David's Bridal

How to Dress Down Your Prom Dress
by Cassandra Morris

You’re totally in love with your prom dress. The color is oh-so flattering, the skirt makes dancing ten times more fun and putting it on makes you feel like Taylor Swift every time she’s ever won an award. If only you could wear it every day… or at least more than once!

If you’ve got a slew of summer parties coming up or are planning a big night out in the city, you can totally wear your prom dress again. All you have to do is dress it down a bit!

Add a Jacket
Tossing a jacket over your dress can instantly turn your prom gown into a more casual number. Pair a cropped denim or mini zip jacket with a long dress, or match a cute long blazer with a shorter dress.

Switch Your Shoes
Kick off your sky-high prom stilettos and slip on a pair of flat fashion shoes instead. If your dress is long and flowy, go for a pair of open-toed sandals. If your hem is above the knee, a pair of wooden wedges or ballet flats will do. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, lace up a pair of combat-esque boots to go with your prom dress for a punk rock princess vibe.

It’s All About the Hair
Instead of spending hours on an intricate up ‘do accented with a crystal comb, wear your hair in a more casual style. Go for messy, beachy summer waves, a flirty loose ponytail or an imperfect side braid to turn your entire ensemble into one less formal.

Change Your Jewelry
Accessories can dictate just how formal your outfit is. Trade delicate, precious-gem necklaces and bracelets for larger costume jewelry like this David’s Bridal black flower necklace and watch how your dress is instantly more wearable for every day events.

Play With Your Hem
If you wore a fitted, floor-length gown to prom, consider taking it to the tailor and turning it into a high-low hem instead. Or, have your dress shortened so it’s above-the-knee. That way you still get to wear the sweet neckline and fun sequins on the bodice that made you fall in love your dress in the first place.

Complete Your Look with Last-Minute Prom Accessories
by Cassandra Morris

You’ve got the dress, the shoes and have scoured the internet looking for photos of the perfect prom hairstyles. Now you just need last-minute prom accessories to bring your whole look together—check these out!

If your toes are begging for some sparkle, pop on these adorable pearl and crystal shoe clips. It’s like getting a whole new pair of prom shoes for only $6! Best of all, you can use them over and over after prom.

Customize your dress by adding a crystal pin to your skirt like Michelle Williams did for the Oscars, or pin it on the strap of your one-shoulder gown. It will add instant glam to your dress!

Make your prom hairstyle totally unique by adding pearl and crystal hairpins. Use them to secure a side chignon, sweep a few tendrils off your face, or decorate your elaborately twisted up ‘do. There’s no reason your hair shouldn’t sparkle, too!

Your clutch should complement your outfit while holding all of your prom-night essentials: lip gloss, school ID, your cell and a few extra emergency dollars. This one comes in gold or silver, so it’s sure to match whichever color dress you choose.

Cassandra’s Trip to NYC!
by Cassandra Morris

Hey prom girls! I spent the weekend coast-hopping. I flew from Los Angeles to New York City and right back again. It was a total whirlwind!

Since it’s prom shopping season, I was invited to talk on ABC World News Now and Inside Edition about the latest dress trends, and (bonus!) got to spend some time in the NYC David’s Bridal store checking out their huge selection.

At ABC World News Now, I was talking with host Paula Faris about my favorite David’s Bridal prom dresses that look like they were ripped right from the red carpet. Using Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift and Mandy Moore as inspiration, I had three models show off an all-over sequin gown, a strapless red mermaid gown and a gorgeous, glittery ball gown.

It was my first time being a guest on ABC World News Now, and I wanted to stand out but still be a bit conservative. I chose a fuchsia dress with long sleeves and a full short skirt, and accessorized with a thick black belt and black wedges. What do you think of my look?

We finished taping just before midnight and I immediately hopped into a cab to go back to my hotel. I had to be hair and makeup ready at 8:15 a.m. to shoot a segment for Inside Edition. There was barely any time for beauty sleep… so I was running on pure adrenaline.

I also had the chance to appear on Inside Edition where I talked about the latest trends, prom dress codes that some schools have and how to tell if your dress makes the cut. I had two models show off some flattering yet appropriate prom dresses… and I wore an adorable little black dress from David’s Bridal!

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My interview was mostly a close-up shot, so I chose a one-shoulder dress with cute flowers on the strap that added extra detailing. I accessorized by stacking champagne and gold-colored bracelets on one wrist, and donned the same black wedges that I wore the night before.

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We wrapped about two hours of shooting, and I had to head straight back to the airport. Luckily I managed to sneak in two slices of New York pizza before I boarded the plane. Now I’m back in Los Angeles, and I can’t wait to do it all again!

Cassandra Reveals Her Final Three Prom Dress Picks from David’s Bridal
by Cassandra Morris

Hi prom girls! In my last post, I visited David’s Bridal with one goal in mind—to find the perfect prom dress! The options were endless, so I decided to try on as many different styles as I could, from prints to bright colors to cutouts. Then I found the two-in-one transformation dress.

I’d never worn this style before, but David’s Bridal had a gorgeous one in purple, black and sequined animal print that I couldn’t take my eyes off of. Totally wild! I’d definitely wear the full skirt for the first half of prom, and then whip it off once the dance floor ignites.

