When your teachers throw out the rulebook for a night, the last thing you want is to feel like you’re wearing a uniform. Yes, there are some black-tie rules you should probably stick to, but with a hire suit as your base, there are plenty of ways to show your personality with your styling.

Here are two ways to make a black-tie prom look your own.

A traditional tuxedo has peak or shawl lapels and satin details, making it feel more special than your usual suit. It’s best to hire one, as you could well grow out of it before you have another black-tie do.

According to the rulebook, you should complete your tux with a cummerbund, white dress shirt, bow tie and white pocket square in a straight fold. But rules were made to be broken, which is why lots of guys switch out the cummerbund for a waistcoat. You’ll still have a seamless, formal finish, but in a slightly more relaxed way.

Ramp up the personality by choosing a large bow tie or a pocket square in a rich colour, like orange, khaki or deep blue. You can also hire accessories, but there is more choice when you buy them, giving you more room to be adventurous. Plus, you can keep them as mementoes.

There is a way to do prom in a more relaxed way while still looking the part for the event.

Hire a more simple black tux with notch lapels for a more casual take on the dress code. Make it fit for the event by wearing a white dress shirt (contrasting tuxedo stud buttons or hidden buttons look streamlined). Then complete your outfit with a dress scarf worn loosely under your jacket. They come in all sorts of colours, from classic white and black to more on-trend navy and wine hues.

Choose a classic white pocket square in a straight fold or mix up your look even more with one in a puff fold and a colour that contrasts your scarf.

Okay, here’s one rule you must follow, whichever suit you choose: you must think carefully about your socks. Make sure they won’t clash with your suit or accessory choice, as they’ll be on show when you sit down. If in doubt, you can’t go wrong with plain black. Or if you’re wearing trousers with a tapered ankle, you can go for loafers with no socks at all.

Dissertation done and exams complete, only one important thing left to do before you don your cap and gown, graduate and head off into the real world – the grad ball.

Depending on your university, your grad ball will take place in May or June. Each uni does it a bit differently, but the dress code is always ‘dress to impress’. Whether you want to go for something timelessly stylish or a show-stopping statement suit, the memories (and photos) can last a lifetime. That’s why it’s so important to avoid the possibility of sartorial disaster. Fortunately, we’re here to help you get it right.

Opting for a dinner suit is a great choice if you want to go for something timeless. The most important tip when wearing this style of suit is to keep things simple. Classic black-tie outfits look best tailored to perfection, so speak to one of our store staff who can help with alterations. Alternatively, reward all of your hard work with a bespoke suit crafted for you in just 30 days with our Tailor Me service.

There aren’t many occasions where you can wear a bow tie these days, so why not make the most of the opportunity? Pre-tied bow ties are great for effortlessly pulling together a formal look – we have plenty to choose from. However, if you really want to push the boat out, go for one of our silk self-tie bow ties. Use our six-step guide to master the technique and you’ll stand out as the guy who knows what he’s doing.

Grad ball is a celebration so there’s room to have a bit of fun and show off your personality with your outfit. The term ‘statement suit’ doesn’t necessarily refer to something glittery and flared, complete with sequins and contrast lapels. Well, it could, but we’re talking more along the lines of well-tailored party suit. If you’re feeling bold, choose matching trousers and pair your suit with an understated shirt and accessories to keep your suit the focus point. Alternatively, try teaming your party jacket with a pair of well-cut black trousers and a pair of smart dress shoes.

If it’s good enough for HRH Prince Harry, it’s good enough for you. A velvet dinner jacket is a great way to elevate your look. Team one of our velvet jackets with a pair of well-cut trousers and a smart button-down shirt. When choosing your shirt and accessories, go for a plain colours to set off your velvet jacket. Finish off your look with a smart pair of patent leather shoes for a show-stopping grad ball option.