There are certain events in life that act as automatic time machines. Like graduation, or the prom. When my sister’s oldest daughter graduated from high school, it was like I was reliving my own graduation all over again. I remembered what it felt like to be bursting with promise and possibilities.
With sister’s younger daughter filled with excitement over her upcoming prom this year, I am once again whisked back to my youth where I spent many giggly Saturday afternoons with my girlfriends envisioning the perfect prom dresses. We would wear to sway away the hours in the arms of our dates.
My, how things have changed. When looking at prom dresses with my niece, I was almost shocked by the styles that are acceptable. I can’t even imagine what Principal H would have done to us if we had shown up on the prom night dressed like Hollywood starlets.
Back in the early 80s, prom dresses were about as horrifying as bridesmaid dresses. They were in loud colors with puffy sleeves. They certainly weren’t form fitting and revealing. My dress was made from pink velvet and crochet. I looked like I was wearing a tablecloth! I paid good money for that dress too and since it wasn’t suitable to wear anywhere else, I used it as a night gown for several years after the prom.
At least prom dresses today are more affordable. And being fashionable, they can be worn to other events. It isn’t like they are a one time purchase. While styles of prom dresses have certainly changed, some things are still the same. My niece is every bit as giddy at the prospect of her first prom as I was, and I am sure the prom will provide her with memories that will last a lifetime.
Image: PinkStock
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