Hey everyone,
I’ve been piled up with emails regarding prom/grad ball dress ideas for weeks. I hope you understand that I can’t answer them all especially if someone has already asked the same advice. I’ll have to pick a few emails for the benefit of all. And by the way, thanks for some letter senders who are attaching some pictures, it helps actually. 
Love Lots,
Leyn
Hi Leyn!
February is fast approaching. I’m a hs junior so that means it’s time for promenade. It’s actually my first time to attend this and I still have no idea what to wear that’s why I’ve decided to email you to ask for some of your advice, hoping you could help me
Our principal has decided that we’re going to have Cocktail Party as our prom’s theme. I’ve started getting some ideas on Tumblr. FashionFever’s got a collection of awesome pictures of girls with great fashion sense. I just love their style.
I also think this looks wicked awesome. Neutral colors are awesome. I think metallic blue, black, and/or white look great.
I’m kinda short and I’m not really thin so it would be nice to wear a dress without showing off too much skin. What do you think? Also, I think off should dresses are nice, but I don’t know. I really need your aid regarding this problem.
And I’m wondering if you have any ideas on hair styles for prom? I don’t want to have my hair get tied up since I have a round face. I think soft curls are great.
I’m pretty sure you’ve already experienced prom and you’re a genius in fashion that’s why I’ve no second thoughts in sending you this email, hehe.
That’s all
- mika
Dear mika,
Uh, yes. I experienced attending a prom night but I think that was a decade ago when everyone was still baduy and there’s less internet for a neat fashion research. Haha. That’s why you’re lucky to have resources by this time. Anyway, I checked the tumblr account you included and the pictures are great. By this time, you should have already decided on what color you’ll wear but for the meantime, let me give further tips about the cocktail dress styles.
Honestly, I don’t have much to say since I’ll just be repeating your ideas lang (off shoulder and soft curls hairstyle) which I have already advised with a past entry. You just need to be particular with the details of your off-shoulder gown like its skirt, color, laces etc. You mentioned that you’re not that thin but it’s for you to decide what fit suits you best because I don’t know your body type. Here are my picks:
Off-Shoulder Dress
I assume most prom goers are into tube and spaghetti strap dresses so an off-shoulder gown is not a bad choice. Be particular with the details and design then pick bright colors that match your skin tone. An Off-shoulder dress is perfect for curvy hour glass shaped bodies.
One-Shoulder Dress
Another style that you can consider is the one-shoulder dress for a sexier feel. Pick a pleated type of skirt if you want a flowing dress or a pencil cut for a classy look.
Assymetric Dress
Its assymetric cut, ruffles and drapes can conceal your flabs and unproportioned figure. Plus, its design adds a glam factor and is more fab than the usual straight gown.
Sounds cliché but the perfect dress for your prom night depends on your confidence so pick the right gown and enjoy the night without thinking too much about your appearance. I can’t specifically suggest colors but I assume you already know the basics.
Stick to the soft curls hairstyle. Long loose curls to be exact. There are curly styles that look awful because of too much hairspray so they end up looking like Goldilocks. So use a hair mousse instead of the strong sprays. I just hope you have already grown your hair long enough for this hairstyle.
Then for the final touch, add a jeweled hair clip or thin headband (CRU in Powerplant Mall and ALDO Accessories sell pretty accessories). Don’t buy the plastic ones so you won’t look cheap. Hehe.
Enjoy your first prom night!
Love Lots,
Leyn
I’m writing to you again, I’m here because of my prom-problem, grad-ball nadin. I’m planning, during prom that I’ll be wearing a gold and black dress, a tutu dress perhaps or whatever fits my figure, then a leather jacket or blazer, would that be inappropriate? For grad-ball, I don’t have a clue. Suggestions? I don’t like too girly dresses, as in flowy flowery and flashy, i think that’s too casual. HAHA. More on gold and canary yellow ang plano ko kasi I’m dark.
And 2010 fashion forecast?
Plus shoes pa pala, hahaha. I have scars pala sa legs kaya I’m kind of insecure about it although I have the height and the proportions to go for the short dresses. And I love short dresses.
I’m desperate for an attire since this is technically our first prom since it got canceled last year.
xo,
-mich.
Dear mich,
I saw the photo you sent me and it’s a good thing you were able to come up with a Christmas party attire (though I think black jeans should’ve been better) and thanks for updating me. Moving on, I suppose I get what look you’d like to achieve on your prom-slash-grad ball. It’s not the usual pink and princess-y style so a Taylor Momsen style will be a good inspiration.
A tutu dress or an ostrich skirt is a good choice. Although the tutu looks more glam than the ostrich design so it still depends on your choice or what’s available on stores. You can pick a black skirt then add the touch of flashy gold with your top (in case you’re planning to wear a 2-piece clothing).
Having scars on legs can make you feel uncomfortable so I suggest lace leggings. As I’ve mentioned before, laces are making a comeback this 2010 so consider this idea.
Wearing a jacket or blazer will just make you look casual and overdressed. I don’t recommend too much layering of clothes. As a top, you can wear a corset to match the tutu skirt if you’re not wearing a 1 piece dress.
For accessories, I still recommend elegant jewelries for earrings and bracelets since a prom is still a formal party. Complement your gold-black attire with a black bib or layered necklace.
And for the shoes, a pair of ankle style shoes (whether boots or sandals) can match the rest of what was mentioned. Classic Black pumps could be your second option.
To help you picture the idea, here’s a looklet example:
The skirt’s quite exaggerated and there’s no available corset but imagine something like that. The suggestions above are based on the 2010 fashion forecast. I just wish you won’t have a hard time looking for these items when you shop.
Good luck!
