Here are three strategies to help you begin fashioning your elegant
look for that special night.
When
I think back to my high school years, I have wonderful memories of formal
dances, especially my prom. Being the youngest of three daughters, I
remember watching my older sisters' prom preparations with envy, anxious
and eager for my turn to "dress up" for a dance. Growing up
as the youngest girl in my family, I often wore hand-me-downs or created
outfits from dresses that my sisters had grown out of. Because of that,
I got good at developing my own unique look by creatively combining
hairstyles and accessories all my own.
Finally, my
turn came to go to the prom, and I was able to buy a new dress! I recall
exactly what that special dress looked like: it had a full skirt of
white organza, exquisitely embroidered with small red flowers, that
seemed to float around me. The outfit was completed by dyed-to-match
red heels and short white gloves, and my hair was styled in an elaborate
bouffant. I still hold the memory of that prom close to my heart.
Well, times
sure have changed! Today, prom dresses are "out" and ball
gowns that often flow to the floor are "in," heavily sprayed
bouffant hairdos are long gone, and short cotton gloves are rarely a
part of a prom ensemble. One thing, however, has not changed: the need
to find that totally unique look that says to all your friends, "This
is who I am; this is how I feel about myself." What might your
unique prom style be? Well, here are three fashion categories to get
you started.
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Dainty glimmering
necklace and earrings sets such as this one from Sassy South are
right for the Femme Fatale look.
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"Femme
Fatale"
Are you in the mood for a completely feminine look? Dress selections
in this category are numerous. This spring, the selections include many
pastels from pale purples, aqua, light pink, light yellow and white,
to name a few, made of taffeta overlaid with organza or tulle. You will
find fitted bodices with assorted necklines, strapless classics, sexy
spaghetti straps, halters, or the more conservative tank tops. All these
dress tops have the traditional full ball gown skirt which defines this
feminine style.
Wear your
hair in a softer retro '40s look or leave your curly tresses natural
or just blow-dry your long locks straight to heighten the innocence
of this feminine attire. Your makeup should be fresh-looking to give
the appearance of fine porcelain. Add soft shades of blush and lipstick
with shimmer gloss to get that look.
Depending
on the dress neckline you have chosen, scoop or princess, I would select
a dainty glimmering necklace and earrings that will perhaps match the
beaded bodice accents or the fabric color. A perfect choice would be
a special effect color, aurora borealis (Austrian crystal reflecting
all the pastel colors) in an ever-popular silver setting to bring radiance
to your face. Just think of how this demur look will help you to sparkle
at the prom when the lights are low. If the skirt on your dress is tulle,
be careful not to select a bracelet that might catch and ruin your dress.
Some stretch bracelets that complement your other jewelry will be a
good compromise. Complete the outfit with a small evening bag in a solid
pastel satin and a comfortable shoe to match. Your footwear choice should
not make a huge statement on its own.
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Big
chunky dangle earrings are called for with high or halter-top
necklines of the Sexy Siren look.
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"Sexy
Siren"
Do you dare to explore all the selections in this category? A huge number
of dresses are available. Here you are emphasizing fit (and it is a
good idea to be fit to wear these unforgiving dress styles). Sleek satin
slip dresses, beaded fitted gowns, classic solids with glittering trims,
iridescent taffetas and faux suede animal prints fit this category to
a tee!
Colors for
spring include sapphire blue, turquoise, bright pink, orange, red, all
shades of purple and, of course, black. Neckline varieties mentioned
above will also apply here, but this category also includes plunging
"V" shapes. Some of the dresses have deep slits cut up the
back or up one leg to allow ease of movement. Pay close attention to
the necessary undergarments that you will need to accommodate these
sometimes-brief dresses. Don't wait till prom night to discover an unexpected
dilemma.
Hair and makeup
should be dramatic. An up-do with hair jewelry, such as tiara crystal
hair sticks or a comb, might be just the right thing. Maybe an elegant
curled style pulled back over one ear is the way to go. Have short hair?
Perhaps a color tint in a rich auburn or highlighting for a blonde will
give you extra punch. Add richer tones to your makeup and select a delicious
deep shade of lipstick.
Pull out all
stops for jewelry for this look. There is a trend afoot showing the
larger dramatic styles seen in the '50s (and many times before). Don't
be afraid to wear a "major" piece such as a long, draping
rhinestone necklace with a "V"-shaped neckline. Use big chunky
dangle earrings with high or halter-top necklines. To add glamour, you
can opt for opera-length gloves with a sleek satin dress and finish
with one or two crystal bangle bracelets. Metallic or beaded evening
bags and a "strappy" high-heel sandal are good choices to
complete this extravagant look.
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New
but old, this antique-styled set from Sassy South goes great with
the Vintage Vixen look.
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"Vintage
Vixen"
This category is for the girl who truly is a "one of a kind."
Dress manufacturers have jumped in to help you with this look over the
years by adding styles to their lines that are really retro, mimicking
the late 1800s in Paris or the turn of the century Victorian look. Most
of you "Vintage Babes" aren't really interested in anyone
else's designs; you want to put it together yourselves. Not all vintage
looks have to be created from old or vintage clothes. You can combine
a new dressy skirt with a funky top from a used clothing store to put
together an ensemble.
Can
you sew? Think of buying a vintage piece and redo it using or modifying
a current dress pattern. Is Mom or Grandma a pack rat? Explore the closets
at home first before you go on an antique store oddessy to find your
look. Fabrics in crushed velvet, tapestry, flowing voile, pois-de-soi
and file in softer colors of browns, lilac, ivory, greens and black
are typical of what you will find in this era. Hairstyles and makeup
are strictly wearer's choice with the vintage look. You know what YOU
like and you do what you like!
There is a
great selection of vintage jewelry in the used and antique stores for
you to choose from. It might be pricey! Again, not all vintage looks
have to be "old." Many beautiful antique replicas are available
to choose from. These include dainty colored-crystal necklaces and earrings
with antique finishes, larger filigree pieces in gray, black, brown,
olive and garnet as well as all bead chokers and bracelets and earrings.
Hats, handbags
and shoes can also complement your vintage look. There are many choices
available in used clothing stores and they are usually interesting and
affordable. Remember: you are trying to create an outfit, not a costume
to wear to prom. Express your individuality but don't sacrifice good
taste and judgement when being creative.
By taking
the time to select the right dress, the perfect hairstyle and glamorous
accessories, you'll not only be transforming yourself from a high school
student to an elegant young woman; you'll also be ensuring that your
prom memories will remain close to your heart for many years to come.
Above all,
have fun! This is your night to shine!
Judith F. Neiss has been in the costume
jewelry industry for 14 years and is the owner of Sassy South, LTD., a
wholesale showroom located in AmericasMart (Atlanta Apparel Mart). Her
education is in fine art and she has extensive design experience. She
has developed several jewelry and giftware lines over the last thirty
years. Judith currently focuses on pageant, prom, bridal, social occasion
and basic jewelry, not only as a wholesaler but also as an accessories
consultant for fashion shows.
JEWELRY
