April 5, 2011 > Prom Night 2011 Prom Night 2011 Every spring season, high school juniors and seniors eagerly look forward to a major transition in their lives. Seniors reflect on past school days and what lies ahead- college, full-time careers, etc. while juniors anticipate the fun and excitement of advancement to their final year at high school. One of the rites of passage is the "Prom," shortened from the word promenade. Traditions vary throughout the country (and world), but the sentiment is pretty much the same, juvenile students are becoming adults and "coming out" as a different and more responsible segment of society. This gathering is, for many, their first traditional formal event. Attention to invitations, attendance, attire and protocol can be stressful for this rite of passage but is also the basis for lasting lifetime memories. Proms or "promenades" are the result of over a century of formal parties and debutante balls designed to display the social skills of young adults. The formal dinner/dance was an exercise in discipline, fashion and deportment for young men and women, often of college age. Formality and the accompanying high price tag of attendance at high school proms was not always as prevalent as it is today. Although boys wore coats and ties and girls their best gowns, many "proms" took place in high school gymnasiums with crepe paper streamers and amateur bands or recorded music. Over time, these affairs have evolved to become expensive and ultra-fashionable events held in exclusive venues, attended by students in tuxedos and designer gowns. Stretch limousines, lavish, haute cuisine meals have also become part of the prom scene. Some continue celebrating after the prom at all-night parties. Prom fashions 2011 By Alissa Gwynn and Aishwarya Thakur Photos courtesy of fashion.about.com, glamour.com, lorabridalshop.com, etsy.com Prom season has arrived! With limousine rentals, hair and makeup appointments, and beautiful venues, prom is easily the most anticipated event of a student's years in high school. Are you ready to make your night magical? Read on for fashion tips and different celebrity-inspired "looks" that will help you look and feel your best on prom night. Elegant/ Classical Beauty/ Updos If you have always dreamed of being a princess and idolized Disney beauties, then an elegant and glamorous dress is what you are looking for. An a-line dress has a very classic design and can be carried off by nearly all body shapes. A sweetheart neckline adds beauty and uniqueness to the dress. Or, if you're looking to party in glamour, then a dress in a metallic color is the way to go. Look for a waist that is accentuated just under the bust for a more flattering figure. Another option is to take a chance with a ruffled mermaid skirt. The skirt is not only fun, but in the right colors, it will add sophistication to your outfit. Also "in" this season are dresses with a shorter skirt in the front and a longer skirt cascading down the back. These dresses have the perfect balance of ease as well as elegance and will be a definite eye-catcher amidst all the cocktail or ball gowns. Choosing a hairstyle to match your dress will accentuate the beauty of your dress; updos will make you feel more put together as well as stylish. Braids and twists have been the talk of the town this season, and there's no reason not to apply this to prom hairstyles. A loose chignon with wispy strands framing the face gives a relaxed look, but a headband adds extra embellishment. Fun/Daring For those of you with a streak of "diva" inside, a flirty and bold dress is the way to go. Think big: bright colors, pretty prints, and dramatic makeup will make you stand out in the crowd. Just be sure not to overdo it, lest you wind up standing out in a not-so-good way. Stick to one eye-popping element whether it is your dress, lipstick, or jewelry. Some girls like prom because it allows them to dress up and be someone else for the night. Don't be afraid to play up the "costume" aspect of it all! Transform into an old Hollywood movie star for the night with red lipstick and waves. Or wear a fun hairpiece (usually made of feathers, netting, or beads) that matches your dress. Wear something you wouldn't normally wear; after all, this is prom night! For Guys A tux is a must for guys with beautiful girls hanging off their arms. The most important part of the tux is probably the vest. The girl-unless she's forcing you to match your outfit with hers-will feel very special if you volunteer to match your vest and tie with hers. However, if her dress is a bright pink color, and you don't wish to be sporting that look, then match your outfit with something that complements that color, such as a champagne, black, or silver color. Area high school proms are set for this month and next; a list of prom events is shown below: Fremont American High School Senior ball Saturday, June 4 7 p.m. to midnight Bently Reserve, Fremont Irvington High School Junior Prom Saturday, April 16 8 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. Chabot Space and Science Center, Oakland Hills Senior Ball Saturday, May 14 8 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. Regency Center, San Francisco Kennedy High School Junior Prom/Senior Ball Saturday, May 14 7 p.m. to midnight Palm Event Center, Pleasanton Mission San Jose High School Junior Prom Saturday, April 9, 7 p.m. to midnight Palm Event Center, Pleasanton Senior Ball Saturday, May 28 7 p.m. to midnight Academy of Science, San Francisco Washington High School Junior Prom Saturday, April 2 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Palm Event Center, Pleasanton Senior Ball Saturday, May 21 7:30 p.m. to midnight Academy of Science Golden Gate Park Newark Newark Memorial High School Junior Prom/Senior Ball Saturday, June 4, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. San Francisco Galleria, San Francisco Milpitas Milpitas High School Junior Prom Friday, April 22 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Senior Ball Saturday, May 15 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Treasure Island, San Francisco Hayward Hayward High School Prom Saturday, May 21 7 p.m. to midnight Hotel Nikko, San Francisco Moreau Junior Prom Friday, April 15 6:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. Corinthians Event Center, San Jose Senior Ball Friday, May 13 8 p.m. - midnight Galleria, San Francisco Union City Conley Caraballo High School Junior Prom Saturday, April 30 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Pavilion, Logan High Senior Ball Saturday, June 4 8 p.m. - midnight Former Gift Center, San Francisco James Logan High School Junior Prom Saturday, April 30 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Pavilion, Logan High Senior Prom Saturday, June 4 8 p.m. - midnight Former Gift Center, San Francisco