What was I thinking? Prom chaperone advice!

[myshel]

Some kids came to my room today, asking if I'd be one of the faculty chaperones for prom this year. I was flattered and really wanted to because the seniors this year were my first group of students.

I called to check with my husband, who agreed hesitantly. I thought it would be fun to dress up a little and be out fo the evening without DS.

Panic, however, has just set in. I realized that while the evening will be fun, I have nothing to wear. Literally nothing. I'm 9 months post partum and still have a bit of my baby belly. Things just don't look the same anymore. I feel like a teenager... prom is coming and I don't know what to do.

I posted this here due to the high traffic numbers. If it really needs to be moved, MODS, please do so.

[Neen]

Sounds like a good excuse to go shopping!

[myshel]

Oh, I whole-heartedly agree! I just wonder... what does one wear to prom as a chaperone? I want to look nice, not fat, and not frumpy. UGH!

[artist]

Anything black can usually be flattering and sexy! Plus, if you find a nice black dress, I am sure you can wear to many things and for years if it looks classic enough.

[Neen]

Try looking at Chadwicks or some place like that. They usually have affordable dresses that are really nice and not too teeny bopper looking.

I chaperoned some dances for my daughter (much to her HORROR) and it was fun. Nothing like the prom, so I didn't have to dress up, but it was fun to dance with my DH and the kids had a blast!

[greenbunny]

I would go to the library and look at the teen magazine prom issues to see what's in style, then pick something unlike what you see. Heaven knows a chaperone can't be overly trendy. :p

[Sophia]

Avoid shiny fabrics (satin, charmeuse) and overly stretchy fabrics.

[karlatta]

Ooh! I have this same dilemma (except my issues with my figure can't be blamed on a baby). I'm supposed to chaperone prom this year, and I have NO IDEA what to wear!

I look forward to seeing what ideas are generated here!

[myshel]

I'm just not sure how dressed up I should get. I did chaperone homecoming two years ago and wore a simple black dress (cap sleeves, A-line) that I bought at Target of all places. That poor dress went buh-bye a long time ago.

I definitely want to avoid a formal gown but would like something dressier than the khakis and sweaters I wear each day. I talked to another younger teacher who is chaperoning and she indicated that she'd wear a strapless cotton dress with a cardigan over the top. She is also the size of my pinkie.

So, how formal do you think I need to get? Any pictures of ideas?

[tgr68]

I feel your pain on the 9month PP body.

Not sure how much you are wanting to spend, but here are a few ideas!

JCPenney - $100
http://a581.g.akamai.net/7/581/175/2006030212/cache4.jcpenney.com/images/regular/0900631b80e92642R.jpg

JCPenney - $70 (black, ivory, peach)
http://a581.g.akamai.net/7/581/175/2006030212/cache4.jcpenney.com/images/regular/0900631b80e52bd2R.jpg

JCPenney - $90 (champagne, periwinkle)
http://a581.g.akamai.net/7/581/175/2006030212/cache4.jcpenney.com/images/regular/0900631b80e16f56R.jpg

HTH!

[Sposa06]

Here are some ideas from Target:

Empire-waisted silk dress, $30:
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000BU5388.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS384_.jpg

Flutter-sleeve wrap dress, $25:
http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000CRFHWC.16._SCLZZZZZZZ_SS384_.jpg

From Macys:

Lined silk dress (looks like it'd skim over curves nicely), $120:
http://slimages.macys.com/is/image/MCY/products/5/optimized/220385_fpx.tif?bgc=255,255,255&wid=273&qlt=90,0&layer=comp&op_sharpen=0&resMode=bicub&op_usm=0.7,1.0,0.5,0&fmt=jpeg

Shirt dress with tie at waist, $97:
http://slimages.macys.com/is/image/MCY/products/5/optimized/210815_fpx.tif?bgc=255,255,255&wid=273&qlt=90,0&layer=comp&op_sharpen=0&resMode=bicub&op_usm=0.7,1.0,0.5,0&fmt=jpeg

[KK812]

I love the idea of a wrap or an empire. Would definitely cover up any "baby pooch" you might have :)

Ann Taylor loft
http://s7ondemand1.scene7.com/is/image/AnnTaylorLoft/142918_9079?$outfit$

[wendalah]

I did chaperone homecoming two years ago and wore a simple black dress (cap sleeves, A-line)

That sounds perfect. Basic black cocktail sheath, not too short or too bare, with an evening feel. Wear it with heels and pearls (or other non-flashy but good jewelry), put your hair up in a french twist. You'll look pretty and appropriate to the formality of the occasion but still appear authoritative.

[nuhmah]

DH and I chaperoned the prom a couple of times - here is what I wore one year.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4db23b3127cce9b2d28b3a80100000015108BYt2rVwyau

It was just a long dress with a slit up one side, and had straps. I also had a wrap to wear over it for when I got cold.

Have a great time - we always had a blast!!

[tgray99]

The teachers at my high school (ok 11 years ago!) dressed fairly formally but I live in a very large city.

