Congratulations! You’ve made it to the end of your high school journey, and it’s now time for you to go out with a bang. Or a strut. Or sashay. After all, it’s prom season, and it’s time to indulge in a wonderful night of festivities with your friends before the next big stage of your life. 

With prom’s media portrayal and cultural significance in every teenager’s life, it’s almost inevitable that we might feel pressure to make prom a perfect night full of impressing the “right” people, or getting that certain someone to notice you (wink wink). However, the best fun comes when you place the least expectations on yourself. Here are a few steps you can take to ensure you can end your senior year on a high note. 

Let’s start from the beginning — saying yes to the dress, suit, or whatever you plan to wear is a lot more important than people think! This outfit should be an expression of your authentic self. While this may sound cliché, it can make a huge difference in your confidence and happiness if you truly love what you wear. Feel stuck? Scroll on Pinterest for inspiration. Try something daring and new if you’re feeling brave. Floral prints, asymmetrical sleeves, and corsets are exciting twists to put on a dress, while lapel chains on suits can add an edgy, vintage feel to elevate your outfit.

Comfort and coverage are also important to consider, especially if you’re planning to blow up the dance floor. Cowl necklines are a roomy, flattering silhouette that are just as comfortable as they look amazing. However, the looseness might present issues if you’re worried about coverage. In this case, fashion tape will be your friend, and it’s easy to find at any drugstore.

Shoes can be fashionable, but comfort is an absolute non-negotiable. Heels are stylish, but blisters and corns are not fun to deal with. However, if you still want to be daring with your footwear, take a page out of a ballet dancer’s book and invest in some toe tape. It’s soft and spongy enough to cushion blister hotspots, and they’re easy to remove as well. Investing in arch cushions will never hurt, either. Toes are also a danger zone on a crowded dance floor with other heels, so close-toed pumps, boots, and loafers are also worth considering. 

If makeup is your jam, it can also be an important part of your look. Don’t overdo your base layer — tearing up the dance floor can get sweaty! When applying it, let the product sit on your face for a minute before blending it in. Once you’re done, applying setting spray on your foundation and concealer before moving onto the rest can give your makeup some resistance. Later, blush may come off with sweat, and lip products can also smudge during your pre-prom dinner with friends. Coming prepared with a few items for retouching can also help you get through the night. 

It’s always best to avoid hairy situations. Literally. However, knowing how to prepare your hair for whatever look you choose can help make the styling process easier. Long, loose waves will turn out great if you shower and start off with clean, soft hair. Meanwhile, tightly slicked-back updos — think of a sleek bun or high ponytail — may actually be easier to style with stickier, day-old hair that’s less slippery and soft. Depending on how curly your hair is, you can also consider adding butterfly or floral hair pins to stand out from the crowd, too.

Saying “yes” to your radiant outfit is one thing, but what about the promposal? Many prom-goers plan elaborate signs with adorable (and interesting) puns to ask out their special someone. Some of us may be on the giving side of this, worrying that our date-to-be might reject us. On the other hand, some of us may not know how to respond when asked to prom, or holding onto hope that someone will make the first move with you. We suggest not holding your expectations so high — the pressure to make your promposal perfect can really suck the fun out of the experience. Here’s what you can do:

1. If you want to ask someone out but are worried about being rejected in front of others, find some private time (if both of you are comfortable with it) and ask them out with a small, meaningful gift. Asking them out over text can seem less intimidating, but this may take the sincerity out of it. 
2. If you want to ask someone out but you’re unsure if they are comfortable with a public proposal, it may be best to be safer and do so in private. It’s not ideal to make someone feel nervous in front of others. 
3. If someone asks you out (publicly or privately) but you aren’t interested, kindly thank them for their time and say that although you appreciate their kindness, you’ve made plans to go with someone else. NEVER reject someone rudely.
4. If you asked someone out but they did not accept, don’t take it personally. It’s not because you’re lacking compared to others. Keep looking — your person is out there! Even then, please don’t feel pressured to find a prom date. Going with a group of friends can also be just as fun. It’s also 100% okay if you prefer your own company, too. Solo dates are underrated!
5. NEVER ditch your date. If both of you aren’t getting along as expected, chances are they may feel the same but are too nervous to say anything. If the issue is minor and the situation is salvageable, take some time to talk it out in private. Both of you might agree to do another activity, hang out in a friend group instead of alone with each other, or separate for a bit. The bottom line is to be transparent and balance kindness with boundaries. 
6. Your parents may tell you this all the time as you roll your eyes, but safety is truly important. Being 18 or older will not save you from the consequences of drinking and driving. Things caught on camera can also be incriminating if posted online, and it’s not worth risking the college acceptance you’ve worked so hard for. Prom, while a dazzling night, is not the only time in your life that you’ll have fun. Don’t risk everything on this one event!

With these tips, you can have a star-studded night that is both memorable and survivable. Loosen up and let yourself have fun, don’t put pressure on yourself, and don’t take unworthy risks. Happy prom! 🙂