 2010. Coupon holds no cash value and may only be redeemed for merchandise. No purchase necessary to earn cash back! Offer expires May 30, 2010.

Pink Ties and Orange Vests!

It’s that time. You need to pick out your tux, which includes vest and tie colors! If colors just aren’t your thing, what should you do?

First off, don’t worry. If you’re unsure of what would best match your date’s dress, bring in a picture, swatch or if she got the dress at Mestads, just let us know her name and we’ll look up the dress and color and we’re more than willing to help you make the best color decisions for prom night.

First thing to remember is you don’t need to match the dress exactly.
One option is to go all black. Black vest, tie, and white shirt, you can never go wrong with this classic, red carpet look!

If you’d be willing to do a little splash of color, get an extra classy look with a pocket square.

Another option is to do a black vest with a colored tie and pocket square.

Mix and match your vest and tie for extra fun!

Of course, you can always match the vest and tie to the dress.

There are so many options, so it’s no longer “just a tux.” But be sure these choices don’t make getting your tux daunting. We (and your date) can assist you with any questions you have and help make a decision on what would look best on you!

Mestads Wants to Help Pay for Your Prom

Come in to receive $25 off tux coupons to hand out to your friends. Each sheet has 8 coupons all marked with your personal identification number. For each coupon turned in and tuxedo paid, you will receive $10 cash back.

One coupon credit and discount per tuxedo rented. Must be a complete tuxedo rental, including shoes. Not valid with other coupons or discounts. Coupon MUST be presented at the time you book your tuxedo. Your cash back will be issued via rebate check no later than June 15, 2010. Tuxedo must be paid for and used for Prom 2010. Coupon holds no cash value and may only be redeemed for merchandise. No purchase necessary to earn cash back! Offer expires May 30, 2010.

HOW TO - Wear a Tuxedo

Its prom night and you’re all set to go; reservations for dinner are confirmed, you have your parents’ car for the night and you are headed to pick up your date in an hour. Only thing is you still need to get dressed. Wearing a tux would seem simple enough, you throw on a shirt and some sort of coat and you’re all set, right? Not quite. There are a few things to remember when wearing a tux that are different from your casual, every day wardrobe of jeans and a t-shirt.

To begin, wearing a tux correctly starts when you get fitted. You booked your tux a couple of weeks ago after a bunch of measurements and decisions on colors and styles. Pick up your tux at least 2 days in advance so any adjustments can be made. At this time a consultant will help you into your coat and assure the proper fit and look of everything. If you have any questions on how something is fitting, or you are not comfortable, speak up. Consultants can only see what you look like, not how you feel and we all want you to be as comfortable as possible.

Now that we’re back to prom night, let’s get you dressed!

It’s often a good idea to wear a plain white undershirt under the tux shirt. The tux shirts are stiff and uncomfortable and the added barrier of a nice cotton layer will make the night more pleasant.

Your tux shirt should be completely buttoned, including the annoying little collar button, which you may need some help getting buttoned. Make sure your shirt is tucked into your pants!

Pants are worn at your real waist. Do not sag tuxedo pants, they are not made to wear low and will make you look unkempt if you do. When shoes are on, the pants should be about ½ to 1 inch off the ground, or hitting the top of the sole of your shoe. They should not drag on the ground. On the flip side, they should not be so short that your socks show when you stand.

Be sure you wear black socks if you have black tuxedo pants, or white socks if you have white pants!

If you need to tie a tie, make sure you know how before the big night so you’re not fumbling at the last minute. Many rental ties or bow ties are pre-tied so you just need to adjust the size. The tie is worn tucked inside the vest. If you’re wearing a bow tie, a nice detail is to wear the studs, a special removable button, instead of the white buttons that come on the shirt. Ask your tux consultant how to use these if you don’t know.

Now for the coat. When you have a tux coat on, it should fit well on the shoulders, meaning the shoulders should not make you look like a linebacker, unless you are one, and they also shouldn’t be stretching or puckering. The sleeves of the tux coat should hit your wrist when your arm hangs straight down and ideally the shirt sleeve will show a little beyond.

When buttoning the jacket never button the bottom button. Same with the buttons on the vest, button everything except for the bottom button.

Finally, check your pocket square and make sure it’s still folded nicely in your pocket.

Comb your hair, grab the corsage for your date, keys, money and you’re set to go!

Make sure the full tuxedo is worn for grand march and any pictures. During dinner and dancing, feel free to remove the coat for comfort and ease of movement. Be sure though at the end of the night you take the correct tux coat so there are no mix ups when trying to return the rental!

Ladies, don’t be afraid to take a good look at how your date is dressed and make sure everything is tucked in where it should be and he’s up to your standards!

If all else fails, take your style cues from Rob Pattinson:

Mestads Wants to Help Pay for Your Prom

Come in to receive $25 off tux coupons to hand out to your friends. Each sheet has 8 coupons all marked with your personal identification number. For each coupon turned in and tuxedo paid, you will receive $10 cash back.

One coupon credit and discount per tuxedo rented. Must be a complete tuxedo rental, including shoes. Not valid with other coupons or discounts. Coupon MUST be presented at the time you book your tuxedo. Your cash back will be issued via rebate check no later than June 15, 2010. Tuxedo must be paid for and used for Prom 2010. Coupon holds no cash value and may only be redeemed for merchandise. No purchase necessary to earn cash back! Offer expires May 30, 2010.

Mestads Wants to Help Pay for Your Prom!

Come in to receive $25 off tux coupons to hand out to your friends. Each sheet has 8 coupons all marked with your personal identification number. For each coupon turned in and tuxedo paid, you will receive $10 cash back.

One coupon credit and discount per tuxedo rented. Must be a complete tuxedo rental, including shoes. Not valid with other coupons or discounts. Coupon MUST be presented at the time you book your tuxedo. Your cash back will be issued via rebate check no later than June 15, 2010. Tuxedo must be paid for and used for Prom 2010. Coupon holds no cash value and may only be redeemed for merchandise. No purchase necessary to earn cash back! Offer expires May 30, 2010.