As
a follow-up to an old article on Spring fashion trends, I decided to do some
additional research into the trends for this spring's prom dresses. It was, to
say the least, eye opening, interesting and lots of fun.
My
trip to the local mall uncovered most of the same trends that I found at local
boutiques as well as online. Here are the places I visited and that are
reflected in this article:
- Dillards,
- Macy's,
- J.C. Penny,
- Sears,
- Catherines,
- Chocolate Soup Boutique,
- Deb Shop,
- Magnolia Boutique,
- Moniques,
- Claire's Boutique,
- Icing,
- Elegant Fashions,
- Payless Shoes,
- Shoe Carnival,
- Rack Room Shoes,
- Shoe City, and
- Burlington Coat Factory.
I
found it both interesting and exciting to see that many of the styles hearken
back to the soft, romantic fashions of my day. I even found a prom dress very
much like the one that I wore to my prom. However, there were also dresses with
a decidedly modern twist; with a geometric feel. To me this indicates that the
definitive "anything goes" trend of spring fashion seems to also
apply to prom wear.
I
saw a lot of beautiful strapless gowns of tulle, chiffon, and organza in
princess cut skirts designed to make their wearers both look and feel like
Cinderella. But there were just as many sophisticated, form fitting gowns with
bandage straps and flirty backs in luscious satins, silks, and jerseys. There
were even a few highly sophisticated metallic gowns with a bit of a futuristic
point of view. And then there were also gowns that blended a bit of the old
with the new, combining lace, ruffles, pleats, or feathers with delicate
halters or spaghetti straps that fit like a second skin.
Color
is everywhere in hot pinks as well as bright and burnt oranges, daffodil
yellows, and greens ranging from lime to deep olive. There are stunning rich
turquoises, drop dead reds, soft pinks and wispy blues. But, blacks and whites
also remain strong and metallics of gold, silver, bronze, and copper will
definitely take center stage.
This
year's gowns need not be solid in color. There will be mixed colors and
graduated styles as well as plenty of wild 60's prints, tropical florals and
even staid polka dots. Beading and crystals galore will be combined with ribbon
and lace trims adorning gowns in unusual places like across the shoulder or
around the waist.
There
will be a lot of feminine pin tucking and soft ruching and lots of wide belts,
both built in and added on. Expect to see floral appliques and embroidery all
over as well as mere accent here and there. Think Old Hollywood glam
with soft hip draping, fishtail hems, and an emphasis on the bust line.
Think
both the long and the short of it because both are appropriate, although it
looks as if floor-sweeping gowns are certain to make a big comeback this year.
There will even be a few handkerchief hems and calf-length gowns to round out
the picture.
Go simple, go elegant, or
go over the top because this spring, each is equally acceptable. Accessories
will include matching shawls, shrug jackets, and simple scarves. I even saw a
few fake furs although I doubt that trend will have a strong following among
most teenagers.
Shoes
will focus heavily on strappy sandals in fabric, satin, ribbon, and rhinestone
designs. They will be sexy in nature and high in length (from 2" to
4"). However, satin pumps, dyed to match gowns, will also remain strong
and even a few ballerina slippers will find their way to the prom.
A
major accessory for this year's prom will be the right undergarments. Spanx and
other good body shapers will smooth and shape from under the bust to the ankle
to prevent anything jiggly from showing underneath those body-hugging styles.
Both strapless and invisible bras will be a requirements for many of this
year's fashions and double stick tape will be an absolute must.
Some
prom designers are recommending lacy gloves. It remains to be seen if that
trend takes hold. It may well depend on the area of the country, the design of
the dress, and the individual wearer's personal taste.
Jewelry will
be both elegant and simple. Some will choose major bling with long drop and
chandelier earrings from about 2" to shoulder duster length. Others will
stick with simple pearl or diamond like studs or more delicate earrings. A
major focus will be on the wrist with wide crystal and rhinestone cuffs and
bangle bracelets of all kind.s
Necklaces will be reserved
for less decorative dresses and will definitely be individualized to the
wearer's taste. There will be some with major bling, delicate pearls, and
simple pendants. The one certainty about jewelry this year is that it will
express an opinion.
Proms
in this year should be colorful, playful, and loads of fun; with something for
just about everyone. I almost wish I could attend, aslo said Charlotte
Kuchinsky, the original author of the ideeas presented in this article.
