ACCESSORIES OUTSTANDING PROM ACCESSORY IDEAS

By Amelia Feuer

The perfect dress has been selected, the hairstylist appointment was made and you’ve even purchased After-Prom tickets. Be sure to not miss out on
adding those finishing touches to bring your look from basic to accessory-chic.


The right accessories can transform any outfit into something extraordinary, unique, and stylish. Try incorporating some of the accessories
listed below to give your dress that extra something special and transform you into the self proclaimed Prom Queen! Just remember,
integrating a few select accessories will make your beauty shine through. However, too many accessories can end up cluttering your outfit!
Remember less is more, good luck.

Shrug / Shawl

Shrugs and shawls are a versatile accessory that can be paired with almost any style dress. Not only will they keep you warm on a chilly spring evening and serve as a fashionable alternative
to jackets, but they add color, sophistication, style and class. They are a great way to cover shoulders or arms and still feel sexy. Make sure to pick a color or design that compliments
your outfit. If you have a lot of other accessories already, try to avoid busy, colorful patterned shrugs or shawls that might clash with the rest of your outfit.

Gloves

Adding a pair of long silky gloves can give your outfit the extra sophisticated elegance you need to look glamorous. Gloves have a classic, celebrity-chic style and accentuate feminine
beauty while keeping your hands clean and warm. Remember, the longer the sleeve the shorter the glove! With a sleeveless or strapless
dress try wearing longer gloves. Match the fabric of the glove to the fabric of the dress. If your dress has designs or beading, consider wearing gloves that repeat this style.

Purse

The purse is, arguably, the most important accessory for prom night. Not only does it hold the essential prom-night items (i.e. lip gloss,
camera, hair spray etc.) it serves as a stylish addition to any outifit. The clutch bag is an excellent option for Prom Night. These sleek
bags are the epitome of style. With its’ small shape they’ll keep your hands free while dancing and can be held on your lap during dinner.

When selecting a bag, remember, it does not have to match your dress exactly. Try to find a color and style that compliments your outfit.
Bags with beads or rhinestones add glamour to a simple dress. Silver, gold or bronze bags are neutral enough to go with anything. Pairing
your dress with a vintage style bag, which can be found in a local thrift stores or your mother’s closet, are a great way to add personal flare to
your outfit. Whichever style you choose be sure it is large enough to hold everything you need!

Hair Accessories

Whether your hairstyle is long, short, curly straight, up or down; adding a few strategically placed hair decorations can add that “extra
something”to your look. Try a tiara, rhinestone hair combs or even eye catching barrettes to your hair style. These accessories often work
well for updos and like most accessories, should be worn in moderation. Definitely decide on one accessory, instead of piling on two or three.

An amazing look for Prom Night would be adding live flowers to any hairstyle. Flowers come in such amazing colors and sizes, they
will easily compliment any outfit.

Shoes

Your Prom outfit is not complete without the perfect pair of shoes. Selecting the right pair is imperative for enjoying your Prom. The number
one rule is selecting a pair of shoes that are comfortable! Initially, choosing a super high heel may look good, however, if they hurt your
feet after 2 minutes they’ll NEVER be comfortable. Don’t ruin your night by complaining about tight shoe straps and blisters. Look into
shorter heels or stylish flats to ensure a night filled with dancing. Whichever shoes make the cut, wear them around your house or even to
another event before the big night. If you can’t resist selecting a high heel, at least be prepared with a change of shoes. This will be a life saver
when you’re headed to the After-Prom Party for 3 more hours of dancing.

Remember there are thousands of necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, and stockings to choose from as well. Keep the sales tags on
your purchases and try on your complete ensemble before Prom Night before making a decision. Use your best judgment on which
accessories to wear and which shouldn’t make the cut. Be glamorous, be classy, most of all be yourself and every accessory will make you
shine like a star!


Photo by Brian Sanderson, photographer, PromAdvice.com, a production of FIDM/The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising

PROMtime 2007