PromAdvice

Try This: Mixed Prints

She may not always get it exactly right (okay, she never gets it right), but Betty Suarez of Ugly Betty is on to something terribly chic with her multi-patterned outfits. This Homecoming, try a dress that artfully blends two completely different, but totally complementary patterns, or add a cardigan or scarf in a contrasting print to create a custom look that's all your own!   --Angel

The key to mixing prints is to have at least one common color in both patterns.  Also, large prints look great with small prints.

Here are some ideas to inspire you:

An abstract print with classic paisleys.

Arana Chiffon Dress ($28) and Floral Paisley Wrap in Purple ($15)

Delicate roses with a wild leopard print.

Floral Chiffon Tube Dress ($25) and Parfait Animal Print Cardigan ($118)

Big, bold flowers with a twisted maze pattern.

Turnstone Sweatercoat ($148) and Aida Strapless Floral Chiffon Dress ($25)

Wavy Baby

Ever wonder how stars like Amanda Bynes get those enviable wavy locks for the red carpet?  Getting a magnificent mane of cascading loose curls is a lot easier than you think, just follow these tips for picture-perfect hair.  --Angel

Wrap clean, dry strands around a large-barreled curling iron to create soft waves.   Use a working spray as you go to hold curls in place.  Try Paul Mitchell Express Style Worked Up Working Spray ($15), it'll give you long-lasting hold without the crunchy texture or dull buildup.

Stay flyaway-free by spritzing a glossing spray on your finished hair.  Ojon Shine & Protect Glossing Mist ($28) is ideal for all hair types and leaves hair incredibly shiny and nourished.

Already got waves?  If you're hair is naturally wavy or curly, simply spray damp hair with a product that will help to "reactivate" the curl pattern of your strands. Frederic Fekkai Luscious Curls Wave Spray ($20) contains marine botanicals to make hair flexible, plus special texturizing polymers that help hold the shape of curls without making them crunchy or tacky. 

Lash Out Loud: How to Apply False Eyelashes

Lashes are without a doubt one of the single most beautifying features on your face, and making them as lusciously thick and long as possible is a surefire way to get noticed.  This Homecoming, follow our super-easy steps to apply falsies and show up to the dance with dramatically gorgeous, fluttery, flirty lashes.  --Angel

Step 1: Pick the Lashes
Choose individual lashes for a subtle-yet-noticeable look.  You can add one or two or several if you choose, it's totally up to you!  Try Ardell Duralash Eyelash Kit ($4) -- it comes with 56 individual lashes (in case you mess up) that are permanently curled.

Step 2: Prep Your Glue
Squeeze out a blob of glue to dip your lashes in. Most kits come with glue, but you can also buy it separately. Shu Uemura (known around the world for their amazing eyelash curler) offers Eyelash Adhesive ($8.50) that is suitable for contact lens wearers.  Or try Love My Lashes Adhesive ($25.95) -- the formula is black, which will actually be invisible.

Step 3: Apply Lashes
Use a pair of tweezers to grab the tips of the lashes, then dip the bottom third into the glue, just enough to coat. Now press the lashes on top of your own so that they stick to your real lashes and your eyelid. HINT: Start at the outer corner of one eye and work your way to the middle.  It also helps to keep your eye as open as you possibly can.

Step 4: Finish
Make sure the glue is completely dry, then apply liquid eyeliner to your lashline (this helps to disguise any noticeable glue) and your favorite mascara (this helps the falsies to blend in with yours as well as hold them in place).  Try Almay Intense i-Color Liquid Liner in Black Pearl ($7) with Longcils Boncza Longcilclassic Cake Mascara in Noir ($30) for a deliciously glamorous result.

White On!

Who says you can't wear white after Labor Day? 

Guys, the fashion rules have changed (as if you ever followed them anyway) and wearing white after August is not only acceptable, it's an absolute must, just ask the King of Dapper, Sir P. Diddy! 

Here's how to steal his debonair look for Homecoming:  Keep it casual yet refined by pairing simple white jeans with a white oxford, then add a white cardigan, sweater vest, or sport coat.  Stunner shades and bling are optional!  --Angel

 

Left to right: American Eagle Short Sleeve Shirt, $34.50;   Heritage 1981 'Rick' Bootcut Jean, $35;  Smith & Tweed V-Neck Sweater Vest, $23

Left to right: Feathers Grandpa Cardigan, $49;  Old Navy Men's Oxford Shirt, $19.50;  Modern Amusement White Sands Blazer, $160

Try This: Animal Prints

Want to try something outrageously stylish for Homecoming? Go for bold in wildly chic, head-turning animal prints!  Choose a dress or just add cool accessories to give your Homecoming look an exotic twist. --Angel