Then, I did a total 180 and tried on a vibrant red prom gown with side cutouts and beaded embellishments. At first I wasn’t sure if I could pull it off, but in the end, I think it looked pretty red hot.

After trying on so many different styles, I was ready for the ultimate switch: a floor-length white halter dress with an intricate rainbow of beads and a touch of watercolor print. The result? It was my favorite prom gown from the entire shopping trip. I couldn’t stop taking pictures in it!

Even if you have an idea of the kind of gown you want for prom, I encourage you to play dress up. Try on dress silhouettes you’ve never worn before and experiment with new colors. Have a friend or even the salesperson pick out a dress for you and try it on with an open mind. You’ll be surprised at what you discover!

Be sure to check out part one of my prom dress shopping trip to see all of the styles I tried on!

Cassandra’s Top Prom Dress Picks from David’s Bridal
by Cassandra Morris

One of the best parts of prom? Trying on all the prom dresses.

The other day I popped into David’s Bridal with a mission: try on a bunch of styles from their 2012 prom collection.

So many colors! So many silhouettes! There was an incredible range to choose from in my size, so I decided to switch it up and try on styles that I’ve never worn before.

I usually go for short prom dresses in dark colors, like this frilly style.

 
But, I spied a printed floor-length dress on the rack and decided to take the plunge. Surprise… I loved it! It totally spoke to the eclectic side of my personality, and would be perfect for a paradise-themed prom.

I’ve always loved unique prom dresses with a lot of sparkle, but usually shy away from super-bright colors. One of 2012’s hottest hues is sunset orange, so in the name of trends, I tried this dress on. I discovered that the shade actually goes really well with my brown hair! Another win.

 
David’s Bridal has traditional princess-like ball gowns for prom complete with sparkles and full tulle skirts. The moment I slipped into this pale pink gown, I felt oh-so elegant and ready for a special night.

What’s your favorite dress that I tried on? Tell me in the comments section below!

Check back on April 11 to see the rest of my picks including my favorite dress!

Prom Shoe Checklist
by Cassandra Morris

Any prom girl will tell you that shoes are the most important accessory. They can tie your whole look together, whether peeking out under a classic ball gown or paired with a high-low prom dress.

So, how do you choose the perfect prom shoes? It’s all about color, detail and heel height!

If glitter and sparkle are your bffs…
The best thing about these peep-toe sling backs are the rhinestones that shine the same hue as the shoe. They create a light-catching illusion that will make your shoes the envy of prom. Indigo purple is one of the hottest colors for prom 2012, but also check out these shoes in vibrant red and sultry silver.

If you love detail…
These gorgeous strappy sandals feature rhinestone clusters that will light up your feet as you break it down on the dance floor. Try them in black, gold and silver… perfect for matching nearly any dress.

If you’re craving some extra inches…
These five-inch pumps will have you seeing at whole new heights while adding shimmer to your ensemble. Best of all, they come in nude, silver and a striking multi-glitter hue.

If you want the heel but not the height…
Kitten heels are a savior for tall girls who don’t want to tower over their date and for the gal who isn’t into standing on her toes all night. These demure heels will only add two inches.

If you want a shoe you can wear again and again…
Metallics are hot for prom and for summer. The dramatically weaved straps on these silver prom shoes are certainly reminiscent of Selena Gomez, and can be worn at birthday parties and celebrations through the end of summer.

Remember: blisters can be worse than a pimple on prom night, so don’t forget to break in your heels before prom. Wear them out for a night or around the house as soon as you get home from school for a few hours. Your toes will thank you later!

Tips on Finding Your Show-Stopping Formal Style
by Cassandra Morris

Formal wear is decidedly different from street clothes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate your signature everyday style into a show-stopping look for prom.

First, look through your closet and classify your style. Are you about classic lines or do you love anything trendy? Do you like bold colors or neutrals? Are you a rocker chick or a proud prep? Once you narrow your style down, shopping will be a cinch.

David’s Bridal has prom styles for every type of gal. Check out my favorites, then pick your own and save them in “My Favorite Styles” on the David’s Bridal website!

If you’re preppy:

This mauve organza dress works for girls who feel just as comfy at the country club as they do at school. The color is demure and feminine while the center brooch is simple and dainty. Plus, it’s strapless… which means it’s perfect for showing off a string of pearls.

If you’re a rocker scene chick:

This dress is perfect for girls who spend their weekends rockin’ out to their favorite bands. The black sequins will shimmer under the dance floor lights while the hot pink sash says that you’re not afraid to stand apart. The best part of this dress? The short pick-up hem!

If you’re artsy:

This strapless frock is for the girl that can mix and match prints and hues in a way that no one else can. The ruching and high-low hem combine to make this dress truly dimensional, while the colors remind me of a watercolor palette.

If you’re sporty:

One-shoulder dresses are perfect for gals with toned arms and shoulders from hours spent on the field. This short charmeuse frock features beaded cut-out details on the waist and shoulders, a flattering ruched waistline, and a slimming skirt without a pouf in sight.

If you’re a classic romantic:

This princess ball gown combines a classic sweetheart neckline and a breathtaking floor-length skirt with the hottest detail of this season: beading!

If you’re bold:

You dress to turn heads and like all eyes on you, so spring for a vibrant gown with wild prints that shows just a little bit of skin and bask in the attention. This bright gown features a front slit, an x-back and a beautifully beaded waist.