It is that time of year when dresses go flying off racks, heels are purchased, and hair spray is sold out. The countdown to prom has begun. For most young ladies, prom is a huge milestone which has created a high sense of anticipation for them since a young age. The excitement for prom has been internally fueled because of rom coms and chick flicks. Many movies like 10 Things I Hate About You, High School Musical 3, and To All The Boys: Always and Forever, have created an expectation of the memorable night that only occurs a few times in a woman’s life. Besides the wedding dress, graduation dress, and quinceanera, prom is a cornerstone of the female high school experience.
In “10 Things I Hate About You” directed by Gil Junger, prom is portrayed as a social event that combines drama and fashion. One of the differences between the main character, Kat and her younger sister Bianca, is their fashion sense for prom. Kat prefers to wear an elegant simple purple dress, however, Bianca wore a pink two piece with a flowy skirt.
There is no right or wrong style dress on the night of prom. All different color palates, patterns, and dress types can be found on the dance floor. Sydney Stewart (11) highlights how the unique diversity of prom fashion is what sets the event apart and showcases different styles.
“Prom dresses are so unique because prom itself is such a unique experience. Prom is a meaningful event where many people can express themselves through the dress they wear. High schoolers have different opinions on the colors and style of dress they find interesting. So a wide variety of dresses can appear at prom,” Stewart said.
The three part series “High School Musical” also developed the excitement for prom to many young girls throughout their childhood. Disney Channel Original Movies released “High School Musical 3” in 2006. Throughout the course of the movie, a musical theater class stages a performance of the prom experience, including the night and the long process of getting all dressed up.
The process of getting dressed and ready for the special night can be different for everyone. The contrast orders of operations; hair, makeup, dress or dress, hair, makeup? Many ways to operate and get all organized for prom. Rachel Shope (12) has a specific way of getting ready and fancied up.
“The only right way is outfit, makeup, hair, and accessories. [High School Musical 3] makes everything feel magical and like a musical. It makes everything extra special,” Shope said.
In “To All The Boys: Always and Forever” produced by ACE Entertainment, it portrayed prom as a bittersweet high school event that correlates to characters’ romance and uncertainty about their future. Prom is for upperclassmen students and, for seniors particularly, prom is one of the last events before graduation and the great separation.
For most seniors, prom is fun because of the dancing and flashing lights, while for others, prom is more intimate and special because of high school romance. Unfortunately, prom may also be one of the last high school memories with a significant other. For Kadence Karr (12) senior prom is bittersweet because of the last moments attending the same school with her partner.
“As fun as it [prom] is, and as excited as I am, I can’t help but dread prom because I know it won’t ever be this way again. I am so sad to leave it all behind, but I am excited for the experience,” Karr said.
Rom coms and chick flicks have shaped a girl’s daily life especially during the magical season of prom. If it’s the excitement of finding the perfect dress, joy of getting all fancy, or dancing in romance, there is always a classic film that transforms a girl’s prom dream into reality.
