Prom fashion

Prom fashion

So the proms are starting here in the UK. My little brother has his in July. I can't believe he's 16 and much taller than me already. He's just completed his GCSE exams! Crazy! 

Anyway, him and Dad have been to buy his suit and all the other must haves for prom. He bought everything from Next in Liverpool. Their website has a "Dapper Gents" section for styling a suit and a button to take you to the "Prom" section.

His school have planned a fab night for his year at a local golf resort hotel (where I go for my spa breaks - see previous posts). Sensibly, they have insisted all students meet at school and travel together by coaches so there's no competitiveness over the cars or limos etc at least. The outfits however are another matter.

What to wear for prom: The Girls

So I didn't have a prom. I had a small class of about 10 pupils and that was the entire year. It was a small, private, all girls school so a night out was as much as we did. (Can you imagine how boring our prom would of been!) But I can remember being 16 (it wasn't THAT long ago) and with working in fashion retail for 10+ years (selling brands including Ted Baker, French Connection and Coast) I have picked up some useful tips and ideas. Also, for the last 2 years I have worked as a personal stylist advising on fashion, colour and shapes. 

The Dress

I dislike the traditional strapless bustier knee length plain dresses. I don't think I ever have liked them! Then there's the floor length version. Traditional, not flattering and never to be worn again. I would avoid these styles unless you stumble on an absolute gem.

It's too late to get anything made now so I won't cover that but the fit has to be flattering. Fit and colour come hand in hand and are of as equal importance. However, if you find a super flattering dress fit wise but the colour isn't wonderful near your face there are some tricks to help that. The colour that's nearest to your face is the one that counts. You can use a complimenting necklace to break it up or play around with your makeup to make it work.

Shopping for your prom dress should be fun and a nice part of a the build up to a big occasion. I would recommend booking a free appointment in a department store with a personal shopper who can show you the shapes and colour that will suit you and are appropriate for the occasion. Go with your mum or sister rather than your friends incase they are jealous and steer you away from a great one so they can buy it themselves. Remember though, what suits your tall, brunette best friend might not (probably won't) suit you with your petite curves and fair hair (and vice versa).

Proms are held over summer here so a pretty summer dress with a statement necklace, neutral heels and clutch bag is appropriate. It's something you can wear again at a family wedding. This is usually what I suggest to clients. 

If you have your heart set on a long dress here are some fun, young styles. 

Essentials

Underwear: you'll probably need a good strapless bra in nude. I would recommend getting fitted in a department store. They are trained fitters and can advice you on the right size etc. Don't be shy, they fit bras all day everyday. If you need seamless knickers get nude ones. Don't bother with Spanx, you'll be uncomfortable. 

Heels: it's easier to dance in heels than flats. Don't go too high though as you want to enjoy your night and not be in pain. Try and get ones in a neutral colour with a thin ankle strap with a bit of a platform and a block heel rather than a stiletto. You'll be safer and not as wobbly which looks so much better and shouldn't fall off them or out of them as much. If you are wearing a long dress get it altered to just above the floor when you've bought your shoes so it's not trailing. If you go for a shorter style you could do statement shoes or neutral as they lengthen your legs and draw the eye to your dress not your feet. 

Clutch bag: preferably one with a thin strap that you can use later in the night when it's needed. Neutral is best but a jewelled one can add something to a plain dress. 

Angel feet & plasters: for the obvious reason, comfort. 

Bobby pins: for hair that comes loose from your updo, for dress straps that snap. Take a couple of safety pins too incase any zips bust. Pay for an updo, show the hairdresser the neckline of your dress and they can suggest the right look. Show them your ideas in photos. Search Pinterest and Instagram for the look you want.

Makeup: take a block powder to combat shine and the lipgloss or lipstick you chose to wear for touch ups. I would pay to have your makeup done for this occasion. Hopefully the makeup artist will consider your youthful age and style and give you a summery look.

Most importantly, think of the night as a celebration for your hard work and revision. A nice end of exams and the school year or education if you plan to get a job straight away. It's a big party. Have a dance and enjoy yourself. Your outfit should feel comfortable but it's the night itself you want to remember, not the dress. 

What to wear for prom: The Boys

You need a smart, slim fit suit. My brother bought his from Next. Burton and Topman usually have offers on with a free shirt or shoes around prom time. 

A crisp shirt: this could be plain or tiny polka dots or if you like pinstripes go for that. 

A slim tie or bow tie: plain or printed depending on the shirt. These usually come in an offer when buying a suit or if you buy a shirt you get free shoes etc.

Smart shoes: navy suits look great with brown or tan shoes. A black suit needs black shoes though. A grey suit works with either black and brown shoes. A leather belt to match. Fab socks: matching! Not white! Black, grey, navy or funky socks. 

The extras:

A pocket square? Don't match this to your tie if you're going for stylish. If you're going for traditional then go for it and coordinate. 

Sunglasses? You're only going to lose them. They'd look good on the photos outside the venue though if the sun's shining.

Be confident not cocky. Make memories. Ask the girls to dance. Tell them they look pretty. Make sure everyone is having a good night and nobody is left on their own. These are people you have spent years with, celebrate together.

Have an absolute ball! 

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