It’s prom season and teens have really taken their fashion game to another level. From the high-low hemlines (a dress that is shorter in the front and longer in the back) and illusion hemlines (tulle attached to the hem) with a long train, to the figure hugging gowns, girls are looking sexier than many adult celebs on the red carpet.
This writer has seen her share of prom Instagram selfies and Facebook posts to know that parents are overspending, and worse, the clothing is age-inappropriate. I purchased special occasion dresses regularly and am fully aware of how deep you have to dig into your pockets and mug the piggy bank to pay for these expensive gowns bearing sequins, tulle, beading and lace. It’s expensive!
According to a Visa survey, teens (and their families) plan to spend an average of $978 on the event this year. It also reports parents under the age of 40 plan to spend $1074, almost 30% more than parents over 40.
This behavior begs the question, what is the meaning of prom?
When I was in high school, it was a time to wear your Sunday best, OK, your after-five best, party with your classmates and show off your boyfriend hailing from a school out of the district. It wasn’t a time to show off your assets in a dress that you’re only going to wear once because you posted it on social media and everyone has already seen it. Kids, you’re not Beyoncé, Rihanna or Kim K. Your parents’ bank accounts don’t bear as many zeroes. Enjoy prom by being authentic, living in your truth and not bearing so much flesh.
The lecture is over. Now go party with your boo until the last slow dance in that borrowed flowing gown with the high neckline or the one you copped at the consignment shop.
