Sierra Rainbolt

Staff Writer

If pictures are worth a thousand words, then an outfit is worth a million.

Having the right look for such an important event as the  Homecoming Dance on Oct. 29 can really make the picture perfect memory.

Classy, flashy, and fabulous are the words to describe this season’s fall 2011 homecoming line.

There are bright jewel tones, form fitting designs, and sequin studded dresses for the ladies.  As for the guys, casual cool looks reign for the season nobody will forget.

“Last year we saw a lot of cutouts, soft colors, animal and flower prints,” said Starlet prom boutique owner Carla Bugts. “This year there are a lot of sparkles and bright tones.  I’m absolutely loving it!”

Designers are stepping out of the familiar palettes of neutrals and soft flowing cuts. Fresh, daring new looks dominate this season’s collections.

Vibrant jewel tone colors, short, strapless, one-shouldered styles, and alluring fabric covered in glitter take over the world of high school fashions for formal dances.

“The number one thing I’m looking for in my dress this fall is glitter,” said senior Rizelle Dizon.

As this season’s dresses become more fitted and elaborately decorated, the new collections of special event shoe wear become simpler and higher than ever.

Matching jewel tones and sleek, classic black pumps with a three- to four-inch heel have become a necessity to complete the perfect look for this year’s homecoming.

The classic look of the shoe is the perfect compliment to the daring, sophisticated styles of this year’s dress lines.

“I haven’t thought too much about my dress, but I know I want it to be strapless, short and bright,” said senior Cassandra Kekoa. “Mainly, I just want some really high heels.”

Last season’s looks were paired with intricate earrings and necklaces in order to dress up the simple, yet elegant vibe.

This year, things change.

Necklaces and earrings are out this season and diamond cuffs are in.

Chunky, layered, diamond studded bracelets are the must have pieces of jewelry this fall.

“We always carry a lot of jewelry to match almost any dress in the store and had a lot of earrings all last year,” said Bugts. “This year, we have a lot more bracelets, which is surprising, but actually very attractive.”

This season’s hairstyles include sporting straight hair, casually loose curls, or beachy waves.

Hairstyles should  be dressed up with an over sized, beaded, jeweled, or glittery headband.

This season isn’t only a change in fashion for the ladies, but the guys too. Dress shoes have been replaced by bright colored Vans or Converse, and ties have been phased out altogether.

So forget the high-end department stores and head to the Vans store. Also, don’t stress about corsages for dates. Save that tradition for the bigger dances such as Senior Ball and Junior Prom.

All stores are stocking up on these latest trends, so finding such a fabulous dress won’t be too hard. Blossoms prom store at Stoneridge Mall has a full inventory of such designs.

Starlet prom boutique in Pleasant Hill has all the latest designs from this season’s dress lines as well. Fabulous doesn’t have to mean expensive. So many great dresses are available for any budget.

Classy, elegant, and modest have been thrown out this year and it is all about fun.

Dressing up has never been so daring. This year, sophistication, glamour, and vibrant colors are dominating the dance floor.