Weeks of planning help create perfect prom look

• Kalani senior has the details all worked out

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Fashion Writer

Kalani High School senior Cymri Chang will attend two proms in April. She has her eye on a Betsey Johnson dress that she would wear to both events. Photos by Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

Shoes: Give yourself at least a week to break in new shoes; try dancing and walking in them.

Accessories: Don't go overboard. Narrow it down to a single eye-catching piece.

Makeup: Do a trial run of your "bit of glamour" look a month before prom night.

Lingerie: Check out all the angles to ensure a smooth look.

'Real Teen' Prom Model Search Macy's is looking for girls and guys ages 14 to 18 to audition for a chance to model in a Prom Fashion Show hosted by Seventeen magazine. Must be available for fitting (date to be determined) and the fashion show, scheduled for March 8. Audition 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Macy's Ala Moana, THISIT department Free 945-5894

It takes planning, because with preparation comes the self-confidence that is the best prom accessory of all.

Now's the time to map out how you'll look, from head to toe, on that special night.

The dress

If you're planning to have a seamstress custom-make your dream dress, it's important to allow at least six weeks from the time you select a pattern and fabric — more if you want to have a custom design. (Patterns take a great deal of time to create.) Also, custom gowns can require three or four fittings, with a week or so between each.

If your budget doesn't allow for a custom gown, start combing the department stores, Waikele Factory Outlets, Ross' and your favorite boutiques as soon as possible.

To ensure no one else turns up in the same gown, try shopping at consignment stores, where well-to-do women often take their gorgeous gowns after a single wearing.

Vintage and thrift stores are also great places to find unusual prom gowns. However it's best to allow several weeks, and at least $40, for alterations, if the fit isn't perfect.

The shoes

Even your sister's hand-me-down prom gown can look fabulous with a pair of strappy black or metallic sandals. Be sure to buy them at least a week in advance so you can do several comfort checks. Practice wearing them while walking, dancing and going up and down stairs. Few things are more embarrassing than taking a tumble off teetering heels on prom night.

Try your shoes with and without pantyhose to see which feels and looks better. (There are some sandals that simply don't mix with pantyhose.)

A fashion note: metallic and pastel shoes are "in" this spring.

The accessories

The rule here is: Don't overdo. One show-stopping accessory is all you need: A pair of down-to-there chandelier earrings OR a statement-making choker OR a chunky rhinestone bracelet will set off a simple gown. More may look too-too.

It's easy to forget about your evening bag, but don't leave it to the last minute and don't, under any circumstances, carry your day bag to prom.

Since one size really does fit all when it comes to bags, scout mom's closet or ask auntie or big sister to lend you one. If that doesn't work, consignment and thrift stores are ideal places to find fabulous faux accessories and bags.

Give your evening bag a test run to make sure everything you'll need throughout your prom evening fits in it: keys, money, credit card, cell phone, lipstick, compact.

It's also a good idea to pack your evening bag the night before prom, when you aren't as crazed.

Under it all

Depending on the gown you choose, your whole look can be spoiled with the wrong lingerie. Even the skinniest size 2 can create a bulge with a bra or panty line.

Take your dress with you when shopping for your strapless (or halter or whatever) bra, panties or slip. Also, take a trusted friend if you can. Ask her to look at you from all angles.

Try sitting, dancing and walking to make sure straps don't slip or panties shift. If you can't have a friend with you, look from all angles in a three-way mirror.

The makeup

In the chapter "Prom Beauty" in her book "Teenage Beauty," makeup maven Bobbi Brown said about dressing for special evenings out: "Overdoing it is the worst. Look like yourself ... just add one bit of glamour."

Brown recommends doing a trial run with your makeup one month before prom. If you're going to a professional makeup artist, take your dress with you for a color check. It's not a good idea to go to a makeup artist for the first time on prom day. Her idea of appropriate prom makeup may not be the same as yours.

Don't forget nail polish. Do avoid anything new and tricky, such as wearing false eyelashes for the first time.

Brown suggests doing a complete trial run one week prior to prom, trying on clothes, lingerie, accessories and makeup. If possible, take a picture of yourself to make sure everything is working.

The hair

Now is not the time for radical changes such as a new color or style. If you plan to do your own hair, practice styling it at least a week in advance.

If you are going to a salon, be sure to make your appointment as far as possible in advance. On prom day, be on time for your appointment. Prom season is always busy for salons and they try to stay on a strict schedule.

Don't make your appointment any later than 3 p.m., so you'll have plenty of time to go home and get dressed.

Brown also recommends eating a protein and carb snack just before getting dressed for prom. It will help calm your nerves, give you energy and help you avoid pigging out later.

With all this careful thought and planning, there's only one thing left to do: Have a great time.

Kalani senior has the details all worked out

Kalani High School senior Cymri Chang will attend two proms in April. With characteristic preparedness, she has planned ahead.

"I'm not big on dresses you can wear only once, so the dress I buy has to go to both proms. It can't be memorable or flashy," she explained.

Chang will pay for 75 percent of all prom expenses, with her parents picking up the other 25 percent. Her two jobs at GapKids and the Body Shop, enable her to set her prom budget at $150 (that's for everything, from hair to dress to shoes).

Her favorite dress is a Betsey Johnson from Ohelo Road in the Kahala Mall. It's on sale, which puts it within her budget.

She plans to accessorize her dress with a vintage burgundy shawl, borrowed shoes and bag. Her splurge: a rhinestone butterfly barrette from Riches Kahala.

She took the time to find the perfect bra — one that's comfortable and won't show anywhere — at Morgan Beret in Kahala Mall.

With advance planning, girls and guys can take the stress out of preparing for prom.