Bridgeport High School junior/senior prom is May 5 and students can get a sneak peek of this year’s fashions at the Feb. 3 Prom Fashion Show at Meadowbrook Mall.

 

“Visit with vendors in WDTV5 Event Center from noon until 2 p.m., displaying prom accessories, makeup, hairstyles and much more,” said Meadowbrook Mall Marketing Director Robin Urquhart. “Then, at 2 p.m., House of Fashions and Oliverio’s Bridal and Prom Boutique will model trending styles for Prom 2018.”

 

House of Fashions Co-Owner/Buyer Keri Snell stays up to date on trends by attending markets throughout the U.S.

 

“Ballgowns are huge this year; gorgeous, gorgeous ballgowns and as far as color goes, rose gold is really popular this year, as is gunmetal or pewter, charcoal gray and blush pink. We started seeing it a couple years ago and it’s more prevalent now,” Snell said. “Something else that’s fun are pants outfits, but not what you would typically think of. There is an overskirt so it looks like a ballgown, but it opens in the front, revealing pants – with lace, beads and a lot of detail work.”

 

Florals are forever; still in style for 2018. Despite trends, local girls – particularly upper classmen – like to put their own spin on prom.

 

“Especially the more mature girls, the seniors, because they’ve gone to multiple homecomings and proms, seem to lean toward more simple dresses with no beading at all; really nice body-hugging silhouettes that look more ‘Red Carpet’ than other fun prom stuff,” Snell said.

 

And, of course, Bridgeport gals often gravitate to red and black.

 

“They’re the classics. Girls always want those,” she said. “Our girls are so widespread in their tastes, we see a little bit of everything.”

Most sought-after designers include Sherri Hill, Rachel Allan and Ellie Wilde, Snell said.

 

“They are probably the top three, in my opinion. That’s who most girls ask for,” she said.

 

Owner of Oliverio’s Prom and Bridal Boutique, Angela Oliverio said though designers feature various designs and styles, each has his or her own flair.

 

Wild, for example, is newer to the industry and is known for her prints. Jovani, also a popular designer, is known for classic looks and Rachel Allan is a bit edgier, a look certain personality types seem to gravitate toward. Oliverio said Mac Duggal is also a popular prom gown designer.

 

In addition to ballgowns, she said straight silhouettes, including two-piece dresses, are also featured styles for 2018. Colors range from soft pinks and whites to brilliant red and royal blue.

 

As for tuxes, the classics still rule, but the fit is a slim, streamlined look.

 

“Fits are getting tighter; much more modern and ‘GQ-style,’” Snell said.

 

Color choices are expanding, with multiple shades of gray and blue, as well as classic black.

 

Dresses and tuxedos seen in the fashion show can be purchased/rented at House of Fashions in Charles Pointe and Oliverio’s Prom and Bridal Boutique at Eastpointe, Clarksburg. Students are invited to come browse the stores and try on selected styles.

 

The Feb. 3 prom fashion show will feature local high school students. The fashion show willl be held at Center Court, just outside JC Penney. 

 

Urquhart said to also watch for details, coming soon, on how to win a free makeover from Sephora inside JCPenney. Stay up to date at the Meadowbrook Mall Web site HERE.

 

Editor's Note: Pictured above and on the cover are high school students featured in the 2017 Prom Fashion Show at Meadowbrook Mall.