This time of year, current juniors and seniors are spending hours searching the web, local boutiques and shops for the perfect prom attire. While guys have to pick their fits from a lineup of almost identical suits, girls have much to think about regarding prom.
Bright colors or pastels, sequins or satin, v-neck or scoop, a leg slit or full skirt… the choices are overwhelming. In this writer’s opinion the real problem with finding a dress is not knowing what you want in a dress but instead finding the perfect dress somewhere in the real world. But if your problem is swapped and you haven’t the foggiest idea of what to wear, the Boulder High Panther girls have you covered.
Some girls were adamant that silk dresses were the only way to go, while others firmly believed that silk dresses were plain and boring and prom deserved something more. There was some agreement that prom is no place for what one might call a sundress, brunch dress, easter dress, or floral dress. Another unanimous opinion is that a prom dress should be floor length as opposed to short, and should be unique either in color, pattern, or shape. My personal take on what girls should wear to prom here at Boulder High is that this year, it’s time to start dressing the theme.
The guys had their own opinions on what the girls should wear to prom. The majority of them said that girls should wear whatever makes them comfortable, or maybe match with their partner. However, there were some standout answers. Charlie Davis, ‘26, said that girls should wear “something respectful and godly” for the occasion, adding that shoulders “should be covered up.” Ben Gibson, ‘25, said that girls should wear “wedding dresses” and seconded Davis, saying that ankles and shoulders should be covered. Even ChatGPT has an opinion on the subject. It says that four good styles are Classic Glam, Modern Chic, Princess Vibes, and Alternative Edge. For those wondering what “Alternative Edge” looks like, it’s “a jumpsuit or two-piece set with intricate details (lace, beading, or sequins) for a unique, stylish statement”.
We already know that girls will be, as Bishop says, “dressed to the nines,” but what do girls want to see guys in on April 5th?
Female Boulder High students answered the question “What should guys wear to prom this year?” with an astounding consensus that a monochromatic look, specifically all black, is the way to go this year. Bella Norris, ‘26, and Lia Stoddard, ‘26, believe the most important thing a guy can do at prom is match the vibe of their date. Neva Woodson, ‘25, said “funny shirts are the worst thing a guy can wear to prom.”
Turns out, the guys also have a lot of Dos and Don’ts regarding suits and men’s clothing for prom. Dylan Lewis and Owen Gallagher, ‘25, think that those choosing suits should avoid “old school, so you can’t have those like elbow pads… that’s hella out of style.” “Nothing brown, keep the shoes normal and no crazy dress shoes, because those look tacky.” Another clothing item to avoid is the super baggy dress pants that made frequent appearances at last year’s prom. There is no reason why dress pants should have legs so wide, another person could fit in them!
These firm no-no’s are followed by a few recommendations. “I would say a navy or darker suit, I think that that’s the way to go,” says Gallagher. Remember that “small details matter,” according to Misio Usher, ‘27, but when it comes down to it, wear whatever you feel the most comfortable in.
Though there were a lot of very specific answers, the general consensus was that being true to yourself and showing your own personality is truly what’s needed this year at prom. “If you look nice and you’re confident, that’s all that matters,” says Sterling Hammer-Cadora, ‘26.
