Mellissa Bowen shares her own graduation ball tips and tricks

1. Dress for your body type

Some styles may be more appropriate for your body type than others. In order to find a dress that will fit you well, schedule an appointment for a proper fitting. . Gowns are usually designed to highlight one area or to camouflage another. Whichever style you decide to wear, always remember comfort comes first.

2. Follow the trends, or keep it classic?

Montego Bay-based designer Mellissa Bowen says this may be a tough call at times. After all, who doesn’t want to make a statement in the latest fashion fads? However, she suggests going outside the box, simply because not everything that is trending will fit the bill of a graduation ball. This is a once-in-alifetime event, so a bodycon dress with cut-outs, for example, will not work.

3. Get creative!

A girl’s biggest fear is finding out that she’s not the only person at the ball wearing her dress. And it gets worse if you believe that it fits the other girl better. Consult with your designer to create a one-of-a-kind number to avoid a “who wore it better” scenario.

4. Colours and prints are in!

Graduation is over and it is time to celebrate and experiment with colours. From bright blues to popping pinks or ravishing reds, the possibilities are endless. Feel like going back to your roots? Wax print is also trendy this prom season. 5. What is your date wearing? Try to coordinate with your date. You don’t want to show up in mismatched colours. Tell him/her what colours or prints you will be wearing, or even better, collaborate on a design.

6. Accessorise

Bowen recommends that you select a clutch that matches your dress and leave the handbags at home. When it comes to choosing a necklace, she suggests wearing one that won’t compete with the sequins or embellishments on your dress. When it comes to your heels, buy them weeks in advance, so that you can start practising to walk in them. Remember, if they feel uncomfortable at the store, they certainly won’t feel better on prom night!

7. Keep it hush-hush!

It is literally your time to shine, so don’t ruin the element of surprise by telling your friends exactly what you’ll be wearing. If asked, you can give vague replies such as, “A long gown with my hair up.”