The hottest prom fashions don’t require you to flash your assets.
“That whole trashy, naked, overexposed look is so passé,” says Teen Vogue’s editor in chief, Amy Astley. “It really isn’t happening in fashion now.”
For this year’s prom, count on Hollywood to point the way: Think of Natalie Portman and Kirsten Dunst’s understated but elegant turns this year on the red carpet.
Astley calls that look “more demure – sexy in a classier way.”
You don’t need to cover up everything. Tea-length dresses (those that end at mid-calf) and those that end just below the knee – and occasionally above it – are replacing full-length princess gowns.
“It’s the best way to go for physical reasons,” Elle Girl’s fashion director Laurie Trott says of the shorter prom dress. “You can run around in it more easily than a full-length gown and it’s easier to dance in.”
If a pink or white tea-length dress feels too ’50s housewife, try it in a bold jewel tone like emerald, ruby, royal blue or canary yellow. (Peacock blue-green is a good match for all skin tones.)
And don’t be afraid to show some shoulder.
“A huge trend we saw at the Oscars was strapless dresses,” says Teen People’s fashion director, Jorge Ramon. “Lots of dresses, like Beyoncé’s, had this corset-y fitted top with really pretty bare shoulders and no straps.”
Don’t forget accessories. Paris Hilton may lose hers, but she always starts the night with them.
Along with a pretty clutch to hold cash, cellphone and gloss, this year’s must-haves are big pieces of faux jewelry: giant cocktail rings, behemoth pearl necklaces, glittering headbands and bling-y brooches.
Just don’t go overboard.
“If there are more than three ways to describe your dress – lace, beading, one strap, fishtail – lay low with the jewelry,” Trott suggests.
“You don’t want to look like you just went through your grandmother’s attic.”
When it comes to shoes, try something in a metallic tone – gold, silver or bronze – and make sure you wear a pair you can navigate in.
“Ankle straps are great because you’re going to be on your feet all day,” says Ramon, who advises against mules and slingbacks.
“You don’t want your shoes to fly off all over the place when you’re on the dance floor or getting in and out of the limo.”
While high heels are fun, they’re not for everyone – which is where the ballerina flat comes in.
“Tall girls don’t want to wear heels because they tower over boys, and a lot of girls just want to dance,” Astley says. “It’s definitely fresh, young and cool to wear a ballet flat to prom – you can walk all night, you can dance, you can move and it looks so cute with dresses that have a big skirt.”
Best of all, the price is right:
“What’s really nice about prom this season is that there are dresses for everyone,” Ramon says.
“You can find a great dress from Forever 21 for $40 to $80 or go to Betsey Johnson for a dress for around $300.”
Then there’s the ultimate, low-cost, surefire way to prep for prom:
“Take a simple little black halter dress, pull your hair back into a messy low ponytail, get really great earrings, fantastic lipstick and be confident,” Trott says.
“Part of a great prom look is your attitude – and confidence definitely carries you a long way.”
THE 411 FOR GUYS
News flash from someone who knows:
“Girls have all the fun when it comes to dressing up, but guys have to represent,” says Teen People’s Jorge Ramon.
In other words, jeans and a cool blazer won’t cut it. Rent a tux.
The black tux and white shirt combo is a classic (and the safest) bet, but if you’re hankering to add a personal spin – one that won’t horrify your date the way a rainbow bow tie will – swap black shiny shoes for a pair of new classic Converse or Vans sneaks.
“There’s no reason to take a tux too seriously,” says Teen Vogue’s Amy Astley. Besides, she says, sneakers are easier to dance in.
Expect to spend anywhere from $70 to $200 to rent the whole schmear (tux, shirt, shoes, cummerbund).
Some places, like Baldwin Formals, offer a same-day rental, but if you want the best selection, you’d better place your order at least three to four weeks before prom.
Can’t afford a tux? Ramon suggests using a suit you wear for dressy occasions, and coordinating either the shirt, tie or boutonniere with your date’s dress.
Just a click away
* Check Fredflare.com for fun, inexpensive accessories like six multicolored jumbo cocktail rings for $14 or a rhinestone pin for $5.
* Windsorstore.com has prom dresses in a range of prices and colors, from a royal blue satin halter number ($89.50) to a pale pink tea-length strapless ($199.50), plus jewelry and handbags to match.
* Rubyrox.com has lots of tea-length styles for under $100.
* AOL subscribers can check out RED Hot Prom ’05 (keyword: RED) for runway prom fashions and accessories picked by “American Idol” stylists, plus info on where to buy them.