CatlinSpeak

With Winter Formal quickly approaching, here are some tips for dressing dapper and catching the eye of that special someone. At first, searching for a dress can be daunting, but these three guidelines should help you narrow down your selections.

1. Fit and Comfort are Key

Emmarose John ’14 requires any dress she wears to be “danceable,” and Gabby Bishop ’14 keeps “cute and comfort” in mind. As senior Tyler Quatraro states, “if you are uncomfortable, most likely your date is uncomfortable.”

Bodycon dresses, which are short and very fitted, are often a popular choice at Winter Formal, but beware: these tight garments may look nice, but can prove to be challenging and uncomfortable to wear if the fit is not correct.

Similarly, strapless dresses are always elegant, but make sure you feel confident about yours or you may spend more time worrying than dancing.

Keep style in mind, but choose a dress that works for you. (Photo: Mark Lee)

2. Stand Out

In my opinion the best Winter Formal dresses are the ones that are remembered. Going for a unique or bold look may be unnerving, but it often pays off. However, keep it tasteful and ensure that it represents you.

Vintage shopping can be an excellent way to find that one-of-a-kind piece. If you’re looking for solid vintage shops, try House of Vintage, Red Light, Ray’s Ragtime, and Magpie.

Detailing on the back or bold patterns can often add drama while still not being too flamboyant of a commitment.

For the gentlemen, going for a lighter suit color, suspenders, or a snazzy pair of Oxfords can all help you turn heads, as long as it doesn’t get too goofy. Otherwise, classic suits in navy, dark gray, or black are all nice. But heads up, this doesn’t have to be a black tie event.

Sticking to a dark suit color is a safe bet for the boys. (Photo: Glenn Boyd)

3. Consider Current Trends

Although the spreads in magazines may seem fanciful and impossible to translate into your dress, they can be an excellent source for inspiration. More and more stores have been paying attention to these high fashion trends and making them available to public.

Often popular at Winter Formal are lace, sequins, velvet, and other interesting textures. Incorporating trends through fabric can be a good way to try something new while still sticking to a style you know works for your body.

A couple of stores that often pay attention to such trends without breaking the bank are Sloan, Galore, Urban Outfitters, and Free people and Anthropologie if you’re willing to spend a little more. As for online shopping Nasty Girl, Zara, and Top Shop has a lot of options but ensure you have time to return them if they don’t fit.

As for the shoes, Nordstrom, Imelda’s, and even online sources like Zappo can be sources for stylish heels and dress shoes. Although girls usually wear heels they take them off when they dance. So if you’re worrying about being uncomfortable in them, don’t worry. If you are looking for leg lengthening height a platform is the easiest and most comfortable way to gain inches. However if you wish to define your leg for an elegant look a delicate stiletto is the best way to achieve this.