It’s the most iconic night of the year for teenagers everywhere, with some of the biggest repercussions should things go awry; no we’re not talking about graduation or valedictory service, we’ re talking about the graduation ball. This notorious night has gone down in infamy as the night that everyone remembers forever.  And while the young ladies usually go all out for this affair, the male side of things is sometimes lacking. Don’t worry sirs, we’ve got you covered with the basic do’s and don’ts for ball. Now here’s your weekly dose of Rash-on-Fashion (Guys Guide):

– It’s a formal event. Dress like it. Over the years we have seen where guys fail to see/understand that word on the invitation, what is it again? Oh yes, FORMAL. Wearing jeans, shorts, sneakers, T-shirts or that ‘off the road side’ plaid oxford shirt to the ball is a big NO NO! We are not saying that everybody has a three-piece suit just laying around in their closet, but most have the basic black dress pants and matching jacket or vest. You may have to buy a new shirt, but think of it as an investment in yourself, as that very same shirt you may one day wear to an interview, or another formal affair.

– Less about ‘me’ and more about ‘her’. Gentlemen let’s face it, there is a reason why you don’t see all boys schools advertising a ball every end of year. Though these are unisex events, they are more ‘girl-centered’, meaning that we as the guys have to complement the girl in the best way possible. This usually involves ‘colour coordination’. There is nothing better than a good looking couple at ball especially when their outfits match. By match I don’t mean that if she’s wearing a red dress that you have to go out of your way to find a red suit, but a red shirt or a red vest or even a red tie can pair well. This shows that you put effort into your ensemble, and is basically an unspoken rule of a ball.

– Fit Is key. We all know that there are different body types and sizes, and not everybody is blessed with being “sample size”, so fit and tailoring is very important to ensure that you look sleek and stylish. Basic things to look for include; the length of the pants, which should just be hanging (gracefully) over your shoes, the length of you shirt sleeve proportioned to the length of your arm, and properly-fitted blazers/jackets – if you feel like you are swimming chances are its way too big, and if it restricts your arm movement (or cuts off circulation) its way too tight.

– Groom or gloom. A lot of guys like to pride themselves on their ability to put themselves together quickly, but if there was ever an occasion to slow down and take that hour or so to put yourself together it would be this. There is nothing more attractive to a girl than a properly groomed, well-dressed man and this is a part of being that ‘ultimate accessory’. Make sure that your hair is properly done and shave if necessary, that you have on deodorant , that you make use of your cologne and above all else make sure that your breath is under control (some Tic Tacs won’t hurt), or you will be whispering sweet nothings to yourself.

I hope these tips will help you gents to navigate the ups and downs of ball this year. In all cases just remember to have fun, be gentlemen and enjoy the occasion. It only comes but once in a lifetime… for some of us anyway.