Formal... I don't want to see a NAY

Being that I am in fact a college student, and yes, I am in a sorority (because you were all wondering), I figured I would help steer all of you formal-goers in the right direction this season. Shout out to all my high school homies... these guidelines apply to you as well.

First and foremost, American Apparel dresses...NAY.  I don't care how hawt you and your friends think you look, don't do it.  They are not dressy enough (cotton and jersey...nay), not special enough (everyone has them), and not nearly long enough (only your date wants to see your undies).

For winter formals, try long sleeves.  Since your arms are covered, it's cool if your hem line is a lil shorter.   A dress with cool cut outs (cough cough) will also help to "sex up" your look, if you will.  Try playing around with different textured tights! If you wear black tights though, stay away from nude shoes. Also look for dresses in jewel tones... omgz so perfect for winter.

I understand that many of you on college budgets aren't looking to spend a ton of bill$ on a dress you're probably going to wear once, spill on, and is most likely not going to be remembered.  BUT that doesn't mean you need to look cheap.  If you're hitting up a lower end retailer for your dress, stay AWAY from that extremely flammable faux chiffon, lame, or that weird metallic fabric (these are not cool for any formal occasion).  It's worth it to buy something more plain, and dress it up with a statement necklace or awesome shoes.  If you're into something beaded or sequined, make sure the design follows on to the back of the dress. (I could never figure out why a dress would be covered in sequins ONLY on the front, but it happens.  Don't do it.) Also, beads, sequins, and feathers are really "in" right now.  OR try out Rent the Runway... They have TONS of designer dresses for not that much dough... Like borrowing from your best friend but better (sorry bff).  At the end of the weekend, you just send it back in the envelope they give you and you don't even have to worry about dry cleaning!

Have fun.  Be safe.  Look great!

red dress: velvet via shopbop, necklace: topshop, black dress: versace X h&m
ring: dara ettinger via shopbop, blue dress: nanette lepore via renttherunway, wedge: boutique 9 via bloomies