PROM STYLE LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE RED CARPET
Prom season is underway for most of Massachusetts and we know one of the most-photographed events of your high school career is the ultimate reason to dress to impress. Want a night (and a dress) to remember? Here are some of our fave styling tips for snap-happy affairs, as learned from the red carpet.
First off: We know that (for some) this is your big pageant prize-winning/princess moment, but when going for a rhinestone-encrusted gown, please try not to go overboard. It takes away from your own opportunity to sparkle.
Pictured: Vanessa Hudgens in Julien MacDonald at the Madrid premiere of “Spring Breakers” on Feb. 21.
Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images
But if you have to go with a rhinestone cluster, keep it under control.
Pictured: Kerry Washington in Miu Miu at the Vanity Fair Oscar after party in Hollywood on Feb. 24.
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
Crop tops and bell-baring bustiers are huge this season (sorry, dad) — so we won’t be too surprised if tummy-grazing tops make an appearance at prom this year as well.
To pull this look off, make sure you keep the look as classy and balanced as possible with a high-waist skirt and closed-toe shoes.
Pictured: Selena Gomez in Dolce & Gabbana at the “Spring Breakers” premiere at SXSW in Austin, Texas, on March 10.
Michael Buckner/Getty Images for SXSW
And kids, if you’re going to go for a crop top, make sure it’s not actually a bra top — which could land you in prom partying from home.
Pictured: Katy Perry in Herve Leger at the Kids’ Choice Awards in Los Angeles on March 23.
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Or give the look an evening-appropriate spin by pairing a cap-sleeved crop top with a full-length ball skirt.
Pictured: Ashley Tisdale in a shirt and skirt by The Hellers at the premiere of “Safe Haven” in Hollywood on Feb. 5.
Jason Merritt/Getty Images
Neons also continue to be a huge trend for prom — but if you’re going to go bright, go with a bang. Banish your standby black shoes that just drag the entire look down.
Pictured: Chloe Grace Moretz in Simone Rocha at the People’s Choice Awards in Los Angeles on Jan. 9.
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for PCA
Instead opt for a vibrant flirty color shoe for head-to-toe pop.
Pictured: Lea Michele in Elie Saab at the People’s Choice Awards in Los Angeles on Jan. 9.
Jason Merritt/Getty Images
Shades of beige continue to be a statement maker for red carpet moments and can transition quite well into prom season when paired with old Hollywood hair and a bold red lip. However, when picking a nude tone gown, we recommend staying away from details (lace panels, bustier boning, etc.) that look like actual lingerie to keep the look losing its luster.
Pictured: Kristen Stewart in Zuhair Murad at the Los Angeles premiere of “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn—Part 2” in November 2012.
Jason Merritt/Getty Images
Instead opt for fabrics with weight and sheen in shapes that cover for a daring yet demure look.
Pictured: Elle Fanning in Lanvin at the GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on April 20.
Jason Merritt/Getty Images for GLAAD
And if you’re going for a crazy print, make sure you’re wearing the print...
Pictured: Emma Watson in Peter Pilotto at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles.
DANNY MOLOSHOK/Reuters
Don’t let the print wear you.
Pictured: Bella Thorne in Katie Ermilio at the “Iron Man 3” premiere in Hollywood on April 24.
Jason Merritt/Getty Images