What Dressing Up For Prom Really Means to Teens

Michelle Li
·9 min read

Editor's note: This shoot was done prior to the coronavirus pandemic, but we still wanted to share it with you. We hope it gives you some solace or escape in this trying time. Currently, our whole team is social distancing as we work from home. We sincerely hope, if you are able to, you are, too.

Just because we’re socially distancing doesn’t mean we have to miss out on the fun of a milestone moment like prom. In celebration of Teen Vogue's virtual prom we’ve put together the best tips and tricks to party with us from home. Join us (and tag us!). #TVGoestoProm

My senior prom was nothing like how I imagined it to be, which is not to say it wasn’t fun (Jake Robinson if you’re reading this - I really enjoyed our prom experience together!). I shopped for my dream dress with my mom and let my best friend do my makeup. I had a promposal via a McDonald’s Big Mac. We had a huge dinner with friends before and let our parents take as many photos as they wanted, but when it came time to go to the actual prom dance I ended up skipping and going to the park to listen to The Strokes under the stars. I know freshman Michelle would have wanted everything to be perfect, romantic, just like the movies but preferences change as we grow older and my senior year prom experience was a testament to who I was at that moment. I was (and still am) the person that finds so much joy and camaraderie in getting dressed to the nines with friends and use prom as just another excuse to get really dressed up.

Along with graduation and other momentous school occasions, prom is being cancelled nationwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For many, it’s a disappointment that they won't be able to celebrate the end of high school together and savor their last few moments as high school students. One of the many is Katherine So, a senior at Sunny Hills High School in Fullerton, California.“ Prom symbolizes a senior’s rite of passage as the eldest students in high school. It’s meant to be a fun night where you can celebrate formally with your friends (or a date) and party together before becoming an adult aka going to college," says So. "Although I am sad that this year my class of 2020 will not have prom I know it is for the best to do our part to flatten the curve and not add to the spread of COVID-19.”

Jamila Cummings, a senior at Pasadena High School in Pasadena, California, agrees. “There were a few things I was really excited for in my senior year and not being able to attend prom is gut-wrenching. There’s always going to be a football game or a basketball tournament but you only get one senior prom,” says Cummings. “It gives every “normal” person the chance to experience what it’s like to dress up and feel like a celebrity. I was really excited for prom because it was one of the few times that I could express myself as creatively as I wanted to and I would not be judged.”

Left: Wray Champagne Nan Dress, $198, available at Wray; Prabal Gurung pants; Stuart Weitzman sandals. Right: Azeeza dress; Schutz Onoria Sandal, $160, available at Schutz.

Grace Goldstein, a senior at Stuyvesant High School in New York City, had plans to wear a pink tulle and sequin dress she thrifted, going for a princess vibe. “I've been romanticizing TV and movie proms my whole life, so I wanted to fit into the magical image in my head. As a climate activist, and someone with limited funds, my first big prom decision was to thrift my dress. I still can't believe I found something so perfect on my first attempt," Goldstein says. “I'm really shattered that I won't be getting ready for prom at someone's house with my amazing friend group. Getting dressed up for prom is like wearing your heart on your sleeve. You pick a dress, or a suit, or anything, that makes you feel like your most beautiful self. Just for one night.”

Olivia Franken, a senior at Shawnee High School in New Jersey, was inspired by movies she watched growing up too. “I wanted to find a dress that I could reuse or up-cycle. I planned to make the dress a shorter length after prom so that I could style it in different ways in college and afterward. I was inspired by Kate Hudson’s yellow dress from How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. I loved the simplicity of her dress and how it was unique in its own way,” says Franken.

The loss of closure that the cancellation of prom creates also challenges seniors to stay positive. “If I look at it, I’m not just missing prom, but I’m also missing the end of my senior year as a whole (senior trip, graduation, directing my school’s musical, etc.)," Franken says. "I am sad to be missing prom but it is important to stay optimistic during difficult times such as this. We have to remember that though we are in a bit of a setback, we can find new ways to continue making special memories even if it is over video chat.”

Acne Studios suit and pants, Sally LaPointe Mesh Drape Top, $750, available at Sally LaPointe; Georgina Trevino earring; Nina Ricci boots.