Love Lots,
Leyn
Dear Sosyalera Leyn,
Hi! I hope you’re doing great.
I’m, yet again, one of your many fans. I love how you mix your amazing wit and humor with fashion advice and observations about our culture. I looooove your site, more power, and i hope you never get sick of it.
Anyway, enough na sa pagfafangirl ko sa yo. I’m here to seek your advice on fashion. Recently lang kasi ako talaga naging interested sa fashion kasi medyo tomboy-ish at nerdy ako(di lumalabas ng bahay), not to mention na sa uplb ako nag-aaral, wherein people go to class in their pambahay, and go to exams in their pantulog (minsan nga some guys boxers lang XD). So, never ko pa naging problem ang fashion, until recently, na marami na akong papalapit na formal presentations at job interviews, kasama pa mga org parties. Gusto ko na rin kasi magkaroon ng sense of fashion para sa buong buhay ko.
Eto pa, the bigger problem talaga is my body type. I have Cushing Syndrome kasi. Meaning, i’m obese pero exempted mga limbs ko.(san ka pa?) I stand 5 feet tall with medium fair complexion. I have broad shoulders, short neck, somewhat long-ish torso, short forelegs, huge thighs and belly, medium boobs, flat butt, small hips, somewhat kuba na likod and sort of skinny forelimbs. Ang gulo di ba? And to prove i’m not just pulling your leg or anything, i even enclosed some pics.
Pasensya na po if you feel like i’m asking for too much. I hope you can help me with my problem. If anything, thanks for reading my letter.
Much Love,
Joharah
Dear Joharah,
Thanks for appreciating my blog. Whatever’s posted here is all spontaneous, no proof read and badly written so I’m quite surprised that people still read my blog. Lol.
Anyway, you know what, based on the image you sent, you don’t even look obese. Perhaps you just lack the perfect body proportion (which is a common problem to many people including me of course) but in a way you still look in shape. The skinny models fad we see on TV shouldn’t be the norm for being stylish. I’m not sure if you have already browsed this previous post but I believe it will help you too. Going back to the issue, you have to improve your fashion sense bit by bit. It’d be awkward for you to suddenly shift from jeans to pink dresses, right?
First, buy the essentials for your formal attire needs – a pair of black slacks and a black ruffled skirt. You can never go wrong with this color and match any style of top and accessories.
Instead of the usual polo shirt, pick tops with attention-catching details like ruffles, laces, or ribbons which are considered the trends for 2010. Your top doesn’t have to be in shocking colors and I suggest white, ivory or pastel colors to maintain a clean look.
You also have to try wearing 1 piece like jumpsuits and dresses. You can wear them on org parties.
And as I always say, your accessories matter. Elegant baubles like thin silver necklaces and pearl earrings can add elegance to your simple clothing. A set of thin chains (like layered necklace) can give life to a plain colored dress.
Even though you’re wearing the common black and white hues, your shoes can do magic. If you’re wearing a white top and black skirt, a pair of red or light mid-heel pumps will carry your entire outfit. High heels can just make your feet swell so don’t force yourself.
So basically, I’m recommending simple pieces with a twist of details. Then invest on accessories like jewelries and quality shoes. You don’t have to overdress on formal events but start perking up your everyday look by wearing strappy sandals instead of flip flops and change your hairstyle from the usual short hair to a layered bob. Plus, make sure you update yourself with the latest fashion rage with magazines and websites.
In fact, improving one’s fashion taste is simple. You just need to save up your allowance to start changing some old clothes in your closet. A lot of girls seem nerdy and conventional but deep inside, they also want to do something new with how they give that physical impression so it’s also a matter of confidence and enthusiasm.
Thank you very much for reading my blog! I also hope you won’t get tired of visiting my site.
Love Lots,
Leyn
Hi Leyn,
I’m Patricia and I’m 15, I’m a Junior. Gusto ko po sanang humingi ng tips sa paghahanap ng prom dress. Kasi malapit na po yung Prom namin. I’m petite, not really chubby but my triceps are big and no, they’re not muscles. Haha. Ayoko po sanang too formal and casual. So, that would be all.
Thank you.
Patricia
Dear Patricia,
Hi! I’ll just add some tips nalang since my previous post about Prom Dresses may already help you. I’m recommending ruffled or balloon skirts fitting your body type.
Just an advice, don’t feel too conscious about your arms because you won’t stand out if you try to conceal them with a shawl or blazer. Remember that this is your first Prom Night so you have to surprise your friends (well, of course in a good way) with a new look. Your shape is just second priority. Think of what style you want. The ruffled or flowing gowns mentioned on the link are your first choice. Here are the others:
Short Flashy Cocktail Dress
Even though you’re not wearing a long gown, you’d still catch attention with shiny cocktail dresses with details. Make certain to wear a nice pair of high heels for an elongated look.
Long Gown
If showing skin is not your thing, then to shift to a long-length dress. Be particular with selecting prints so you won’t seem casual. I don’t recommend solid black because shocking colors like orange and cerulean look better. You can complement the vibrant shade with gold accessories like layered necklace and purse.
Bodycon
Bodycon dress is another option in case you’re not the girly type or not comfortable with long gowns. If you can’t wear a tube or sleeveless dress, off-shoulder sleeves can also be the answer.
The key to have the perfect dress is to be meticulous with the fabric, fitting and quality. You might follow the suggestions mentioned but if you don’t pick the right colors and texture, baka magmukha kang aattend ng santacruzan. Reading magazines and window shopping with friends can also help find your prospect gown.
Lastly, by this time, you should be researching for the best hair and make-up artist because your dress will just go to waste if you don’t look good and your hairstyle is a disaster. Or better yet, start practicing your Prom style by yourself.
Good luck!
Love Lots,
Leyn