A zebra-print clutch is the perfect addition to a solid-colored dress!  This one is so cute we're pretty sure you'll be using it long after Homecoming.
Zebra Clutch with Large Bow, $20

The sweetheart neckline; the bright red sash; the leopard print -- everything about this dress is so appealing flirty! 
Leopard Print dress by Flip, $198

Slip into a little black dress and these so-affordable slides for a show-stopping Homecoming look that's a cool mix of sweet and spicy!
Style & Co. 'Jules' Slide, $49

Choose from leopard or zebra print, then accessorize this girly little dress with loads of color!  Try red or cobalt for the leopard; yellow, fucshia, or teal for the zebra.
Animal Print Tube Dress, $21.50

If you want to keep the animal print to a minimum, these sassy suede shoes have just a touch of cow print, plus a peep toe to show off your pretty pedicure. 

Guess Footwear 'Banana' Pump, $115

WARNING: Serious Style Splurge Ahead...

This dress is so achingly gorgeous we could barely stand it!  Ultra-feminine details like tiers and cascading ruffles take on a rocker edge thanks to the exotic print.
Blumarine Animal Print Stretch Jersey Dress, $1,725

Bright Ideas

Up your style quotient with playful splashes of bright color in the form of cool accessories -- guaranteed to make your formalwear a bit more fun! --Angel

PINK

Clockwise from top left:  Fuchsia Flower Satin Peep Toe Pump, $19.99;   Ribbon Bow Fedora, $10.50;  Felix Rey 'Emma' Zip Top Clutch, $90;  Zad's Bangle Set, $15;   Glossy Plastic Hoop, $3.99;   Satin Rose Headband, $5

PURPLE

Clockwise from top left:  Opaque Tights, $15;  Ginger Lily Hairclip, $3;  Colorful Feather Earrings, $18;  Steve by Steve Madden 'Midory' Bootie, $110;  Bridle Degrade Clutch, $110;  Jeweled Choker/Headband, $8

BLUE

Clockwise from top left: Geneva Metallic Blue Studded Clutch, $50;  Ursula's Blue Cushion Cut CZ Cocktail Ring, $59.99;  Petite Headband w/ Bow, $4;  Stuart Weitzman 'Woodbow' Pump, $299;  Lucite Metal Bangle, $6.99;  American Apparel Sheer Pantyhose, $15

GREEN

Clockwise from top left: Green Rose Feather Rhinestone Hairclip, $28;  Nina 'Vitoria' Sandal, $79.95;  Zad Plastic Rose Ring, $8;  Jilly Rhinestone Watch, $17;  Bridget Lynn Designs Moss Agate Pendant, $125;  Fergie Brass and Green Vinyl Clutch, $26

YELLOW

Clockwise from top left:  Wood Disc Bead Earrings, $4;  Triple Flower Headband, $7;  Kenneth Jay Lane Yellow Ladybug Watch Necklace, $95;  Danni Yellow Clutch, $36;  Leatherock Skinny Double Wrap Belt, $60;  Old Hollywood Sunglasses, $9

Little Black Dress Lineup

The little black dress may be standard evening-out garb, but this season's most fetching LBDs are anything but ordinary!  Look for luxurious fabrics, feminine silhouettes, and dramatic details.  --Angel

Dresses with pockets!  Who doesn't love them?  They. Are. Absolutely. Divine!  This one is particularly appealing thanks to the flattering banded waist and V-neck.
Black Halter Dress with Pockets, $60

The jeweled neckline and waist make the classic silhouette of this little number a bit more festive, perfect if you want just a sprinkle of shine.
Love Tease 'Emma' Bubble Dress with Beading, $79

Organza flowers, ruffles, and a bubble hem give this dress such a sweet, girly feel, but it's still somehow edgy thanks to the rich jet black hue.
Max & Cleo Organza Bubble Dress, $116

Ruffled tiers on the front of this frock lend it a flirty 20s vibe.  Pair with long strands of pearls and wear a flower in your hair!
Juicy Couture Tiered Dress, $198

This silk and cotton dress is deliciously understated but the deep V-back adds a breathtaking touch of drama.
Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Back V Dress, $275

WARNING: MAJOR STYLE SPLURGE AHEAD...
The cutout scalloped neckline, bow detail at the waist, and darling puffed sleeves...this amazing dress is worth every penny!

Zac Posen 'Reglisse' Dress, $2,300

Homecoming Season is Here!

Homecoming season is upon us - are you ready?  Prom Advice is here to help!  We've got the scoop on where to find the most gorgeous dresses, hot beauty tips, cool suits for guys, and so much more!  Check back daily for updates!  --Angel