Don’t let fashion
get in the way of when ill-fi tting or uncomfortable shoes
Put comfort
fi rst on your
big night FUN!
Promgoers put a lot of thought into
who they ask to prom, who they will
sit with and which festivities they’ll
engage in when the prom is over.
Much attention is also given to prom
attire and prom photos. Formal gowns and
tuxedos tend to dominate prom attire, and
such clothing can stretch prom budgets.
According to a CNN survey of more than
1,000 parents of prom-aged teenagers,
families in the Northeastern United States
pay an average of $1,500 on prom, while
COURIER L 22 IFE, MARCH 13–19, 2020
Midwestern American families spend
around $700.
While promgoers may focus most of
their attention on looking good, comfort
also should be considered when choosing
prom attire.
FOOTWEAR
Shoes may not be foremost on the minds
of promgoers, but the wrong footwear can
turn an enjoyable night into one you want
to cut short. It’s diffi cult to enjoy yourself
spoil the evening. While uncomfortable
shoes may be most associated with young
women, they can be problematic for young
men as well.
When trying on shoes, wear the socks or
stockings you intend to wear to prom. Bare
feet can chafe in new shoes, so if you plan on
going without a layer between the shoe and
foot, invest in some moleskin or dust your
feet with cornstarch to prevent irritation.
Feet can swell after dancing or standing
for a few hours, so think about going up a size
if shoes barely fi t when you try them on.
Discomfort may be more likely when
wearing stiletto heels or stiff shoes. Add
height through platform shoes that may be
more comfortable, and choose supple shoe
materials that will bend and conform to feet.
CLOTHING
Well-fi tting clothing is another way to
be comfortable at prom. If you are continually
tugging at the top of a slipping dress or
if your suit pants are too long, you may be
more inclined to sit and avoid the fun.
Move around while trying on potential
prom clothing. Raise your arms and bend
down or sit. See if the clothing is too constrictive
or if it rides up or becomes too revealing.
Layer clothing by wearing a suit jacket
or bringing a light coverup in case temperatures
dip after dark.
STYLE
Many female prom-goers spend a good
deal of time at the salon getting elaborate updos
or other intricate hairstyles to look their
best. Whatever hairstyle you choose, make
sure it is comfortable for dancing and that
you won’t have a dozen hairpins poking into
your scalp for the duration of the evening.
Sometimes it is more comfortable to err on
the side of a less intricate style so you’ll be
more focused on enjoying yourself instead of
wondering if your coiff ure has wilted.
Prom aff ords young adults the chance to
dress to impress. When shopping for prom
duds and accessories, keep comfort in mind.
PARTY & PROM GUIDE 2020