I was at the store the other day and the magazine rack caught my eye.  I ended up buying a copy of Seventeen’s Prom Dress Issue.  My first reaction was one of surprise at the type of dresses being promoted for High School Proms – more like wedding dresses than Prom.  I was disappointed as well, what happened to Sweet 16 and never been kissed? I’m sure there are a lot of young women who fit that description, and for those I’ve written this article.  Prom dresses can be expensive and over the top, or fun and modified to use again.  I’m for the later and this year’s Two-Piece Halter Top Dresses fit that bill.  You can be cute, sexy, elegant, and comfortable all in one outfit.  These three images I photographed from the magazine are good examples of that. The first dress is all one color, designed for a slim body style and would be elegant in satin. The second dress is a modification of that plainer design, stiff taffeta skirt with petticoat and for the bustier young woman. Dress number three is a combination of the other two -  the scalloped laced edge top dresses the outfit up and can always be worn under a suit jacket for day wear.  The skirt if an in-between material as far as stiffness with a large petticoat/hoop skirt beneath.  The print is abstract so your eye wanders around and the entire outfit would make you feel “dressed for the prom”. All three of these outfits are $165.00 and up.  That seems like a lot of money to spend on a one-time dress.  Dress number three is $275.00 plus the petticoat.  So how can you get a dress with the spirit of number three but a more reasonable price tag?  DIY This pattern from simplicity gives you the opportunity to do whatever you want to fit your size and style.

Doing the halter you can make it this simple or you can fuss it up. How?     First decide whether you’re going to have the halter be the focus or the skirt.  Then:

• Use a wider band on the halter upper ties
• Add a wide band on the bottom of the halter. Be sure to tie both bands securely and then into a bow thus avoiding a “dress malfunction”
• Make the halter out of fringe material if you are super conscious of a small bust
• Keep it a neutral color to avoid being the focus of the dress. If you use a light color wear a dark pendant 30-32” long.  Dark top – the opposite
• For the skirt, if it’s to be the focus, choose an abstract NOT a pattern. An abstract can also be swirls, streaks, etc.  just not an even repeat pattern.
• Hem the skirt without a petticoat for the proper length.
• If you can’t or won’t buy a petticoat – rent or borrow one. It will make all the difference in the look of the dress.

HAPPY PROM!!! P.S.  If you thought this post was helpful - please share.  Thank you.