For the fete accompli, go for some drama in moody gowns fit for a queen.
Ivar Aserons Art Deco-inspired dress, featuring crisscrossing laces and cutouts, draws on architectural lines for a graphic application thats both sexy and chic. Joey Samsons waist-cincher of a pantsuit, with fabric thrown over for good measure, works as both a dress and combination suit. With its obi-esque belt providing texture and proportion to the voluminous skirt, the dress is subtle and at the same time dramatic.
YStyle suggests a moodier palette as the base, mixing a gray cropped-sleeve bolero with pouf sleeves with a high-volume blouse in black, and then opting for statement-making accessories, like a hammered gold necklace by Arnel Papa, for relief.
Pairing darker colors is not only slimming it lessens the chances of sartorial mishaps. Although the coming years big trends include brash colors and excessive color combinations (watch out for that YStyle cover in the coming weeks), this editorial offers the less adventurous some options for the years big events.
Another approach to formal dressing involves pairing a white tailored shirt with a full skirt. Joey Samsons horizontal pleating on a cuffed mens shirt gives it just the right touch of luxurious detail to stand up against Ronaldo Arnaldos satin steel-hued ball skirt. Finishing the look was a wide animal-print belt and fishnet hosiery. Textured tights would do just as well.
Looking back at pictures of prom, I couldnt help but wince at the foolhardy choices everyone me included was making. There was the prerequisite slut outfit (low-cut sequined halter dresses that would make a Vegas stripper blush), the Spice Girls-inspired frock (hey, it was the 90s in this case, it was a cropped metallic trench) and the forgettable blend-with-the-gym-equipment dress (mine meshed perfectly with the drab gray background of our high school gym).
The challenges of dressing up are hardly few and far between. It takes a lot of guts to opt for something other than a simple column of chiffon (though theres nothing wrong with chiffon if thats what turns you on). So turn to your favorite frock makers, collaborate on something interesting and dont be afraid to dress up.