Ahh, The Homecoming Dance.
That special event on which we spend hundreds of dollars on dresses we’ll
never wear again, goofy flowers we strap to our wrists or lapels, and hairdos that are more like hair-don’ts. Our date smells like he was attacked by a renegade band of department store cologne-spritzers, the DJ is playing polka music, and we actually expect to HAVE FUN.
Not that you won’t be going, of course. So. Since the first step toward having a blast is saving money, herewith is our guide to getting dressed on the cheap. As for having fun, that’s up to you. (Although we suggest picking a date with a license and, hopefully, an aversion to industrial strength perfume).
Gals
The dress: (Price range: $10 to $250). OK, let’s not be ridiculous. While you might not want to borrow or recycle a dress, this isn’t your wedding. Sheez, it’s not even the prom! Here’s our advice: get hip to thrift. “It’s very trendy, especially if you find something vintage,” said Marge Schneider, owner of Back on the Rack thrift store in Schaumburg, where dresses go for $24 to $58. Don’t be afraid to experiment here. After all, won’t all the girls be wearing black?
Accessories, dahling: (free to $10, max). Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but rhinestones are loyal when you’re in a pinch. So are scarves, Jackie O-style pill box hats and long strands of pearls. In fact, we suspect you can find all of these things as close as your mother’s bureau. Whatever you do, don’t spend a
fortune. Today’s trendy must-haves translate into tomorrow’s trash.
Hair: (free, free, free). No salons! If you can’t sweep your own hair up into the latest coif, then invite some friends over and have a regular roller derby. Feeling career girlish? Try the Mary Tyler Moore flip. Want to sprinkle some fairy dust on your date? Go for the “I-Dream-of-Jeannie” pile-up. For the ultimate siren look, try the “Charlie’s Angels” frizz-n-feather fest.
Shoes: ($10-$50). You likely have two options: Mr. Blister’s Super Saver Shoe Source, or the Mom-taking-you-to-the-department-store routine. Although the latter option may subject you to peds and pushy sales ladies, we suggest you suck it up and go for the pricey pair. Fabulous shoes not only last longer, they can make or break an outfit (a tip we passed along to the guys, as well).
Guys
Neckwear: (price range: free to $50). Here’s where you can be most creative. Either choose the classic silk tie in blue, red or yellow (free, if it’s borrowed from dad), or go for flair. Think Fred, the blond-haired guy in “Scooby Doo.” Finally, there’s the nerd-chic look of the bow tie. Come to think of it, you can probably unearth these items in your attic, from dad’s boxes marked “70s and 80s apparel.”
Sport coat: (Free to $150). If you borrow from dad, and he’s a professor, watch out for the leather elbow patches. Otherwise, expect to spend up to $150.
Pants: (Free to $50). If you’re a high school guy with any sense of style, you probably own a reliable pair of khakis. Hey, go crazy – why not iron them? (Important note: avoid stiff creases, unless you’re going for the executive-at-the-corporate-picnic look).
Shoes: (Free to $100+). Shoes can, indeed, make the man, so choose carefully. In fact, if you’re going to buy anything new for this dance, shoes are a good choice. Heck, if they’re cool and comfortable, like these Doc Martins, you might actually wear them again.
