Prom Redo: What We'd Wear Now
Prom Redo: What We'd Wear Now
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Not that we'd want to be teenagers again-man, that was tough-but occasionally we muse over how we'd do things differently. Pine for that bad boy who cut class and went on to manage the local hardware store? In hindsight, we'd have set our sights on the sheepish student council VP who's now a successful MD. Take study hall? Should have gotten a jump on college coursework with some AP classes instead. Go to all those parties? Yeah, we'd still do that.
And when it comes to our high school wardrobe picks, we'd make some serious alterations. It's painful just to look at pictures of some of the clothing choices we self-consciously made back in the day. So with an occasion like prom, to have had our adult fashion sensibilities guide our youthful dress selections (truth: there is such a thing as too much tulle) would undoubtedly have led to a prettier party look and less cringe-inducing photos.
For your reference, and our fun, here's what we'd wear to prom now.
I love the two-piece trend happening in prom dresses right now. It really frees you up on the dance floor. This skirt is a nice mix of subtle and eye-catching, and it hits the ground, so you can wear flats and no one will know! Who: Mary O'Regan, Copy Manager
What: Xscape stripe satin two-piece ballgown (pictured above) Why:
Similar style: Steppin Out 'Leah' two-piece gown
Who: Jodi Taylor, Senior Stylist
. They are fun and playful, as prom should be, and perfect for dancing as well as giving a nod to the '90s, when I actually went to prom. Back then I wore a black Betsey Johnson slipdress, stayed at prom for an hour, then went to a beach party and danced till the sun came up. I think I would do the same thing today, only in Moschino. What: Moschino 'The Powerpuff Girls' fit & flare dress
Why: If I were to go to prom today I would choose this Moschino Powerpuff Girls dress and these ACNE Studios sneakers
Similar style: NICHOLAS 'Iris' fit & flare tea dress
Who: Andrea Wingert, Marketing Manager, Women's Apparel
What: Armani Collezioni iridescent jersey strappy gown
Why: This classic black gown done in iridescent jersey is perfect for a party. I love the long lines, spaghetti straps and-bonus feature-pockets! The shimmery fabric makes the statement. I'd keep accessories and hair simple and pair the dress with strappy black heels.
Similar style: Betsy & Adam halter satin ballgown
Who: Amy Belledin, Creative Director, Beauty
What: Roksanda 'Esther' embroidered mesh dress
Why: I wish we'd had SPACE and an expense account when I went to prom. If I had, I'd have chosen the Roksanda 'Esther' embroidered dress. It's colorful, fun, and looks light. Perfect if you decide to ditch the dance to play beach volleyball with your friends and some handsome strangers.
Another stripy option: Tracy Reese stripe sequin slipdress
Who: Laura Cassidy, Senior Editor, Creative Projects
What: Koché 'Rose' sleeveless sheath dress
Why: I seriously wish I had been cool (and confident) enough to go rogue in something as artful and unconventional as this collage-like skate/couture mash-up. Although I guess if I had been that cool, I would have pulled some bedroom handiwork à la Molly Ringwald in Pretty in Pink and really gone to town. Which is not to suggest that I could have approached Christelle Kocher's CHANEL-level nuance and finesse, but it would have been fun to try-maybe with this Topshop shift dress as a base.
Or try: Opening Ceremony's asymmetrical tank and skirt
Who: Rachel Shimp, Product Copy Editor
What: Sue Wong appliqué mesh & lace gown
Why: This slinky bias-cut gown combines an Old Hollywood silhouette with of-the-moment pastel and lingerie trends. Prom is all about women dressing for other women, and the work-of-art embroidery of this piece wows. Gold Jimmy Choo pumps, a true-red lip and waved hair would glamorously balance the demure neckline.
Similar style: TFNC 'Tallulah' sequin sleeveless gown (pictured above)
Who: Brenna Carlson, Associate Stylist
What: Milly 'Lyla' floral print column gown
Why: I didn't go to my prom, so I would want a party dress that said prom all the way! But I can live without all the sequins and rhinestones. I love this dress because it gives a playful nod to the traditional prom dress, but with a fun elegance too. And, yes, I would totally rent a limo!
Similar style: Eliza J print chiffon halter maxi dress
Who: Virginia Bunker, Creative Director, Accessories
What: Marques'Almeida sequin embellished floral print slipdress
Why: Prom is the ultimate dance party. So what's better than a shimmery slipdress from my new favorite design duo? Plus, this is a way-cooler take on what I wore the first time around-and here's the vintage-era photo to prove it.
An interesting alternative: Topshop palm print strappy jumpsuit (with pointy toe flats, giant hoop earrings and a tuxedo jacket)