Vintage Style

For a prom look that’s all your own, be inspired by fashion days gone by! Picking an older look means you can find some great thrift store bargains, and show off your creativity instead of simply going off-the-rack. Plus, you can be sure that nobody else will show up wearing the same thing.

20s Flapper

The glamorous flapper girls of the 1920s caused a scandal with their bare ankles and cropped hair. Their look was all about dropped waists, beading, and low-heeled pumps – perfect for dancing the night away! Pick up a dress with fringing or beads, and then accessorize with strings of fake pearls and a feather boa. You could even craft your own headpiece with a band of fabric, rhinestones and feathers.

Film Noir

The femme fatales of the silver screen always made an entrance – but not with flashy, embellished outfits. Their outfits were based around long, simple lines, which makes the perfect for a modern spin. A long, simple gown in a block color like black, white, or purple can get taken to the next level with dramatic 40s makeup and hair-styling. Follow tutorials on youTube to get the right look, with matte skin, lashings of mascara, and red lipstick. Hair set in a wave completes the look – all you need is someone to smoulder at!

Le Smoking

Designed by Yves St. Laurant in the 1960s, the slim-line women’s tuxedo outfit made waves – and is perfect for switching things up at prom if you don’t want to do the traditional formal gown. Use a local tailor to get the blazer jacket fitting just right, and keep accessories simple: a dramatic brooch, brightly-colored cummerband, or some glitzy rings will make you look like a star. Try gelling your hair back into a super-slick style, or contrast the severe outfit with a tousled, wavy hair-style.

50s Sweetheart

The 1950s silhouette was demure fitted bodices and swirling skirts – the perfect prom look for girls who don’t want anything too low-cut or clingy. Most thrift or vintage stores will carry 50s-style sundresses, so just glam them up with jewellery and a clutch, or go all-out with a gown in bold metallic tones. Clip-on chunky earrings, charm bracelets, and heeled pumps complete the look.

80s

The 80s were a crazy time for fashion: think ripped fishnets, shoulder pads, neon, netting, and a ton of taffeta! This one definitely isn’t for the wall-flower, but if you want to make an impact, go wild. A strapless, tight dress, plus leggings or tights, a bomber jacket, fingerless gloves and plastic beads make a great combination. Hair is big and back-combed (try not to choke on all that hairspray), and make-up is bright, bright, bright: blue eyeshadow, neon coral lips.