Oh the high school prom, that wonderful night of dinner and dancing with friends that most students never forget. Guys usually don a tux, while the girls typically find an evening gown in an array of colors. However, there’s no need to go textbook with style. Here’s a guide to creating your own completely couture prom outfit.
The magazines always show off the season’s best. It’s a great jumping off point to get ideas and see what colors and styles are on-trend. Both males and females alike can use fashion magazines and online articles to get ideas flowing. But what is your unique style? A little creative inspiration can lead to the perfect outfit for the night, that’s a creation all your own.
Celebrities often have a hand in what the ladies want for their prom dresses, shoes and accessories. But it doesn’t just have to be a Kristin Stewart, Jennifer Lopez or Miley Cyrus inspired look. Be sure to keep outfits age appropriate, after all it is a high school event with most students being under the age of 18. Instead of going risqué and stepping into a realm of outfits that aren’t ‘your age’, focus on different looks in Hollywood.
The starlets of classic cinema are a great place to start. Create a polished feminine look from the fashion influences of stars like Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor or Marilyn Monroe. Pearls and black patent shoes add a retro twist, as well as adding red lips. Find a black satin gown and a faux fur bolero jacket, and you’ll look like you belong on the red carpet. Adding soft curls completes the look. Keep the style young and fresh by adding a curled ponytail with a bouffant in the front. Doing the lips in a bright red gloss instead of a matte finish completes the look in an age-appropriate way. For a modern-day interpretation, watch ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, and pay close attention to Anne Hathaway’s post-makeover fashions.
Rocker chic can also be a fun and funky way to express your prom style. Starting with the dress, find something that can be accessorized in an edgy way. A knee-length black silk or satin number with faux leather accents, a babydoll style with a faux leather jacket over it, or a polka dot or striped number can all be played up well. Play with prints, including zebra or leopard. The next mission is to find a great pair of ankle boots. This will keep the legs long while staying within your sassy style. A pointed pair of pumps in a bright hue or leopard print will work just as well. Think of Betsey Johnson, Debbie Harry, Kat Von D or Gwen Stefani for inspiration. Bright colors like hot pink or red work great on the lips, nails or for accessories. Fishnet tights complete that edgy look, and offset those with a rhinestone bracelet or earrings. Long hair in waves or a high bun will keep the style a bit more elegant.
Who wouldn’t want to be a princess for a day? Many girls wear pink or pastels hues for prom, some even with a tiara. But make the princess look more polished and all your own by choosing a more neutral palette. Picking a long dress in a chiffon, taffeta or that has plenty of tulle in the bottom always says princess. However, choosing a hue like champagne, soft pink or black will add elegance instead of looking childlike. Ruching on the top of the gown or a layering of light materials like tulle and satin also add a modern flair. Accessorize with pieces that are monochromatic, with just a little sparkle. If wearing a champagne color, pick rose gold jewelry and makeup that is light and sunkissed with bronze and light shimmer. This makeup palette will also work with a black dress, which you may want to accessorize with silver or gold. Keep the shoes neutral as well, or metallic that reflects the same tones found in your jewelry. You’ll absolutely enchant your date.
Prom only comes once a year, so choose a unique style that is all your own. These tips will ensure you make a grand entrance to your fabulous evening.
Jenny Houston is a professional blogger that writes for NightMovesProm.com, a leading designer of prom and Quinceanera dresses.
Leave a comment