[princesse]

Love that last dress from JCP...... I would survey the other staff who are going and see what they are wearing, then get something you feel uber comfortable in. You will have a ball with the kids and it is so cool you are going:-)

[Katy]

I'd think to wear something that I'd wear to an evening wedding. Nothing too dressy, and definately NOT something prom-like. I like Wendelah's suggestions. Have fun!

[ManteoChik]

I think you and your hubby should go all out! :D I agree with looking at Chadwicks for an inexpensive yet dressy dress.

I remember my senior prom. We had this one teacher that everyone loved, he was tough but funny....and his wife would sub for other teachers often. Anywho, they chaperoned the prom and came in full prom gear....she wore a cocktail dress (but not revealing) and he wore a tux. It was a hoot and all the students thought it was so cool....lol.

I mean seriously, how often will you get to dress up again after your wedding?

*All from Chadwicks
$139
http://media.redcatsusa.com/is/image/chadwicks/mm/2104_14237_mm.jpg?wid=230&hei=331&qlt=95&op_sharpen=1

$89
http://media.redcatsusa.com/is/image/chadwicks/mm/2104_13083_mm.jpg?wid=230&hei=331&qlt=95&op_sharpen=1

$89
http://media.redcatsusa.com/is/image/chadwicks/mm/2104_23019_mm.jpg?wid=230&hei=331&qlt=95&op_sharpen=1

$139
http://media.redcatsusa.com/is/image/chadwicks/mm/2104_64672_mm.jpg?wid=230&hei=331&qlt=95&op_sharpen=1

[Asha]

the teachers at my prom didn't dress up formally. just nice evening wear. though, when i went to prom the students didn't even wear gowns like they do now, so that might make a difference.

[jnettie]

I like this from JC Penny:
http://a581.g.akamai.net/7/581/175/2006030212/cache4.jcpenney.com/images/regular/0900631b80e92642R.jpg

And this from Cadwicks:
http://media.redcatsusa.com/is/image/chadwicks/mm/2104_13083_mm.jpg?wid=230&hei=331&qlt=95&op_sharpen=1

[lil_geek]

Ditto on the two jnettie posted.

At our prom, the teachers were fairly dressed up. Full length, black mostly.

Another option would be black pants with a sparkly top. SOmetimes I feel pants cover my stomach better then a dress would. Some silver heals and you would be good.

[ignutzz]

Spanx (http://www.spanx.com) is your friend. :D

I love the turquoise dress from Chadwicks that ManteoChick posted.

[Natrat80]

DH just informed me that we're chaperoning prom at his school too. He's all excited that I'm going to be dressed up and sexy, but I don't want to look like one of the kids! I've got a post-baby tummy too. I love all the ideas and I'm subscribing for more!

[myshel]

Well, here's the update, ladies. I bought a dress, and we went to the prom. I did have a few dress buying issues; for example, there was a random lady who informed me that I'd have to workout to wear a particular dress. I curtly told her that I didn't have that long, and we left the store. I cried in the car but made myself fel better with a milkshake. ;)

Anyway, here's the end result. Please ignore our silly expressions.
http://static.flickr.com/47/143163193_9ad2c4cc04.jpg?v=0

A closer shot:
http://static.flickr.com/46/143163248_801a07f9db.jpg?v=0

I got a lot of compliments from parents, the kids, and even my principal! Thanks for your help, ladies.

[Asha]

you looked beautiful!! you have such beautiful hair and skin. shame on that lady for telling you that you need to work out. i would have complained to a manager. oh, i am also jealous of your front porch, too!!

[princesse]

you look ga ga gorgeous! that neckline is perfect:-) and your hair is so pretty. tell me you did it yourself????? i bet the kids were so happy to have you there. you rock! DH looks cute, too:-)

[KK812]

you look fabulous!

[jenjunum]

great dress. I don't think you needed anyone's help. cute earrings and curls to boot.

[maplekitty]

great LBD!!!

[Larissa]

Oh, you look great! That was horrible for the woman to tell you that you've have to work out for the dress. I'm glad to hear that you had fun :)

[myshel]

Thanks for all of the compliments. I thought I looked pretty good considering the situation (not being in top physical form, being horrible with hair, having pores the sizes of Alaska).

Yes, I did do my own hair. A lot of the students asked me about that too.

[Natrat80]

myshel You looked great!

We went to Prom Saturday and had lots of fun. We danced some and the kids thought it was so funny. Here are some pictures. (excuse the mess)
http://www.dropshots.com/photos/103526/20060513/r90_201753.jpg
http://www.dropshots.com/photos/103526/20060513/r90_202024.jpg

[BeachBum]

Myshel and Natrat--You both looked great! Thanks for sharing the "after" pics!

[calliope_muses]

You didn't say what size you wear (and I would never disclose that info either!), and this place may not work for your - but if you can wear 14 & up I think www.torrid.com is a great place to look. I recently bought 2 dresses there - one a strapless black dress with a tiny bit of sparkle to it for a wedding rehearsal & dinner. I put a little matching sweater over it b/c I don't do strapless. I got tons of compliments on it. It was comfy, flattering, and verrrry cute.

ETA - I'm behind the times... I just saw your pictures - you look great!!