Adam Moon, Macy’s national fashion director for juniors, and Lisa Cipriotti, assistant buyer for social occasion dressing at David’s Bridals, offer this prom trend information for spring:
Extras
When it comes to accessorizing prom attire, it’s a chance to personalize your look, Moon says. “This is the stuff you get credit for, the icing on the cake. There are clutches in metallic snake, or a bold patterned bag to pair back to a solid turquoise dress.”
He likes metallics in shoes, whether a girl chooses a classic pump or strappy sandals. Gold and rose gold are among the newer shades.
When it comes to jewelry, it’s best to choose a smart piece or two rather than piling it on, he says.
“I like a statement earring, like a button encrusted with rhinestones, something amazing that draws your eye in. And the hint of something at the wrist.”
The good thing about metallic accessories, Cipriotti says, is “you can wear them again after prom.”
And in jewelry, she likes dramatic stones and statement necklaces, as well as bangle bracelets in colors that are different from your dress. “It doesn’t have to be so matchy matchy anymore.”
Short or long?
“We’re seeing them in about the same amount,” Moon says of dress lengths. “It’s not just the long prom dresses I remember my friends wearing. And the short ones aren’t super short. Hems at the knee or just below feel contemporary and grown up.”
It’s a matter of personal preference, says Cipriotti.
“Long is still dominant, but more girls are wearing short dresses,” she says. “And if you have a petite figure, sometimes short is better.”
When wearing a short dress, she says, there’s more emphasis on accessories. “You put more thought into shoes, dressing it up with sassy heels, or with big earrings and bracelets.”
Color
If you’re just not the type for all the bold colors being shown in prom wear, there’s nothing wrong with pale ones, says Moon. “I’ve been really keen on blush tones, which are great on the right person.”
Soft shoulder
One-shoulder looks are not only fashion-forward, it’s a way to bare some skin when “you’re not ready to take the plunge to strapless,” Moon says. One-shoulder designs also offer more design details via shirring, draping, embellishment and other fabric manipulation.
Bead dazzled
Dresses are decorated with diamante treatments, sequins and pailettes this season, Moon says. “Sometimes they’re underneath a layer of tulle — obscured shine — but overall, there’s lots of sparkly detail.”
Dressmaker details
Ruffles and tiers, origami folds and self-fabric rosettes are among the techniques designers are using to embellish dresses.
Prints of the city
From bold cabbage roses to jungle tropics, animal prints to abstracts, there’s a lot of choice for the girl who wants to wear a print dress.
“We’re seeing them mixed together — animal and tie-dyed patterns, brushstrokes and black and white,” Moon says.
“Then there are all these oversized florals, florals in black and white that are still feminine and pretty. There’s a modernity to it, they’re not matronly,” he says.
— Suzanne S. Brown