While a virtual prom night might not be what you had in mind freshman year, the sentiment is still the same. It can’t replace slow dances with your crush and sharing a pizza after a long night with your friends, but the shared struggle of trying to figure out how to use Zoom with your friends and FaceTiming each other for makeup help is a bonding experience in itself. Virtual proms are popping up all around the world wide web. Teen Vogue (hi!) will be hosting its own virtual prom happening this Saturday, May 16, high school senior Hannah Lucas threw a We Are Well prom focused on mental health, high schools around the country are also taking it upon themselves to convert prom into a virtual affair.

Get really dressed up, take the same care as you would if you were physically attending prom, and call your friends to see what they’re wearing. We’ll be there to celebrate you, admire your prom looks, and cheer you on! We’re using this space to appreciate the act of getting spruced up. So, what were you going to wear to prom?

Ahead, our love letter to getting dressed to the nines for prom. Take notes (or inspo) on how to style yourselves in outfits that won’t see the physical dance floor, but will be remembered via virtual prom.

Kalmanovich dress; Georgina Trevino earrings; Dr. Martens Bethan Smooth Leather Platform Mary Janes, $150, available at Dr. Martens.

Short but Sweet

Find the right balance between overly girly and true-to-you style. Ruffles, lace, and pink are a triple threat but you can offset it by wearing a pair of Doc Martens and chunky socks. This dress also toes the line of asymmetry with an off the shoulder details and chopped hem. Sure, you're maxing out on girly-girliness but you can make anything feel like yourself with the right accessories.

Left: Palm Angels jacket and pants; The Kooples Patent Black Leather Derbies, $210, available at The Kooples. Right: Nina Ricci dress; Stuart Weitzman The Jimena 50 Sandal, $425, available at Stuart Weitzman.

The Better Way To Match

Would did you virtually ask to prom? Here’s a lesson in how to match with your date without being cheesy. You want to compliment each other while still giving each other space to breathe and be yourself, that’s what a relationship is all about! Yes, even when it comes to getting dressed for prom. A matching jacket and pants is what will take an everyday look a little bit further. Throw on your fanciest black loafers and you’re going to prom. While it’s hard to think about layering dresses, this is a scenario where it just works. Wear a sheer, textured dress underneath a simple dress to add some detail and spice. Ultimate twirling-under-the-disco-ball attire.

Azeeza dress; Schutz Onoria Sandal, $160, available at Schutz; Ca & Lou Louise Crystal Earrings, $295.53, available at Ca & Lou.

Waterfall Ruffles

Serious question: how many ruffles is too many? Serious answer: the limit does not exist. This dress is a cascade of voluptuous ruffles. It’s your perfect prom companion. It will move with you when you want to move and it will leave with you when it’s time to go. Add some lace gloves to break it up a little bit and add some delicate details. This isn’t your typical floor length prom dress, that’s for sure.

Acne Studios suit and pants, Sally LaPointe Mesh Drape Top, $750, available at Sally LaPointe; Georgina Trevino earring; Nina Ricci boots.

Suited Up

Make suits fun again! If you’ve made it this far, you know that “too much” is not a concept we believe in. Wear a suit with a sculptural lapel and fabric that has a little bit of sheen to it. But don’t stop there. Layer a bright tangerine orange blouse underneath, bonus points if it peeks out a little when you’re grooving on the dance floor. The harmony of pastel and neons is eye-catchingly sublime. You won’t be able to look away.

Wray Champagne Nan Dress, $198, available at Wray; Prabal Gurung pants; Stuart Weitzman sandals.

How To: Sparkle

A dress and pants ensemble is now a given at this point. Take it to the next level by doubling up on the sparkle. This combo is great for dances because it still feels fancy and you don’t have to worry about flashing anyone. The only flashing you’ll be doing is from the sparkles on your dress and pants. A vision, indeed.

Credits:

Photographer: Taylor Rainbolt

Stylist: Michelle Li

Hair: Karla Serrano

Makeup: Isabel Rosado

Nails: Yuko Tsuchihashi

Prop Styling: High Gloss

Models: Minami Gessel, Raven Wallace, Bianca Redmerski, Danielle Melendez, Nikki, Hakeem Nieght

Casting: Morgan Senesi

Art Director: Emily Zirimis

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue