I feel like I’m rehashing a topic that’s already been expertly covered by Lulu (probably because I am), but I wanted to add a couple of things because I bought a new dress (!!!).
I don’t attend black tie events, but I found this baby at the Staerk sample sale for much less than my prom dress even was, and had to get it. It’s been hanging up in my closet since then and every time I go to get dressed, I eye the thing like a fat kid eyes pie (or like I eye pie for that matter) and think about the different occasions I could go to wear it. But after a couple months, I got fed up.
So I wore it to work!
I’m sure there’re better situations where I could show up in a floor-length gown, but this was as good a time as any.
A few tips:
Colors v neutrals
I’m assuming that the dress you buy for prom/graduation/whatever is going to be one of your only super-fancy dresses and you won’t be cultivating a collection of ballgowns. So, if you’re going floor length, go with a neutral toned dress that could work for a slew of occasions. Save your prints for your shorter, more casual dresses.
The right amount of sexy
Torso cutouts + cupped bra-lifts + side slits + mad glitter does not make you sexy. Choose one part of your body you’d like to enhance and show it off. Keep the other parts demure.
KISS (Keep it simple, stupid)
You’ll see girls at prom falling prey to accessories overload, so choose a big necklace and smaller earrings, or big fat chandelier earrings and no necklace. Wear a matching set and you’ll look like you stepped out of a Windsor catalog. Also, please don’t go and get your hair “done”. Get your makeup done, but leave your hair casual.
Since I mentioned prom so much, I’ve decided to include a photo of myself at prom. Also, yes. I did take Gael Garcia Bernal to prom.
