This article was written by Lilly Niedzielski.
Many people struggle with finding the perfect thing to wear because they worry about bad opinions from other students. In an attempt to avoid negative feedback, we scroll through prom social media posts and find a plethora of ideas and input to guide the decision, but what other people are wearing doesn’t matter. What one’s peers think about their choice of dress or suit shouldn’t affect how they are feeling about the way they’re dressed.
Prom is a special occasion where one should feel confident in whatever they choose to wear, whether it’s a fancy dress, a suit and tie or something more casual. The most important thing is that everyone feels comfortable and has a great time.
There has been much backlash going around on social media about what students wear to prom. Prom is supposed to be a day where students feel their best. As teenagers, it’s hard to ignore trends and videos disapproving of certain things people are wearing. It’s important to not get caught up too much in all of the chaos. At the end of the day, one should feel assured in how they chose to express themselves.
At previous dances, I spent so much time worrying about picking the right dress. Constantly thinking about what other people were going to say to or about me, or how they were going to react when seeing my dress. I just want to feel my best and hope that feeling reciprocates with everyone else.
Easter, brunch, sparkly and patterned prom dresses all look gorgeous if one feels good about what they’re wearing. That’s all that matters. Senior Maya Law can attest that most people worry about what others will think of their prom outfits.
“Obviously [what dress to wear] is something that goes through everybody’s brain,” Law said. “As long as you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing and you feel good about yourself, you shouldn’t worry about other people because their opinions don’t matter.”
Another thing that may be going through the heads of young teens when finding the perfect thing for them to wear may be the theme of the dance, but to Law, it doesn’t seem as important.
“[The theme] is usually announced after a lot of people get their dresses, so I don’t think you have to stick to it,” Law said. “Whatever you’re comfortable with and what makes you feel good.”
Furthermore, there are many ways to express yourself at prom, so why would you let others judge you for being you, be confident in who you are. Senior Abigail Davidson believes to put in the effort instead of worrying about how others will view you.
“For the most part, it depends on you,” Davidson said. “I know a lot of people want to go full out for prom, if you want to, I say do it.”
The controversy surrounding prom seems unnecessary. Prom is a time to celebrate and have fun with your peers, not worry about what people think of your outfit. Senior Audrey Garthe agrees.
“It should be your choice on what you wear. Let people judge you, that’s on them, not on you,” Garthe said.
Overall, prom should be a day where everyone feels comfortable. It’s hard to not think about the opinions of others, but the most important thing is that students have a great time and make memories with their friends that they’ll look back on for years to come.