I work in a local boutique and our racks are bursting right now with dresses and gowns for prom/formal season. Some are shorter cocktail dresses in satin or sequins. Others are long gowns with beautiful detailing and ornate backs. When high schoolers come in to look for a dress, I can see the excitement in their eyes, especially when they find the perfect gown.

Proms have been going on for a long time, since the early 1900s, though they have evolved over the years. They started out as a simple tea dance where students got to dress their best. Then they became a class banquet that included dressing up and dancing. In the 1950s proms became more elaborate, moving from the high school gym to a country club or hotel setting. Best location award of all time goes to Susan Ford, President Ford’s daughter, who held her prom in the White House in 1975.

Prom or formal is a really exciting time. It’s a rite of passage for high schoolers. Getting asked (or doing the asking), finding the perfect dress and matching tux, getting a limo (or not), and having a fun night with classmates is a fantastic way to end the school year or your high school career. It’s also a unique way to show your personal style in a really amped up way.

I loved both of my proms. I loved dressing up and seeing all of my friends dressed up. I loved feeling the butterflies in my tummy when the limo pulled up in front of my house and my date stepped out holding a corsage as my parents snapped photos (with a real camera) while we awkwardly exchanged flowers and I tried not to poke him with the needle while pinning the boutonniere. Good times.

For my junior prom (1990) I chose a purple sequined cocktail dress with three rows of fringe on the skirt. (Even at 16 years old I loved the 1920s!) My date went all out, too, choosing a black tuxedo with tails, a top hat, and a cane. Yes – a cane. He was a real character and totally pulled it off. For my senior prom (1991) I chose a strapless green iridescent mermaid gown. Again, my date chose a tux with tails and a top hat (no cane this time).

Both prom nights were memorable because it was so different than my everyday life. We got to be fancy without worrying about homework or tests. The guys weren’t goofing off at their desks or sweating in gym class. Everyone was nice to each other and it felt like we were all equal out there on the dance floor.

I would recommend going to prom or formal, with or without a date. It’s just as fun going with a group of friends! You may not think so, but it’s one of those things you don’t want to look back on and regret missing. And with so much versatility in fashion, you can find a way to dress up even if shiny gowns aren’t your thing. There are great cocktail dresses with pockets, or jumpers/pant suits that are really glam. You don’t have to be cookie cutter. You can wear Converse with your tux if you want. I went to one friend’s prom and there was a guy dressed as Uncle Sam. Literally.

Now that I’ve embarrassed myself by sharing two very old pictures, I hope you’ll post your prom pictures and tag me (IG: @onmyshoebox)! I want to see what everyone is wearing! And if you need help picking a dress that’s right for you, comment below! I’m happy to help.

~ Silva

If you have questions or topics you’d like to see addressed in this blog, please email me at [email protected]. You can read more from me at my other blog, onmyshoebox.

To read more Style Session, check out Style Session No. 22 – You’re on the list. Everyone’s on the list.