





Prom dresses, formal gowns and more!
We know how hard it is to find that perfect dress, especially here in Hong Kong where the shops are many but the choices are sometimes few. And when teenagers prefer to do the shopping themselves, it makes finding the right outfit for a special occasion that much harder. We have checked out online sites, local stores and other places to suit your teenager’s (or your!) needs, offering styles and trends for everyone. Whether your teen is looking for a fab prom dress, you need a gown for a formal occasion or you both just like stocking up (no judgment!) for when you need a sweet looking frock, we have found some great ones this year that will have you looking on trend and ready to party!
Cut-outs and inserts are still on runways, magazine pages and blogs, and they add an edge to any outfit. Look for strategic removals that are instantly flattering and feminine, whilst maintaining the right level of appropriateness. The Thurley English Rose dress features cut-outs over the mid-drift that are flirty while maintaining a level of appropriate modesty. A very popular cut-out during prom season is large cut-outs across the back as shown by the ASOS open back dress above. Think cut-outs might be a little too risky? Opt for lace or mesh inserts to create an illusion of bare skin without crossing any lines like in the Aidan Mattox dress shown above.
John Zack Petite Lace Open Back Maxi Dress available at ASOS, ASOS Design Scuba Top Lassel Back Pleated Maxi Dress available at ASOS, ASOS Lace Inserted Panelled Midi Dress available at ASOS, Thurley English Rose Midi dress on Shopbop, Aidan Mattox Illusion Lace Insets Crepe Gown available to rent from Yeechoo.
There is no denying the influence of interesting textures in fashion. Update a classic prom dress by trying out a new fabric, or adding textural elements such as embroidery and beadwork. Try some beautifully detailed beadwork like in the Needle & Thread embellished gown above. Or you can opt for something a little more simple such as an embellished bodice as shown on the Andora Maxi Dress on the right. If texture feels overwhelming, create dimension with interesting cuts and structural statements like the high-low cut of the ML Monique Lhuillier dress in the middle.
Lipsy Fishtail Maxi Dress with sequin Lace Trim available at ASOS, Needle & Thread Embellished Embroidered Tulle Gown available at net-a-porter, Needle & Thread Rainbow Ditsy Embellished Tulle Gown available at net-a-porter, Andora Maxi Dress by Lace & Beads available at Topshop, ML Monique Lhuillier Hi-Lo Floral Dress available to rent from Yeechoo.
Just because many formal dresses are sleeveless (and in this HK heat, they should be!), who says long sleeves can’t be sexy too? Keep things interesting by finding unusual silhouettes or beautifully patterned sleeves such as on the Jenny Packham embellished crepe gown shown above. Want to show a little skin with your sleeves? Go backless like in the Emma Wallace gown pictured on the right. Regardless of what direction you choose, sleeves add a level of sophistication to the dress that can really make you stand out amidst all the other low cut and sleeveless versions.
Needle & Thread Climbing Blossom Gown available at Shopbop, Jenny Packham Embellished Crepe Gown available at net-a-porter, Navy Backless Fishtail Maxi Dress by Club L available at Topshop, Emma Wallace Laney Gown available to rent from Yeechoo, ASOS Edition All Over Multi Coloured Floral Embroidered Maxi Dress available at ASOS
“We should all be feminists,” said acclaimed Nigerian author and activist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Fashion is no different. If anything, it’s one of the pioneers in the blurring of gender lines! So, it should come as no surprise that it has taken the idea of the suit, remixed it with a dash of femininity and thrown in some serious sass to create the luxe and oh-so-chic jumpsuit. Rivalling disco ideals and adding comfort to your closet, the jumpsuit is a fantastic piece of clothing to own and is still spotted on red carpets and online. Adding feminine details like the lace panels in the Fame and Partners jumpsuit or the mesh sleeves on the Michael Kors jumpsuit add some extra drama to an already chic look. Or go a little less conventional and opt for a one-sleeved look, like the C/MEO Collective jumpsuit above. So, go on – borrow from the boys and show them who’s really boss in a fierce trouser look for prom!
Susana Monaco Ilana Jumpsuit available at Shopbop, Herve Leger Marian Jumpsuit available at Shopbop, Fame and Partners The Millie Jumpsuit available at Shopbop, Michael Michael Kors Point D’esprit Tulle and Stretch-Jersey Jumpsuit available at net-a-porter, C/MEO Collective Don’t Stop Jumpsuit available for rent on Yeechoo
No matter what year it is, looking to the past for fashion inspiration has always been trendy and prom is the perfect opportunity to throw on that 20s inspired dress you’ve had your eye on. Try a modernised flapper dress like the pink ASOS midi dress pictured. Whether you want to channel 90s Gwyneth Paltrow with a satin slip gown, such as the Halston Heritage one pictured above, or you want a more classic 50s prom look as shown by the Rosita floral gown above, going retro is a great way to stand out and be fashion forward (and backward!).
ASOS Design Pleated Midi Dress with Ruffle Sleeve available at ASOS, Self-Portrait Cutout Lace-Trimmed Pleated Metallic Fil Coupe Chiffon Maxi Dress on net-a-porter, Halston Heritage Draped Satin Gown available at net-a-porter, ASOS Design PetiteSpot Ruffle Bandeau Prom Dress available at ASOS, Rosita Floral Embroidery Elbow-Sleeve Cocktail Dress available at YesStyle
This article was originally written by Nina Brooklyn Brown and published on 30 May 2017 and has been updated by Megan Weill.
Featured image by Amy Kate on Unsplash; image 2 (left to right: Photo courtesy of Shopbop; Photo courtesy of ASOS; Photo courtesy of Yeechoo); image 3 (left to right: Photo courtesy of net-a-porter; Photo courtesy of Yeechoo; Photo courtesy of Topshop); image 4 (left to right: Photo courtesy of net-a-porter; Photo courtesy of Yeechoo); image 5 (left to right: Photo courtesy of Shopbop; Photo courtesy of net-a-porter; Photo courtesy of Yeechoo); image 6 (left to right: Photo courtesy of net-a-porter; Photo courtesy of YesStyle; Photo courtesy of ASOS).