It seems like high school is nothing but work. Everything from the nerves of the first day of school to the lengthy hours studying for AP tests to filling out college applications. However, what gets us all through these years of hardcore studying are exciting events like prom.
Prom may be one of the few high school memories a student will have that does not require ten packs of papers.
It is something we have been looking forward to since we started high school. The dresses, the makeup, the shoes, the limo, and the after party – everything about prom is appealing.
This year’s theme for prom is “Sweet Escape.” According to senior class president Alena Abedi (’10) “Sweet Escape” basically refers to paradise, a place you can go to and relax and have a good time. The prom this year will be held at the Biltmore Hotel due to its simplicity. They have hired the DJ Company, SOS, which will be the entertainment for the night.
Fashion has evolved greatly over the decades. There was even a time when students were attending their proms with dresses that covered everything except their faces, contrary to today’s fashion.
During the 50s, prom became a very important event. Teenage girls began making special shopping trips for the perfect outfit as they began to pay more attention to their prom dresses. They wore inexpensive dresses that were simple and unique. The 50s prom dress had characteristics such as V necklines, oversized bow or fringe details, princess seams or full skirt, plaid and flowing skirts.
The “look” back in 1950s was more youthful and innocent. Among the most popular hairstyles was the poodle cut which framed the face in a round fashion offering a youthful demeanor.
As the 60s rocked on, the prom dresses remained feminine. It was a time of innocence and glamour. The girls dressed very lady-like and showed very little skin with the majority of dress lengths reaching the floor. They were usually accompanied by long, over-the-elbow gloves that made the outfit even more formal. One of the most famous prom dresses of the time was the Montgomery Ward 1964. This black and white dress was made for elegance.
The 1960s offered a very elegant and graceful take on hairstyles for women in contrast to the big hair of the 1950s and headed towards the frizzy and out of control look of the hippie age.
In the 1970s, sequins were very popular, and pastel colors were often found on prom dresses and bridesmaid’s dresses of the era. Prom dresses had matching sheer capes and shoes of the platform variety dominated. The 70s were all about being sexy and standing out from the crowd, from shoes to accessories to clothes to hairstyles.
“We would have live bands singing to rock n’ roll music,” math teacher William LeClear, a prom participant in the 1970s, said. “It wasn’t much different than the prom [of this decade]. We wore tuxedos, our dates wore dresses, and our prom was held at a hotel.”
Since a lot of past trends are making a comeback, it would not be a crime to look at some past trends and apply them to new ones. Neon colors are definitely shining once more like they did in the 80s. During this vivid decade, bright colors such as gold, silver, dark pink and blue were in for prom dresses, as was big hair. The dresses were made from chiffon and were accessorized with spike heels and dark nail polish.
According to government teacher Nareg Keshishian, who went to prom in 1981, there were only seventy people there. Contrary to today’s time, there was a live band and only a Prom Queen since guys did not want to be Prom King.
“We didn’t nearly spend as much money as people do now,” Keshishian said. “I remember going to prom in my ’66 Dodge Dart, wearing a white suit that I already had. My girlfriend wore a dress that she wore as a bridesmaid.”
The 90s focused more on flamboyant dresses, which were shiny, glitzy, and had lots of sequins and accessories. The dresses were accessorized with pointy-toed stilettos.
According to math teacher Mariam Youssef, prom during the 90s was “less blown up than prom nowadays.”
Prom was more laid back and less like a “mini-wedding,” very different from today’s prom.
“After prom, we just went to somebody’s house and played broomball,” Youssef said. “Prom then was not nearly as expensive as it is now. We weren’t willing to pay that much money for one night.”
Nowadays, short dresses for prom are very popular and adored by many. The dresses are mostly made of chiffon, but are much shorter and more revealing. Most of the dresses that are “in” this season are strapless with a sweetheart neckline and have an endless supply of sparkle.
Prom’s fashion is not the only thing that has transformed. The traditions have also changed. Prom for a long period of time used to be held in the high school gymnasium. It was not until 1994 that prom started taking place at a hotel with elaborate decorations and a great view for students to enjoy. However, a post prom party was still held in the gymnasium.
In the past the school held fashion shows for seniors to make it easier for them to decide on their attire for prom. The fashion shows not only were a great way to feature the latest trends but were also a great way to socialize. Stores such as Carraz and Windsor that carry prom dresses sponsored the fashion show. Also, the stores provided each contestant with a customized dress.
