PROM: PERFECT

Your School Ball night is one of the special events evenings that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

With School Ball season upon us, Carillon City has put together a comprehensive guide that covers everything you need to know. School balls can be stressful - especially if you’re exploring hair, makeup and beauty options for the first time, so here’s the inside word on what’s hot and what’s not.


6 key trends to look for in school ball dresses

Ruffles
If you like a flirty, feminine look, then a gown featuring ruffles might be just the right look for you. There are gowns with subtle frills at the neckline or over the bust, right through to gowns made entirely of ruffles. One of the key styles is a smooth high waist bodice with a tiered ruffled skirt.

Prints
Typically, gowns are one neutral color or perhaps a mix of black and white. This year, the print explosion we have seen in fashion extends to the school ball look. Some of the most popular looks are floral prints, and for the daring, animal prints. Leopard print seems to be the standout favorite, but zebra is also making an impact.

Grecian
Gowns are folded, twisted and draped in every which way to form an elegant and unique look. A large piece of hemmed silk can be draped in many different ways then belted at the waist for a gorgeous look.


Asymmetrical
Asymmetrical lines are popular in formal gowns, including one-sleeve styles, wide neckline styles that hang off one shoulder, and draped styles which are gathered to one shoulder.

The back is on show
The key body feature to show off is the back. There are cut-out backs, low plunging backs, latticework backs, cowl-style draping backs, crossover multi straps and twist backs.


Cocktail style lengths
There is both a 1920's and 1940's revival going on in the fashion world. The looks are just as dressy as full ball gowns, but they hit at the ankles or mid-calf rather the floor length. If you are a tall, slim girl this style of gown will help you look a little curvier. However, shorter girls should probably avoid this style.


Jewellery
When it comes to jewellery - go simple. This way, your personality and your overall look will be the focus. Keep jewellery to a minimum - it’s better to wear a single knock-out piece (necklace, earrings, ring) with minor accessories than to go overboard and lose the overall effect!

For the right look with your jewellery, keep the following tips in mind:

• Overall, rhinestones are the most popular choice for jewellery. They are very elegant and add the perfect dressed-up touch to your look.
• The length and style of your necklace should depend upon the neckline of your dress. If your neckline drops low or plunges, look for a long necklace to decorate bare skin in your neck and chest. If your neckline is high, choose a shorter necklace style (such as a choker) to offer equal play to both the necklace and dress.
• Remember to decide on your hair style before you purchase earrings for your dress. If you are wearing your hair up, wear large, dangly earrings. If you are wearing your hair down, look for hoops, large studs, or other styles that will not get tangled in your hair.
• Crystals and silver costume jewellery will add sparkle to your dress or gown.

HOT TIP
Make sure you wear a top that does not need to be pulled over your head when you get changed into your dress (ie: button or zip up) so you don’t ruin your hair and makeup.

Whatever your choice, make sure it’s practical (you will be wearing this for several hours, travelling, sitting down to dinner and dancing in it), and make sure you’re comfortable and confident enough to enjoy yourself at the ball.


FOR THE BOYS

Guys when it comes to your school ball, it’s time to put in the effort and up the style factor. Remember- your date will be out to impress and she’ll want a cool guy on her arm who she can be proud of!

Here are a few tips straight up to get you started out in the right direction:

• Avoid the multi-coloured suiting look - keep it cool in a neutral colour.
• Same rule goes for the tails and top hats, you’re not going to a wedding!
• Make sure you get organised early so that you don’t end up with the leftovers – showing up in a Bolero jacket is not good for your style cred (Google it, it’s not good!).


What to wear

A safe option is a classic tuxedo, and if you don't own one, renting one is affordable. According to the experts at Tony Barlow Formal Hire, the coolest style this year is definitely the one or two button option.


If you want to earn some brownie points with your date, try matching your waistcoat with her dress or accessories.


OR if you’re after a bit more of a modern look, how about a business or lounge suit that you can keep in your wardrobe for another occasion?



SABA’s latest collection has some impressive tailored suits in grey and blue shades which will set you out amongst the rest.


Shoes
We’ll also let you in on a little secret- women judge guys on their shoes! Point styles are still the ones you want to get into and you’ll find all the latest styles at De Burghs Shoes for Men.


Hair
Remember – grooming is important, so make sure you shave and have a haircut before the big event.

We’ve consulted with House of Ernest’s Creative Artistic Director, Serge Sorgiovanni, who says to go for either the slightly grunge, textured look ala Keith Urban (get your hands on some matt finish power styling product), or the sleek ‘short back and sides’ look that George Clooney does so well (try Gel Forte from Sebastian for this one).

Most importantly just try to keep your cool and have a fun night!