A vintage prom theme can be both a fun and unique way to give the traditional high school prom a little face lift. Time, planning, and a little bit of research will carry you a long way in creating the look you want; though the results can be stunning, they can also become disastrous if attention is not paid to details.
1) Preparations:
Some planning will be necessary to create the “look” you want for prom. First, decide what era you’re aiming for. Whether it’s the 1920’s beaded flapper, the romantic glamour of the 1950’s, or the bows and ruffles of the 1980’s, surfing the web is your best bet for finding the inspiration you need. Don’t just focus on the dress or tuxedo-make sure to include images of your ideal hairstyle, shoes, accessories, and makeup styles.
Once you’ve found a few good pictures, it’s time to get to work turning these into a reality.
2) The Dress/ Tuxedo
As most girls know, one of the most crucial aspects of prom is finding the perfect dress. Vintage dresses are especially difficult to find-so start your search early!
One of the best ways to find a dress is through Ebay. Ebay has an entire section devoted to vintage clothing in many different sizes, shapes, colors and eras. Before buying, make sure to know your measurement for the best fit. Don’t forget, though, that even dresses or tuxedos that are slightly larger than your size can be tailored to fit. Steer clear of clothes that are too small- it is much easier to bring in a garment than to add to it.
Another option is to check out local thrift stores. Often this process can be time consuming- but the results are well worth it.
Recently, revamped vintage trends have been appearing on the runway and in stores. If an authentic vintage dress or tuxedo has proven too difficult to find, a newly made vintage-style gown or tux may be the perfect solution.
3) Shoes/Accessories/Handbags
For accessories, thrift stores are your friends. Gently worn shoes, jewelry, and handbags can be found at thrift stores for reasonable prices, and are much easier to find than clothing. A cheaper option is to ask family members if they have any accessories they’d be willing to let you borrow. You may be surprised with what you find in your great-aunt’s jewelry box. Many of my evening purses and necklaces have come from my grandmother’s closet!
4) Hair/ Makeup
The perfect hair and makeup not only compliments a dress or tux-it acts as the cherry on top of the sundae! Make an appointment with a hair stylist you trust, and bring a picture of the hairstyle you want with you to the appointment. A hairstylist’s intuition only goes so far- bringing a picture will give you the best chance of getting exactly what you want.
Makeup, when done correctly, will give the final touch to your look. Many girls assume it’s best to use a lot of makeup on prom night, but this is not always the case. Ensure that your makeup will last by using a primer and foundation-this smooths the skin and creates a fresh canvas to work on. After this step, the rest is entirely up to you and the trends associated with your era. Don’t be afraid to stray from the pictures you’ve found-do what works for your specific face shape, coloring, and style.
