PARTY & PROM GUIDE 2020
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Guide to making the right prom purchases
Graduation and prom season can
be an exciting time in a teenager’s
life. Th is time in a young person’s
life marks a rite of passage and a pivotal
time bridging childhood and adulthood
while giving students the opportunity to
let loose and celebrate their academic successes.
Prom also serves as a way to make
memories with a group of friends who may
go in diff erent directions after graduation.
Many students are eager to begin planning
their prom experiences as early as possible.
Promgoers may want to begin browsing
stores and shopping for prom apparel in
the months leading up to the big night, but
it’s important to follow a few bits of advice
before making any prom purchases.
• Pay attention to the rules implemented
by the school or venue. It’s time
COURIER L 28 IFE, MARCH 13–19, 2020
to follow one last directive before graduation,
and that means heeding the requirements
for prom attire and any other rules
they may have. Some schools implement
dress codes, so learn if your school has
one so you do not spend money on clothing
that will be inappropriate. School personnel
have the right to refuse entry to
the prom if dress guidelines are not met.
Choose a private occasion, such as a graduation
party, if you want to wear something
less traditional.
• Shop early and shop sales. Waiting
until the last minute to purchase prom
dresses or tuxes is not ideal, as the pickings
might be slim. Begin your search early
so you have more options and more time to
fi nd attire that fi ts your budget.
• Shop further away from home,
Looking
SMART
if necessary. Broaden your horizons to
shops and retailers outside of your neighborhood,
if necessary. Th is may guarantee
that your attire isn’t a carbon copy of what
everyone else is wearing — or a complete
duplicate of another student’s outfi t. Look
for independent retailers, such as momand
pop boutiques, which may carry more
unique and diverse off erings than big retailers.
Such stores may off er more personalized
service as well, such as alterations
and tailoring.
• Fit clothing to your current size.
Some students hope to lose a little weight
prior to prom. But it’s best to avoid purchasing
a gown or suit in a size you hope to
be, as it’s easier to alter clothing to smaller
sizes than make sizes bigger.
• Browse magazines for inspiration.
Professional stylists are often behind the
amazing looks of magazine spreads. Take
inspiration from their ideas, but also make
the looks your own with some modifi cations.
It may be a diff erent accessory or a
diff erent color pairing. Don’t be afraid to
take a magazine to a store and ask if they
have similar pieces.
• Be open to new ideas. Sometimes
the clothing you see on the pages of magazines
may seem to be the ideal style for
you, but keep yourself open to other cuts,
colors and designs. An outfi t you never
imagined wearing may end up being the
perfect fi t.
• Know store return and exchange
policies. Formalwear is frequently governed
by diff erent rules from casual clothing.
All sales may be fi nal, or there may
be a small window of time for exchanges.
Keep your receipts in a safe place and be
aware of return policies, in case prom
plans change.
• Consider renting or borrowing.
Niche businesses have sprung up that enable
customers to rent gowns or suits for
a day or two. Th e costs may be less than
purchasing new outfi ts. Otherwise, see if
an older sibling or a friend may have promwear
you can borrow.
Prom season involves shopping trips to
fi nd the perfect promwear. Start early and
design a plan of action to guarantee you
have the time to fi nd aff ordable attire you
will really love.