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Hunting for
the perfect prom dress
What to wear on a ‘night to remember’
Story by Susan Mikula Campbell
Photos by Larry Austin (www.printroom.com/pro/photosbylarryaustin)
Niagara Frontier Publications, April 17, 2008
Preparations already are under way for
Grand Island High School’s Senior Prom on June 14. And for senior
girls, a priority decision they have to make this time of year
is what to wear to the big event.
“It’s like a night to remember,” explained senior
Shari Geblein.
“I don’t think any girl would want to go to the prom
wearing a dress she didn’t feel beautiful in,” added her friend
Kelsey Borgeson.
Both girls already have their gowns and can move
on to other decisions like jewelry, shoes, hairstyle and makeup.
Kelsey’s dress is a cream colored strapless gown
with a heart-shaped neckline and beaded top.
“It’s really, really pretty,” she said.
Shari’s gown has a halter-top, fitting tightly to
the waist, then poufing out.
“It’s a really light pink and sparkly … a fairy princess
dress,” she said.
The rush for the perfect prom dress actually started
early this year, in February instead of March, according to Norma
Marshall, owner of Jonalyn’s of Lewiston.
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A prom fashion show to benefit Roswell Park Cancer
Institute was held recently at The Summit mall in Wheatfield. Gowns
were from the Deb Shop and Perfect Stitch. Tuxes came from Tuxedo
Junction. In the top photo, Brianna Mango and Mike Swagler, both
from Wheatfield, model prom fashions. Brianna is wearing the fuchsia
gown with spaghetti straps and sequin-and-bead-embellished bodice
she chose for the Mount St. Mary Academy prom on May 2. Mike, shown
wearing a grey tuxedo with fuchsia vest and tie, will be her date. |
This year, there’s a huge range of styles available, from
short to long gowns, said Jennifer Mundy, manager of the Deb Shop at
The Summit mall. The look is a bit more sophisticated. There’s a lot
of traditional ball gowns, but most with a slimmer line.
A mermaid type effect seems to be popular, straight to a little bit
above the knees and then flaring out, Marshall said.
Ashley models a pink gown with a contrasting white, peek-a-boo panel. |
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Nichole displays a soft turquoise gown with a halter-top. |
The big change, Mundy said, is color. Last year saw more sherbet hues.
This year, gemstone colors are in. Lime green and hot pink also are popular.
Marshall said the most popular colors in her shop are olive and moss
greens, watermelon and pretty much any kind of blue.
“The one thing you won’t see is sleeves. Open backs and spaghetti straps
are huge now,” Mundy said.
Lacing is often seen on the backs of the bodice and halter-tops also
are popular. Embellishments include rhinestones and caviar beading.
“They’re very beautiful this year, some of the prettiest ones I’ve ever
seen,” Marshall said of this year’s gowns.
Both Mundy and Marshall keep a registry at their shops, so the same
gown doesn’t end up at the same prom. Marshall also insists that mom
(or dad) come into the shop before finalizing the purchase. Her gowns
start around $300.
A prom gown doesn’t come cheaply, but doesn’t have to be a budget breaker.
Mundy said gowns from the Deb Shop range from $70 to $160.
A dark blue gown in the popular halter style with a deeper neckline is modeled
by Gerry. |
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Tamia shows off a flirty white and blue short dress with halter-top and a handkerchief
hem. |
Shari bought her gown four months ago at Tattler’s Lane Bridal Shop
in Niagara Falls. She’d had her eye on a red gown in a Williamsville
shop first, but “my mom and I thought maybe I should look around a little
more before paying $500 for a dress I’d only wear one night.”
Kelsey is borrowing the gown her friend wore to the Junior
Prom last year.
“I really, really like the dress, and it fit me perfectly,
so I thought I’d do that rather than spend the money,” she said.
When it comes to the guys, things are a little
easier. Tuxes usually are rented, but there still are choices.
Collarless tuxedo jackets are very popular right
now, said Nancy Marotta, training coordinator for Tuxedo Junction.
A three-button, standard-length coat, usually in black, but sometimes
in brown, white or grey, is what most students order.
Vests are in. Tuxedo Junction offers more than 180
colors in ties and vests to match a date’s gown.
“From time to time, you do see a cummerbund, but
that’s rare,” Marotta said.
If a guy wants to stick with the crowd, the usual
rental is a black tuxedo, a white shirt, and a silver or black
vest with a matching tie. But a tuxedo doesn’t have to be black
– think champagne, red, light blue or even pink.
“Does everyone get it? No, but it’s nice to know
that we have something different for someone who wants to attend
their prom wearing something unique,” Marotta said.
For those still looking for the perfect dress or tux,
the Lewiston-Porter High School Lancer Council and S.A.D.D. groups
are hoping to provide style ideas and raise some funds for their
groups with a Prom Fashion Show on Friday, April 25. |
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Erin Militello and Mike Swagler take the stage at The Summit. Erin’s red ball
gown with polka dot overlay features a halter-top and a satin cummerbund with
a rose pin at the waist. |
The show begins at 6:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Gowns will
be provided by David’s Bridal, and for the guys, tuxedos will be modeled
from After Hours Formal Wear. There also will be a basket auction. Admission
is $5.
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