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Prom Inspiration from The Red Carpet

by Megan Murray

The Oscars are Hollywood’s biggest night, but they are also the unofficial start of prom season! The red carpet was one of the most fashionable on record and provided lots of inspiration for great prom looks.

Here are some of the hottest formal wear trends from the Academy Awards:

Metallics – Lupita Nyong’o, Gal Gadot, and Jennifer Lawrence took a cue from their superhero alter ego’s and donned dazzling metallic gowns.  Gadot was a wonder in gunmetal, while Lupita and Jennifer were marvels in gold.  This look is easily duplicated, but keep your lines sleek and your accessories minimal. Metallic colored gowns are a lot of looks.  Simplicity is key to looking your best.

White – Danae Gurira and Margot Robie stunned with white column dresses.  While undeniably chic and on trend, white is a tricky look to pull off for a formal.  Too much embellishment can send you into bridal territory, so keep the dress simple and let your hair and makeup do the talking. White also lends itself to bold accessories, so go all out with your jewelry!

Brights – Nicole Kidman and Viola Davis were standouts in their bold and bright colored gowns.  Hues like electric blue, hot pink, and canary yellow were hot this year and are destined to be prom gown favorites. Don’t be afraid to stop traffic because formal is a time for you to stand out.  Just make sure your dress is a color that flatters your skin tone.

Romantic – Salma Hayek and Emily Blount brought some Jane Austen to the evening in their pastel, ruffled, feminine looks. These looks are perfect for prom, but make sure they don’t overwhelm you. One romantic detail is more flattering than trying to wear the entire trend at once. Thing can go “ late 70’s prom” rather quickly. Keep it soft, beautiful, and modern.

Zendaya – Did you see that dress? It was chocolate brown, off the shoulder, and retro while still being modern. Zendaya’s dress is its own trend.  While fashion can be fun, look for styles that suit your personality, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Even Emma Stone opted for a beautiful menswear set that looked just as right on the red carpet as any ball gown.


So, have you picked out your formal gown yet? What about your hair and nails? Stop by an Empire Beauty School today and let them treat you to some services to get you ready for your big night.


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