Black Prom Dresses

The 3:1 Ratio

E-Shopping to find the perfect formalwear selection amidst countless black prom dresses can be as simple as calculating ratios. Or, not. For those e-savvy shoppers, check out suggestions offered by E-How's editor (linked below), where you can find several tips for following the 3:1 ratio: "three parts conservative to one part racy."

Try selecting a smooth, silk crepe version of a figure-clinging gown, interrupting a lack of attention by a traffic-stopping slit up the side. The slit poses a reverse V-shaped statement—especially eliminating any awkward prospects for seam-splitting scenarios on the dance floor at prom. First, you visualize your partner swooning directly over you while you're suddenly thrown into an unprovoked tryst designed to simulate the game of limbo. Not only does it take your breath away; you'll be so glad that the grunge culture popularized in the 1990's is behind you now, and that your combat boots came off—not your Christian Louboutin black leather sandals, now leading off in a vertical pose with toes pointed forward. Next, while you're letting your imagination run wild, remember that it isn't a costly fashion factor so you can indulge yourself for now. However, bowing to every last fashion trend can surely "knock your socks off." That is why I am suggesting that you capitalize on the knowledge inherent in the classic "little black dress" formula for success, also known as LBD.

The Little Black Dress Formula

Often worn with a short skirt, the little black dress is an evening dress, originally popularized by the French fashion designer from the 1920's, Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, better known as "Coco" Chanel. Chanel was the only person from the 20th Century fashion designers on TIME Magazine's list of 100 most influential people. Reportedly, she told an interviewer with Harper's BAZAAR that simplicity was "the keynote of all true elegance.' It was the hallmark of Chanel's designs to keep clothing simple and comfortable, both trademarks of "the flappers" in The Roaring 20's. To her credit, Chanel elevated the little black dress for its ability to be dressed up-or-down, whether for day and evening wear. In 1926, Vogue Magazine published her picture of a calf-length, simple version of the little black dress designed to be straight with few diagonal lines. Vogue equated the LBD with Ford's Model-T automobile and its appeal to all social classes, calling it: "Chanel's Ford."

Understating the Famously Obvious: Lessons from Ho

Simple elegance in black prom dresses can parlay the Chanel style, as many women came to appreciate in the 1960's by watching the glamorous Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in the movie, "Breakfast at Tiffany's." Designer Hubert de Givenchy created the dress worn by Audrey Hepburn as a simple black sheath, accessorized simply with pearls.

Something about the simplicity of black allows a girl to magnify key assets and to downplay her imperfections. Try on several styles to see whether a little shoulder, cleavage or your back is worth showing off. Subtlety is the strength of this fashion statement. It's one smart lesson to shift attention from the dress to yourself—a talent "the little black sparrow" perfected, who was otherwise known as the French folk artist, Edith Piat. Piat learned to keep her audience focused on her singing, rather than on her appearance, while dressed in black.

How to Accessorize your Black Prom Dress

Remember to apply the 3:1 Ratio rule. You can look sexy in your black prom dress and dramatize the look by wearing accessories. A long strand of pearls roped overhead can bring out the elegance in the locus of your presence. Or, try rolling on fishnet stockings, while donning an exotic pair of leopard pumps and matching clutch purse. Also, gold-toned accessories can carry the night: accentuate your black gown with a bold buckle, large-hooped earrings, or a curious hairpin decorated with a delicate set of red, rose-petals. Don't forget the matching ruby-red lipstick or deep tawny-brown hues for those with darker complexions. However you choose to accessorize, remember understating is the rule when dressing with black, to add to the elegance of the occasion.