Strolling through a department store or browsing the virtual aisles of prom dress websites, it is clear that today’s sexy gowns are a far cry from the bouffant princess garments of years past.
With prom season in full swing, and recent stories about schools across the country cracking down on what is deemed “acceptable” prom attire, teens are under a bit more scrutiny in terms of what they can and cannot wear to that special event.
Milford High School’s guidebook shows that school officials try to keep tabs on revealing dresses, restricting students from wearing gowns that are “extremely low cut” in the front or back, and ones that show the midriff, or are transparent.
“Girls are asked to keep a shawl, stole, shrug or wrap over the gown if it does not meet the dress code,” said Carolyn Banach, the house assistant principal at Milford High School. “Pins and fabric tape are always on hand, just in case. Fortunately, the gowns this year and last have been more modest than those a few years back.”
Some may consider this a reasonable standard for teen attire, however for many prom-bound girls, it may be hard to find dresses that aren’t keeping up with the times.
Flip on any entertainment channel — it is easy to see that “sexy” is definitely in.
“Teen girls are used to seeing people, and wardrobes, push the limits on shows like ‘Jersey Shore’ and ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ What is acceptable in dresses and outfits has certainly changed in the past decade and girls are following the lead of taste-makers in being ever more provocative,” said Harvard sociologist and Boston-based writer Hilary Levey Friedman.
Southington High School in Connecticut this year banned slits that rise above the fingertips, just in time for Angelina Jolie’s provocative “leg” pose at this year’s Academy Awards to go viral.
Friedman, however, contends schools are right to set boundaries.
“When children are at any school-sanctioned event, the school is responsible for children’s safety. Not only that, but high schools are teaching them about life and how to behave as adults. In that way it makes sense that schools implement dress codes — not only for prom, but for every day as well,” she said.
The Holliston School Department does not have a formal prom dress code on the books, however, its regular school dress code asks that skirts and dresses fall no more than four inches above the knee. Its policy also says that spaghetti strap tank tops and halter tops are not allowed in school.
Strolling through a department store or browsing the virtual aisles of prom dress websites, it is clear that today’s sexy gowns are a far cry from the bouffant princess garments of years past.
With prom season in full swing, and recent stories about schools across the country cracking down on what is deemed “acceptable” prom attire, teens are under a bit more scrutiny in terms of what they can and cannot wear to that special event.
Milford High School’s guidebook shows that school officials try to keep tabs on revealing dresses, restricting students from wearing gowns that are “extremely low cut” in the front or back, and ones that show the midriff, or are transparent.
“Girls are asked to keep a shawl, stole, shrug or wrap over the gown if it does not meet the dress code,” said Carolyn Banach, the house assistant principal at Milford High School. “Pins and fabric tape are always on hand, just in case. Fortunately, the gowns this year and last have been more modest than those a few years back.”
Some may consider this a reasonable standard for teen attire, however for many prom-bound girls, it may be hard to find dresses that aren’t keeping up with the times.
Flip on any entertainment channel — it is easy to see that “sexy” is definitely in.
“Teen girls are used to seeing people, and wardrobes, push the limits on shows like ‘Jersey Shore’ and ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ What is acceptable in dresses and outfits has certainly changed in the past decade and girls are following the lead of taste-makers in being ever more provocative,” said Harvard sociologist and Boston-based writer Hilary Levey Friedman.
Southington High School in Connecticut this year banned slits that rise above the fingertips, just in time for Angelina Jolie’s provocative “leg” pose at this year’s Academy Awards to go viral.
Friedman, however, contends schools are right to set boundaries.
“When children are at any school-sanctioned event, the school is responsible for children’s safety. Not only that, but high schools are teaching them about life and how to behave as adults. In that way it makes sense that schools implement dress codes — not only for prom, but for every day as well,” she said.
The Holliston School Department does not have a formal prom dress code on the books, however, its regular school dress code asks that skirts and dresses fall no more than four inches above the knee. Its policy also says that spaghetti strap tank tops and halter tops are not allowed in school.
Its handbook says that dress code for dances will be set by the administration.
Amari Outlet, a Medway prom dress boutique, offers an eclectic array of prom dresses, but according to owner Kate Williams, the popular look is daring and sexy.
“One shoulder dresses are really popular this year, as well as intricate, low-cut backs,” she said.
Williams has been in the boutique business for a decade, and speaking from experience, said more and more mature trends are taking over.
“They used to wear big, taffeta dress with long gloves. No one wears gloves anymore, and the dresses tend to be made of more flowing, chiffon materials.”
Rachel Burke of Mendon laid out $300 for her prom dress. While she admits that many teen girls are influenced by celebrities who may bare more than parents would like, she said the trend has not caused much of a stir at her school.
“It’s about more of a sleek, adult look right now. A lot of girls wear long gowns, with an open back, but I’ve never heard of anyone getting in trouble for it,” she said.
Mariane Moran, dean of students at Nipmuc Regional High School in Upton, said that is because the school has an informal policy encouraging, not mandating, that girls “dress appropriately.”
“We have no specific dress code for our dances,” Moran said. “The students are responsive to our general request that they dress appropriately. It is sort of an unwritten code. We’ve never had an issue before where we have had to pull a student out of a dance.”
Richard L. Pearson, principal of Medway High School, said there is also an unwritten rule about dressing with dignity.
“Our code would connect with our school expectations of proper dress and decorum for the school and educational setting. Revealing clothing would be frowned upon.” Pearson said, adding, “I would also gather that the girls do not want to ruin the beauty and special feeling of the night with questionable dress.”
(Morgan Rousseau can be reached at 508-634-7546 or at mrousseau@wickedlocal.com. For local news , follow Morgan Rousseau at twitter.com/RousseauNews.)
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