THE glamorous event that follows graduation is here again and many are excited about their upcoming high school balls.

TEENage wishes you all infinite happiness. But we caution you. Your ball experience can be one you’d want to erase from your memory if you do not take the necessary steps to prevent a disastrous night. Therefore ladies, here are some tips on what not to wear to your graduation ball and how to get that gorgeous look.

The right choice

In most cases the dress is the centrepiece of the female’s ensemble which means everything about it has to be right. It has to be a good fit for your body type and it has to be the right colour.

• Ensure that you choose a colour that complements your complexion. Do not just choose a dress because it is in your favourite colour. You do not want all eyes on you for the wrong reasons.

• A club dress is specifically for clubs so, although short ball dresses are in season, do not wear a dress that is way too short and way too tight for the occasion.

• If you must show skin show it in the right places. Very deep back and cleavage cuts and other unnecessary cuts all over the dress do not always make you look sexier. It is better to leave some to the imagination. You can still look elegant without extraordinary cuts in the fabric.

Don’t do too much

Jewellery is meant to accessorise not to execute a hostile takeover. It is a mistake that too many females make; they go for over the top jewellery that kills the style of their dresses.

• Sleeveless and strapless garments look great with a short necklace around the neck. Neither an elaborate design nor a long chain is needed. On the other hand, dresses with a high neckline are better complemented by a long chain with a cute pendant.

• For ball, the aim is to get a classy look and not a flashy one. Big earrings, anklets, rings, long chains and bracelets and a shimmering dress are just too much at once, you are not a walking jewellery store. Decide which piece of jewellery you want to be the highlight of your outfit; whether it is eye-catching but moderate earrings, a shimmering bracelet o r a stunning necklace.

• Certain jewellery match certain types of hair styles, this is a must know for ball attire. When wearing the hair up, stud earrings with a bold necklace or simple necklaces with tunning drop earrings are the better choices. Hair worn down will also need a dazzling set of earrings but be careful of the choice of necklace; you do not want any clashing of jewellery.

• Pearls are simple yet elegant. It can be worn with almost all type s of dresses. So if you are unsure ab out other decorative ornaments go for pearls.

Made up right

Watch your colour pallet. Ball night is out-of-the ordinary, it is time to dress up but it is important that make up is not over done.

• Ensure that your foundation matches your skin tone and gives youth at smooth natural look. Even if t he ball room will have dimmed lights pictures will show up what you thought could not be seen.

• The colour of your dress determines the colour eye shadow chosen. Yes, it is your time to shine but pleas e, we implore, keep the make up sophisticated and simple. It you are uncertain about make-up application, visit websites and local make-up outlets for details on what make up to wear with your colour dress and how to apply.

• It would be great, if possible, if you can do test runs before the night so you know exactly what to do and how the colours fit your face.

• There is no doubt that you have to get it right with the face. You do not want to look too made up you simple want to look like yourself with added glamour. So, although it may be the last thing to do on your list, it most definitely is not the least important.

Comfort matters

Do not be fooled beauty feels a lot of pain and although you want to pull off that breath taking look be wise and secure your comfort or you may end up not enjoying the ball because you are paying too much attention to your garment or even having wardrobe malfunctions.

• Platforms are in and you think the higher the heel the cuter the shoes. Unfortunately not everyone can manage heels so it would be wise to play it safe and go for shoes with heels and sizes that are comfortable especially if you are wearing a short dress.

• Ensure that all zippers, bows, pins and anything else that is supposed to keep you in place are in place themselves, even if it means that you have to do last-minute adjustments before you leave your house. You do not want your dress to be falling off you. That would absolutely ruin your night.

• You want the complete look so clutch purses are also important. Again, know your colour pallet, risks can be taken but only if it actually works out so be careful when choosing a clutch purse. Make certain that the one you choose can hold your “must haves”.

Without a doubt, proper preparation beats everything so give yourself adequate time to get it all right. Enjoy the celebration and capture all the memorable moments.