If your dress has slits, the slit should be no higher than three inches above your knee. Try to go for a dress made of flowing fabric, as your school may not allow you to get into the dance if your dress is skin tight or made of spandex. Fabric like chiffon, nylon, and silk are all good options for a formal dress. Avoid exposing your midriff for formal dances and if your midriff is exposed, make sure you are showing no more than two inches of skin below the inseam. If you plan to dance a lot, you may want to opt for a gown with straps and no train.
Straight: This body type appears as a straight line, with very little definition between your bust, waist, and hips. Empire waist gowns fit straight body types well, as well as fitted sheaths. You may go for a one shoulder detail on your gown to add some drama. Pear: This body type is smaller on the top and fuller at the hips and butt. You may go for a fitted strapless gown or a halter top gown, as they will draw the eye upward. A full skirt or an empire waist will also help to show off your figure. Hourglass: This body type is curvy, with a full bust, a defined waist, and full hips. Look for gowns for a fitted waist, as this will enhance your curves. Adjustable waist styles, such as wrap dresses, are also ideal for this body type. Apple: This body type is apple shaped, with the narrowest point of the body located above your waist, just below your ribs. Go for a gown with an empire waist, with neck details like straps or a halter top. A gown with a full skirt or an A-line skirt are also idea for this body type.
Some high schools may not approve of you wearing slacks instead of a dress. However, if you choose suit like pants and a formal top, you may be able to adhere close enough to the dress code.
Another accessory you may want to add to your formal look is jewelry. Go for long drop earrings for a dramatic formal look or studs with a bit of sparkle. You may also wear a necklace with a pendant or decorative elements, especially if the neckline of your gown exposes your neck. Finish your look with bracelets for a put together, formal look.
You may want to choose an updo based on the style of your outfit. If you are wearing a long gown that is strapless, you may want to show off the top of the gown by going for a sleek bun. If you are wearing a formal top and slacks, you may decide to put your hair in a braided updo to create a more formal look for your hair.
You should get a referral for a good hairstylist from a friend or look for a hairstylist who specializes in formal hair styles. You can also bring in photographs of what you would like done on your hair so the stylist has a visual reference.
You may create a smoky eye using charcoal shades and shimmery champagne eye shadow, as well as eyeliner and mascara. Be sure to finish off your smoky eye look by putting on lipstick in a dark hue, like dark red or dark purple.
The semi-formal dress should still be made of quality material, like silk, nylon, or chiffon, and follow your school’s dress code. This may mean a short dress with a hemline three inches above your knee, with a modest cut. Avoid wearing tube style dresses, which are very tight and often made of spandex. These dresses may be against your school’s dress code for semi-formal dances.
Keep in mind most schools will not allow you to cover up an inappropriate top with a jacket or a sweater. The organizers of the dance may not let you into the dance if you are inappropriately dressed.
Avoid wearing sneakers, runners, or flip flops, as these will likely not be allowed in a semi-formal dance.
You may also decide to bring a small purse, such as a clutch or a shoulder bag. Most schools will not allow book bags, backpacks, or large purses at semi-formal dances.
You can curl your hair with a curling iron, a flat iron, hair rollers, or by scrunching your hair (good for already curly hair). Make sure you pull the curls apart gently with your fingers once you have curled your hair to create a loose curl look.
You may decide to apply eyeliner and mascara to your eyes, as well as light eye shadow in tones that play off the color of your gown. If you are not sure about eye shadow, you can also do a winged eyeliner look for a cool, polished look. Finish your look with lipstick or lip gloss in a bold color that plays off the color of your gown or outfit. If you decide to do a bold eye look, you may choose a more neutral shade for your lips so your makeup is polished but not overwhelming your face.
For casual dances, you should be able to wear a short dress or a top and a skirt. However, your dress should be no shorter than 3 inches above your knee. Your dress should not be skin tight or made of spandex and should have an appropriate neckline. If your midriff is exposed, you should be showing no more than two inches of skin. You may also be able to wear jeans and a top, as long as the jeans do not have any holes in them or hug your hips very tightly. If you wear a top with jeans, the top should not expose your chest area inappropriately.
You may want to skip the high heels for an informal dance, as you may appear overdressed for the event.
You may also bring a small shoulder bag, as you likely will not be allowed into the dance with a large purse or a backpack.
You can always add something extra to your look by putting your hair in a messy top bun or a side braid. Try to match your hair to your outfit by going for a more casual outfit with a particular hairstyle or keeping your hair casual if your outfit is a little more formal.
