If ever there was a time when a girl wants to look her ab fab best, it's high school formal night. So start planning a.s.a.p. The earlier you start thinking about the look you want - the dress, the shoes, the hair - the easier it will be to achieve, without undue stress or excessive cost. To help you get ready for the night of your life, we've put together a time line highlighting all the important stuff. Let the countdown begin!
Six to 12 months before formal
Make a list of everything you might need for the big night and estimate the cost of each item/service. For example:
- dress
- shoes
- jewellery and accessories
- make-up
- hair styling
- beauty treatments (spray tan, facials, waxing, etc)
(If you haven't got a clue about the cost of any particular item or service, take a look around the shops and/or ring a few suppliers to get a ball-park figure.) Start saving now. If you're lucky enough to have folks who are happy to foot the bill, well and good. If not, you may need to get a part-time job to save the necessary funds.
Once your budget is sorted, start researching your look. Scan the fashion magazines for killer styles, gorgeous gowns and great hair. But remember: looking good isn't all about the dress/shoes/hair. The key to true beauty is good health. So be sure to eat the right foods and get regular, moderate exercise.
Three months before formal
Who will be your date on the big night? If you haven't asked a guy to the formal, get onto it! Last minute dates are rarely the answer to your Cinderellesque dreams. (If you get really desperate, vet your supply of cousins of a suitable age.)
Arrive in style - book the limo now. Why not get together with a bunch of your friends and hire a limo so you can share the costs. Other entrance-making options include party buses, horse-drawn carriage, and vintage or specialty cars. Check our directory for chauffeur driven car hire options.
The dress. It's time to decide on your outfit. If you're going the custom-made route, now is the time to start the process. Some outlets, such as Selective Fine Fabrics (Underwood) and Rare Dare (city), are a one-stop shop for all formal dress needs, supplying not only the fabrics and decorative trimmings, but an in-house design and dress-making service. Check our directory for more fabric and design shops.
Six weeks before formal
You've got the dress organised, now you need to turn your attention to the shoes, accessories and jewellery. Get this organised early so you don't stress at the last minute about finding the perfect match.
It's also time to let your date know the colour of your dress so he can coordinate his tux or suit with your outfit - and order you a corsage in a complementary colour. (Likewise, you'll need to order his boutonnière.)
Girls, pick up your hair curling/straightening wands. If you know how to wield a G4 with confidence, then start practising hair styles at home till you perfect your look. Likewise, dig into your stash of make-up and try out some different looks. If you're not confident with self-styling, you might want to get a professional make-up artist and hairstylist to work their magic. If so, book your appointments now. (If you're trying a particular make-up artist or hair stylist for the first time, it's a good idea to book a trial session first. That way, if you don't like the result, you've got time to find another stylist.)
Two weeks before formal
Have a dress rehearsal. Put on all your finery and check that everything fits, coordinates and makes you feel fabulous. If anything is missing or not quite right, you've still got time to fix the problem.
Have your hair cut and, if necessary, coloured.
Two or three days before formal
Head to your favourite beauty salon for your final beauty treatments, such as eye-brow and leg waxing, spray tans and manicures/pedicures.
The big day!
Stay cool, calm and collected. (That said, if you feel an overwhelming compulsion to shriek with girlish excitement, go right ahead.) Now, let's get down to the practicalities.
Pick up your date's boutonnière from the florist. Make sure your mobile phone and camera are fully charged.
Get all gussied up - hair, make-up, gorgeous dress, divine shoes and accessories.
Bask in your family's admiration. When your limo/carriage/Ferrari/vintage car arrives, step out with confidence.
But most of all, have a ball.
More great tips
Finding the perfect dress
Getting the Red Carpet look means knowing what really suits you, then wearing it confidence. Here are some tips to help you choose the dress of your dreams.
- What colours work best on you? Experiment and see which colours best complement your skin and hair. You may find a sensational dress in fire-engine red, but if your colours are pale blue and green, it may not do you justice. Ditto styles. Try on a range of different styles to see which best complements your figure. Whether you're tall, short, curvy or slender, there will be a dress design that's perfect for you. If you're not sure what suits you best, get the advice of a trusted friend (or your mum).
- Set yourself a realistic budget - and stick to it. Yes, it's going to be a night to remember, but it's not worth getting into debt or spending all your savings on a dress that you might not wear again.
- Don't go shopping for your formal dress with an entourage of girlfriends. Buying the perfect dress can get stressful and if it becomes a group activity, it can also get competitive. Instead, just go with one trusted friend (or your mum).
- Think twice before going for the dress that screams "look at me". Formal dresses in all their glorious concoctions can be real show stoppers, but sometimes simplicity is best. A simple or classic dress worn with the right accessories can have more impact than one that is intentionally showy. And you'll probably get more wear out of it than a one-hit wonder.
- If you find a dress that you love, buy it. Until then, keep up the search for a dress that makes you feel fabulous. Don't settle for so-so.
Finding the perfect shoes
The dress is an absolute stunner. Now what shoes are going to best set it off? Here are some guidelines for choosing the perfect shoe:
- If your dress features lots of bling (diamantes or other sparkles), stick to a plainer shoe. Conversely, if your dress is of classic or simple design, you can ramp up the glam factor with a pair of fancy shoes or bling in the form of accessories or jewellery.
- Stiletto heels add height and make legs look longer. But tottering is not an elegant way to get about. Give yourself time to practise the high-heeled glide - then step out in style.
- If you simply cannot master stilettos, then try wedges. That way you can still get the height you crave while retaining the ability to walk.
- Whatever shoes you decide to buy, try them out in the store first. Walk around for at least 10 minutes to get a feel for how comfortable they are.
Tell us your best big night out tip. Add your comments below.
