DEAR DEREK, While shopping around quaint and eclectic Cary Town in hometown of Richmond, Virginia, my friend and I noticed a major trend on the prom scene: short dresses! I have always had the perception... [#image: /photos/5582bd17a28d9d4e054157b8]||||||_DEAR DEREK,
While shopping around quaint and eclectic Cary Town in hometown of Richmond, Virginia, my friend and I noticed a major trend on the prom scene: short dresses! I have always had the perception that for prom a more formal, longer gown is the choice ensemble. Am I wrong with this assumption? Ultimately, I purchased a beautiful short silk Burgundy dress with rosette detailing on the bodice. I think it’s elegant and classy, but I just want to make sure short is chic. Do you have any advice on how I can "dress it up" for my more formal event? I appreciate your insight!
Fashionably yours,
Long Legs Olivia_
DEAR Olivia,
I can remember the exact moment when I thought short dresses were acceptable for black tie and dressy functions. (And, now that I think about it, this little anecdote is very timely as the subject of the tale has a fashion forward film about to hit theaters.) The story goes like this: Sarah Jessica Parker. At the Golden Globes. Late 90s. A presenter. She takes the stage in a black dress, the camera pans out and we see it has long sleeves. Camera continues the wide shot until it’s just below her waist and - OH NO SHE DIDN’T - she was wearing a mini dress! Yes, in the post show reviews, some people said Parker’s Calvin Klein dress wasn’t appropriate. But fast-forward a decade and you see more long, lean legs on the red carpet than you do shawls and petticoats by a long shot!
So, I guess, my first response to your question is that yes, short can still be formal. (Although, I must say, some social occasions, namely weddings, will state on the invitation that long dresses are requested; in that case, play by the rules and get a gown.) And off the top of my head I can think of several girls I’ve seen showing off their legs in dressy situations recently: Ashley Olsen at some after Oscar parties and Alexa Chung at fashion week are two girls that come to mind quickly. I can remember last year when Sienna Miller showed up at the premiere of her Broadway play in a distressed Balmain mini dress - and believe me, Broadway isn’t used to distressed, mini anythings!
[#image: /photos/5582bd17a28d9d4e054157b6]||||||However you are right to wonder how to dress up a short dress; there are a few things to remember: first, stay traditional with the accessories. Think chic basics that match the dress, as matching is a traditional formal rule (did your mom ever have shoes dyed-to-match her dress?). While it’s true a funky boot may be fun to pair with a mini skirt, when it comes to making mini’s look formal you want to keep things classic. I remember that in that first famous SJP mini moment she was wearing basic black pumps and her hair was pulled back. That’s another tip: in addition to sticking with basic shoes, jewelry and handbags, don’t try any hairstyles that might look messy or makeup that might seem avant-garde. Don’t do something greasy and long, or a discheveled bun: this will only make the dress more casual (and people will wonder if you even knew you were coming to the prom that night). Now is not the time to test drive a blue eyeliner or new sparkle lipgloss.
