Melange: Prom Thoughts

Gah...so much fashion, fashion everywhere! It's prom season ...ok, late prom season...but I really wanted to get some inspiration up for any and all of you who are stuck...or those of you like me who just love seeing fancy looks and dreaming about when you can wear things like this :). So if this inspires you for today, tomorrow, next weekend or light years into the future, it's all good with me :) . Enjoy!

Ever since fashion began its little segue into 90's fashion last season, the slipdress has been back on the radar. A style fave of Kate Moss, it has since been embraced by everyone from JLaw to Selena Gomez. Nikki showed off a stunning version for this year's Valentine's Day 'shoot, which incorporated touches of lace throughout the piece for an on-trend and super-sultry look. That exact piece might be a bit much for prom night, but you can definitely explore the trend with fully-lined lace pieces, satin gowns with lace embellishments or blouson-style gowns (which I love for their more- forgiving-but-still-shapely silhouette! The Inesse at BHLDN fits this desc). The main feature of a slipdress (besides it's slip-like appearance ;)) is spaghetti straps so, for a prom-worthy piece, embrace the skinnies! Stay away from bedroomy charmeuse pieces and lean toward chiffon or satin pieces with a mellower sheen, which will keep them more dance-floor appropriate. A number of dresses in this style also have difficult designs in terms of super high leg slits or frighteningly deep v's or low cuts in front. Don't panic! It's very simple to sew a few inches of a leg opening together to make side-slits more reasonable (Check with a local tailor, any place that does alterations or DIY). The same can be done for deep v-'s. Alternatively, wear a lace bandeau over your bra and below the dress for extra coverage. If you're dealing with a scoop or round-neck piece, a ridiculously easy fix to make a loop knot in each strap - it will shorten the strap length and raise the top by 1-2 inches, depending on the size loop you make. I like to set the knots at the top of the shoulder, like an extra embellishment. Consider pairing an ivory dress with velvet accessories for a romantic look, adding sparkle with a bold crystal necklace, or going with fun-on-your-feet colored heels (this powder blue shade has been making waves lately!). Of note: for nights when you're going to be on your feet for hours, a kitten heel is a great choice, but if you prefer height on your heels (that would be me), a chunkier heel will be more comfortable and balanced than a slimmer one, and ankle straps will help keep the shoe more secure than a slide/slip-on style.

Sequins are about as classic as you can get for proms - they're always beautiful and who doesn't love to shine from head to toe?! Most of the Divas have given this styling a try at one time or other. Even Emma couldn't resist, using a frothy sequin-meets-sheer blush piece for her moment as Emmalina. Since sequined styles are a go-to look, it's fun to throw a twist into your look by choosing a unusual color (like this forest green shade - think Saoirse Ronan at the Oscars), or other unexpected element. Pink tones are often paired with cool shades like silver, so warm them up with gold accessories, or spike them with some extra color: lavender sandals or a bright aqua purse. Also, don't be afraid to mix metals in your accessories for a fresh update. Ditto with neutral-hued gowns: add an unexpected shock of color, like these cobalt heels to give an iconic style a modern and unique twist. I love the idea of adding an unexpected note via your jewels as well, by choosing something with an offbeat vibe: whimsical butterfly pieces or  spiked rocker-style baubles counteract the bold glamour of a shining dress. Of note: long and loose hairstyles balance the formality of a sequined piece nicely, so feel free to let your locks flow if you choose a gown like this!

If uniqueness captures your fancy, consider choosing a formal skirt for your prom and creating your own set. Ball skirts come in sumptuous silks and taffetas that are just incredible to wear! Frothy tulle can give you that full-on princess feeling, while a luxe satin (this is one occasion where I feel polyster is allowable ;)) is elegant and so beautiful. A subtle high-low silhouette (as inspired by Eve's Hall Of Fame gown (sheepish note: yes, our Review is coming soon. Promise.)) is a flawless option, as is a floral-printed piece (imagine Renee's HoF choice(definitely stay with a fabric that has some sheen to it though to keep the look formal enough). You could pair a cropped top with this, but there are a number of other fabulous options. First and foremost, consider a corset or full-length bustier, a la Lana. Next, you can go the peplum-silhouette route. There are so many stunning options out in this style right now with gorgeous ruffles, one-shoulder designs - so much fun! Stay with more formal fabrics: embellished or appliqué'd pieces, lace, silk, sheeny satins. Avoid simple cotton, gingham, seersucker, linen. The last option is to use a bodysuit underneath, either a traditional bodycon version or some of the blouson styles that are popping up now. Again, stay with more formal options: lace-embellished, sequined, any fabric with a sheen. (Hint: you can DIY this look by tucking in a sequined tank and knotting a sash at your waist). Formal shoes and statement jewels keep this look fancy.

This season has been aaaaaaallllll about shoulders, from the runways on. The Divas have been all over this trend - Noelle tapped it for her HoF style.  Whether you bare one or both, the shoulder show trend is definitely one you can explore for your prom look. I personally prefer something over my shoulder bone (just makes me more confident that my dress isn't going to leave me should, say, a strong wind come up ;)), so all of these gowns show off the shoulders, while still having some straps in the design, but feel free to go 100% off-the-shoulder if you're braver than me :). (Note: the first dress is currently available at lulus.com in both navy and wine red). With a traditional neutral hue, like navy (or black, beige, taupe, gray), I like to enliven it with color. Yellow has been a massively important shade this year and it's a perfect foil for navy and deep blues so if you love yellow, or want to explore the trend without going full-on sunshine, try a bright sandal in lemon or marigold. Metallic gold accessories tie it all together flawlessly. If you're feeling the dark shades this season, you can do a deeper version of this idea, by pairing navy with burgundy or eggplant accessories for a chic jewel tone look. Bright dresses always work with neutral accents, but sister shades are a fun option as well: magenta with pink, cobalt with powder blue, peach with orange. When mixing shades in your outfit, lean toward simplicity for baubles and bags.
Whatever and whenever formal event this gets your inspiration flowing for, have an amazing time, loves! XO