How to Dress for a High School Dance

There is nothing more fun, but potentially more stressful, than a high school dance. One way to make sure you have a great time is to look and feel your best. When dressing for a high school dance, you want to stand out yet still fit in. Finding the right balance is not as hard as you think, if you follow a few simple fashion basics.

Instructions

1. Decide what type of clothing is appropriate. You'll need dressier clothing for homecoming or holiday dances. Theme dances will require a special outfit. Most dances are casual, which means you just have to spiff up your everyday school outfits to create the right dance look.

2. Choose something comfortable to wear. Remember, it will probably be hot in the gym, so sleeveless or short sleeves are better than long sleeves. Make sure your jeans and pants are stylish but not too tight for dancing. Wear shoes that won't hurt your feet if you dance in them. However, if you decide to wear fashionable yet uncomfortable shoes, dance in them for awhile but then consider kicking them off before they begin causing foot or toe pain.

3. Wear something new. If you can't afford an entirely new outfit, find a new top to dress up old school jeans. You can mix and match your old pieces to create a whole new dance look with jeans or dark skirts.

4. Select accessories that are bold and funky. Anything that adds color and pizazz is just right. Big earrings, sparkly necklaces, an over-the-top hair clip, and a few extra bangles add a fun touch to even the most basic outfit.

5. Keep your hairstyle simple. You don't want to spend the night worrying about how your hair looks. A pony tail or some clips will hold the hair off of your face so your dance partner can see right into your eyes!

6. Use a little more make-up than usual, but don't over-do it. A bit of glitter on the eyelids and cheeks plus some mascara will go a long way towards spicing up your everyday look, yet still keep you looking like yourself.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan to get ready for the dance with a few of your friends. Not only will you have fun getting together, but you'll also benefit from giving each other a style check to ensure your look is fabulous and not too far "out there."

• You'll want to look special, not sleazy. Remember, you'll be seeing the same people again in Monday morning's math class, so keep your reputation intact.

• Your high school will likely enforce its basic school day dress code at the dance. You may be able to get away with a little extra, but be careful. There is nothing more embarrassing than being asked to leave a dance for sharing a little too much of yourself with the crowd. Modesty in dress is a good thing.