One of the Academy’s most precious traditions is soon approaching: our semi-formal, or should I say, the Beth Ball. This year we are changing things up. Instead of the normal Study Hall/Panther Den location, students and their dates will dance away at the Madison Hotel (which is very close to campus!). The theme? Gatbsy. This is certainly a change from the disco or midnight themes of the past couple of years. The consensus when this news was announced was that of excitement and intrigue.
These changes open up the (dance!) floor for more creative dresses and different dress silhouettes and cuts. In light of these new changes, the anticipation is high. But the question always remains: what should I wear?
This is my fourth year attending semi, and I, like my friends, have worn a few different dress styles. Here is a (hopefully) comprehensive list of styles you could consider wearing to semi (and complete with links!).
First, I’d like to preface with the first things I consider in any dress or outfit: what silhouette and fit am I trying to accomplish, and which will flatter me the most? Even though I wore a tighter bodycon dress in sophomore year which I found flattering, I’ve found that I look best in the fit-and-flare or A-line fit. For example, in junior year, I wore a black,spaghetti-strap mini dress. This dress was a nice find at Nordstrom in the clearance rack. Semi-formal styles don’t have to break the bank!
Next, I want to draw your attention to the variety of colors available. I have always preferred solid patterns and neutral colors. However, freshman year I wore a mini dress with a floral print from Lulus. Since it was made out of a jacquard fabric, it definitely wasn’t the most breathable or elastic, but it has a very chic look.
And lastly, you might be wondering about what type of dress to wear that fits a Gatbsy theme. My mind immediately goes to a Flapper theme with fringe and beads. Any dress with a loose, almost boxy cut would work well, too. Here is a wonderful example of a fringed mini dress–nothing too excessive but also perfectly on theme!
There are many options to express your style and creativity. There are so many kinds of dresses, and hopefully, these are some ways to find one that excites and flatters you on the dance floor!
