What to wear to your prom

Ease your way to looking crown-worthy as your prom’s Queen of Hearts. Or simply look fabulous in a gown true to your style and flair! Don’t be overwhelmed by panic or stress even before the party. Fashion Persona takes the challenge by taking as many photos as the megabytes of my digital camera can store to help you find or at least give you an idea to choose that perfect gown.

For a more individual style or a one-of-a-kind gown, going to a designer or your fave modista is a must! Whatever design you choose, it’s definitely something your Prince Charming should drool over or a gown great for photo ops with your girl friends.

Remember to have fun on your big night with all the preparations you’ve gone through. You have to make the trouble worthwhile!

Party on!

Strapless

The strapless gown or bustier style is one of the most flattering styles for girls of all shapes. It’s sexy; it shows just enough skin, elongates the shoulders, gives your neck a longer appearance and with ruffled or cabbage folded styles, it can add oomph to your upper body. Through this style you can be a bit tricky because there’s very little that holds it in place. A perfect fit is a must!

It’s best to put on the brassiere you’re planning to wear when going to a fitting. The same goes when you buy off-the-rack gowns. Plus, sticking double-sided tapes are extra help!

Separates

Choosing separates is very practical for budget-conscious students. Recycling the old with the new to put together a look that suits your personality is the way to go! Also, with mix-and-match pieces, you have more control on what body part you want to emphasize or camouflage.

Cocktail dresses

Not all prom balls are formal. For a less formal party, cocktail dresses are fabulous. Be sure to choose luxurious fabrics and/or glittery ones, perfect to glam up your night!

Figure fixers

• For big arms. If shawls are too fussy for your style and you just want to be the carefree soul that you are, a gown with long sleeves is your best bet to camouflage your arms. Go for bell-sleeves or slit-sleeved ones for a romantic touch!

• For the pear-shaped. ‘Lengthen’ your shoulders with a one-shoulder neckline. Choose fabrics and cuts that skim your body and are not tight. Draw attention to your upper body with a colored shawl, perfect for a comfortable yet fun ensemble!

• For the bottom-heavy. Gowns with A-line cuts are the perfect coverage for the extra bulge you just can’t seem to rid yourself of or for bottom- heavy girls.

• For the full-figured. Forget tent dresses! If you’re not comfortable showing skin, a long coat (preferably with Mandarin collar) over your strapless gown or haltered top paired with an A-line skirt will add confidence to your curvy body. And who says you should be limited to wearing a gown on prom night? A pair of tailored pants made from luxurious fabrics is a great alternative!

Quick Tips After You’ve Found The Gown

• Add oomph to your gown with accessories. Keep them minimal, especially if you’re wearing a glittery gown or a printed one. A word of caution, girls: Do not by all means wear a tiara on your head (unless you’re crowned Prom Queen)! It may look cute on fashion spreads but wearing one on prom night can be tacky! Beaded hair bands are a must for a polished look.

If you buy your gown off-the-rack, there is always the chance someone might show up wearing the same one as yours. It’s always wise to bring extra accessories like a shawl, brooch and ribbons to "individualize" your look.

• Bring safety pins in your evening bag just in case you need to reattach an annoying strap or a friend’s broken zipper. Band-Aid is another necessity for newly-bought high heels that might jab into your feet. Small fix-it-yourself items can help you keep the fun going, going and going.

• Make sure to book your favorite hair and makeup artist for your special night. Having a trial makeup before prom night can be worthwhile. Or if you’re in a tight budget, gather all your girl friends and ask for a group rate. A salon or the hair and makeup artist should give you a better rate.

• Lastly, enjoy the gown you’ve chosen. Though your prom is a good time to get all dolled up and look more grown up, it’s really just another excuse to party hard. Only this time, you’re wearing a gown.

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For more of your suggestions and inquiries, e-mail me at: jenniepperson@hotmail.com