Prom Inspirations 2016 Pt 2

First, my massive apols to all of you who checked for this last night. I meant to have it up and life happened (dang life :)). Anywhats...
Textural Elegance: Elegance is perhaps the look for Prom night. The modern rendition of this style incorporates a bit of texture: lace, crystals, a sheer overlay, floral appliques, a jacquard weave. A scarf, luxurious clutch or fabulous shoes can bring texture even to a simpler dress. Warm neutrals or saturated colors both make beautiful statements. Alicia's fabulous feathered teal gown is tough to replicate, but this gorgeous turquoise lace dress comes close! It's also quite similar to the look I chose for my prom ;). Structured heels balance the delicate lace, with a splash of crystal at the heels making them fierce and prom-worthy. (PS Hint: chunky heels and ankle straps make high shoes easier to walk in). Even just a touch of lace can go a long way, as with this plum gown or black coord set. In both cases, strappy heels set off the feminine lace. The more classic purple gown gets modern, bootie-type sandals, while the trendy set gets a more classic silhouette. Summer's choice of mint was admirable...and one you'll want to keep in mind with princess-y dresses. White or ivory can have a bridal feel, so choosing pastel shades like mint or deep champagne can help dispel that and make you feel more like "royalty" than "Just Married".  The floral appliques on this dress make it an absolute standout; only the simplest of adornments is necessary. So, for shoes, I chose a pair that references the look of Weitzman's Nudist. The ice-green one-shoulder gown has touches of crystal accents, making it both formal and elegant. This classy combination is a place where you can use similarly-shaded shoes. This rose-embellished set is a touch deeper in color than the dress, which is perfect - complementary without matching. Naturally, pearl, nude or silver shoes would work just as well :) Jewels = tiny...or none :)

La Boheme: If elegance isn't quite where your heart is at the moment, maybe you want to doing something free-spirited for your Prom by going with a boho-tinged look. Lace immediately comes to mind as being part of that aesthetic, but still formal enough to work. The critical thing is to balance a more casual dress with a super-special shoe: a tassel-accented sandal in a can't-miss-me color, a woven wedge accented with crystal, a vintage-y satin t-strap. Borrow Brie's idea of a headpiece for a bit more can't-be-tamed sparkle! A plain, pleated shift in a gorgeous color is also an option here. As with lace, the more laidback dress requires a fancy shoe to elevate the look. These floral-embellished sandals are jaw-droppers! Braids of any kind are a fab addition - a messy side French braid, a braid incorporated within your long hair style, a braided crown - all give boho a breezy formality. Tucking flowers or braiding in ribbons just adds to the beauty!

Chic Femme: If you're an underclassman going to a senior prom, or just want to do something different, a chic femme look might strike just the right balance of formality and fun. Think of something Eden would do! A ruffled satin dress, a cute vintage-inspired sheath with polka dots, a pretty pleated print or a classic A-line dress are gorgeous places to start. Since all of these options are simple overall, you can have a bit of fun with your shoes! A monochrome dress can get a divine pop from bright shoes with an interesting detail: lace-up ties, a bow, sequins. A vintage dress matches nicely with a classic t-strap or mary-jane, done in a modern metallic. This is just the place for a big, sparkly ring or statement earrings. A print immediately commands attention; punctuate that statement with heels in a complementary color. Hint: textural suede makes a wonderful foil for a smooth, sheeny print. A super-simple, wear-it-for-years afterwards sheath needs a bit of drama to be prom-ready, so this is where you go to The. Most. Amazing. pair of heels you own (or can treasure-hunt up!). Definitely think embellished here: crystals, sequins..both :). Belle by Badgley Mishka is one of my fav brands for just that kind of shoe at a wallet-friendly price point. Bring on the bling via jewelry as well: a bold collar, a pile of bangles a crystal-bedecked and/or floral sash. A plain sheath like this is the perfect canvas for your most glittering jewels and fabulous accents!
Lastly, it's easy to walk into the Prom with a lot of hopes and expectations. Do yourself a favor: let those all go, except for one...have fun! The Prom is an amazing, magical night. Don't let anything mar you enjoyment of it: dance, laugh and make memories that you'll have for you whole life. Oh, and look fabulous! You got that one!