Even if you don't think you have the sewing skills or the time, you can still design your own prom dress. Decorating and redecorating ball gowns has a long history, as fans of Jane Austen know. Make or buy a simple dress in a plain-colored fabric that is easy to handle: Stretchy fabrics are harder to decorate than firm fabrics like taffeta, satin shows every stitch-mark and velvet is for experts. A basic gathered skirt, strapless or spaghetti-strapped dress in a firm taffeta makes a good foundation, as does a simple V-neck dress.
Take several pictures of you wearing the dress from front, back and sides, with close-ups of the bodice and necklines. Print the pictures, and start sketching some additions. When you have some ideas, remember to check the drapery and upholstery fabric sections for inspiration. When inspiration has struck, create or buy patterns that you can then modify accordingly.
The fastest accessory you can make for your prom dress is a "stole." It's a rectangle of fabric with fringe on the ends, about six feet long and a few feet wide. Fabric glue or hemming tape can close the ends, and more glue attaches the fringe.
Sheer, soft fabric makes fillers for a too-low neckline. Scallops or poufs of this material can be invisibly stitched to the neckline or held in place with contrasting embroidery thread.
Crisper fabric, such as organdy, makes a pretty overskirt or a summery sash and trailing bow on a pastel dress. A partial overskirt that leaves the front of the prom dress exposed has an 18th-century look. Just hand-stitch the skirt to the base dress at the waistline.
Luxury brocade can make a belt or sash, with a matching one for your date if he's not afraid to be fashionable. It can also make a short jacket or can be trimmed with fringe as a stole.
You can also add ribbon trim or lace to a dress. For an easy change, stitch bands of grosgrain along a hem to match the ribbon you are using for a belt, or, for something more complex, add multi-colored ribbons to make a shadow plaid on a plain underskirt. Lace can stand up as a ruffle around a neckline, or it can peep from under the hemline like an errant petticoat.
Your choices are endless. Just make sure that you don't overdo the details. Think of a few accents in colors that complement your basic dress, and you can't go wrong. Don't limit yourself to prom, either. You can make a dress for any occasion, from a sophomore semi-formal to a Sadie Hawkins Dance.
Most important, when you receive compliments, remember to say, "Thanks, I made it myself."
 | Buying a prom dress can be tons of fun, but make sure whatever you buy is acceptable for any dress codes or dancing. Try sultry instead of skimpy, and pick the styles that flatter your figure instead of following the trends. If you want to make your own dress, stick to techniques you know so you don't risk ending up with an ugly gown that doesn't even fit. |
 | Makeup application for teens is a bit tricky. Most teens want to experiment with makeup, but they shouldn't wind up looking too old. In no time at all, teens can learn how to apply makeup just like the pros, but they should stick with lighter colors and light applications. |
 | While makeup tips for teenagers vary slightly between the classroom and a prom venue, teens still don't need to go as heavy with their cosmetics as they might think. |
Elegant updos don't require a trip to the salon, but they do take research and know-how. By considering how the hairstyle will complement your dress and finding a style that suits your hair type, you can save yourself money and still feel like the belle of the ball. |
You don't have to spend a fortune on your hair and makeup for prom when you can easily do it yourself with a few simple suggestions. Prom is all about becoming a real-life princess for a night. So why not have the hair and makeup to match? |
