Prom dates can shuck the tux for denim done right

Girls, be warned: There’s a chance your prom date will show up at your door on the big night not in a classic tuxedo but in a velvet suit. Or even jeans.

Who’s to blame for breaking a generations-old tradition? All the young fashion fans who mimic what they see on the red carpet.

Teenage boys are taking cues for prom fashion from their favorite singers and bands who take certain liberties with formal dress codes, says “American Idol” stylist Miles Siggins.

“The normal prom look is a traditional tux in white or black, a wing-collar or regular shirt, bow tie, cummerbund and rental shoes which are a horrible plastic,” he says. “Up until recently, it was the only choice they had.”

Siggins points to the male stars who really pay attention to their wardrobes, particularly Jamie Foxx. He wore dark jeans with a green velvet blazer, a striped button-down shirt and a pocket square to the Grammy after-parties earlier this year.

“Denim is such a big part of people’s lives,” says Siggins. Jeans “can be dressed up, especially if they’re darker, slimmer. A great pair of simple denim jeans, with shirt, jacket and good pair of shoes looks good ... but the girls might not like it.”

Susan Schulz, editor in chief of CosmoGirl, says a better expression of personal style might be a cool vintage T-shirt under a tuxedo. “It shows a little flair but is still pretty polished.”

It’s considerate for boys planning to go an untraditional route to consult their date first. Remember, these girls probably have been planning their outfits for months.