No more wallflowers
February 2, 2007 | 12:00am
Chalk it up to bad judgment or just plain old bad luck, but almost everyone has that prom horror story: The girl who buys her dress retail and catches a fellow prom-mate wearing the same frock. The schmuck who ponied up some serious cash for a made-to-order designer dress only to be given a simple sheath dress she could’ve gotten at a department store for less than a third of the designer price tag. Then there was the chick who ended up flashing everyone her boobs because her strapless dress kept slipping.
No matter who you are, some part of the prom process is bound to suck. (Unless everything went without a hitch and you ended up having the night of your life, in which case, I officially hate you.)
The solution to preparing for prom is to do just that: plan in advance. Designer Kate Torralba suggests checking out magazines for inspiration. "Do your homework!" she says. "Make a mood book of dresses you like so that when you see a designer or go shopping, you already have a clear idea of what you want."
Decide whether you are aiming for over-the-top glamour or a more wearable semi-formal look. Designer Ronaldo Arnaldo recommends dressing for the occasion. "Wear long evening gowns for proms in venues like five-star hotels," he advises. "For less formal ones, a cocktail dress will do."
This edition of the YStyle prom issue doesn’t have a do’s or don’ts list for the perfect prom attire. (I know – shocking for a section that loves listing the faults of the sartorially challenged.) Come prom, we suggest a more lighthearted approach to the event.
Yes, do plan ahead. Find your dream designer or boutique and make your ideal dress happen, but don’t be afraid to take chances! Try out some of the latest trends today – maybe primary colors, vivid florals or hints of neons – and mix it up with your formal duds.
After all, 20 years down the line you’ll probably end up shaking your head at your prom pictures, clucking your tongue and saying, "What was I thinking?"
This way, you can fondly look back at the good old days when you were young enough to wear an acid green dress to prom and get away with it. Skip the tried and tested jewel-encrusted stiletto sandals for some comfy ballet flats. You’ll be able to dance the night away without wincing in pain at every step. Elle Macpherson did that at the Costume Institute Ball around two years ago (she wore a poufy lime green dress and gold flats) and Vogue hailed her unexpected style.
Life is so much more interesting if you’re willing to play around. The array of prom dresses we’ve shot – from Puey Quiñones’ glamorous Old Hollywood-inspired gown on the cover to Kate Torralba’s colorful candy-colored creations to Ronaldo Arnaldo’s sweet, demure frocks – are standout pieces that can take you from the dance floor to center stage during prom night.
It might not get you onto the best dressed list, but who cares? Twenty years later, they’ll still be talking about your fabulously outrageous gown.
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