I Didn't Go to Prom

Nov 2, 2020
2 min read

So I missed THE fashion moment of one's teenage years. Well, at least that's what I thought. Many people would probably say I missed a formative event of adolescence. Eh?

Yes, I did not attend prom. Somewhat because I never got asked. Mostly because I had a dance competition the same weekend. My teenage priorities were in check. I did not care that I missed out on "dancing" the night away in the school cafeteria. Nor did I care that I missed making memories with my peers. I couldn't care less about this beloved, teenage event. What I was sad to miss? BUYING A GOWN.

There are very few events in one's life that calls for a glamorous gown. Unless you are royalty or an actor during awards season, this garment doesn't really fit into everyday life. So I was bummed to have missed one of those few chances: the perfect excuse to spend money on a dress I'd probably only wear once. And it was for this reason and this reason alone I mourned the loss of prom.

Three years after graduating high school, I booked a contract with Holland America Line. As part of the ship's on board cast, my fellow performers and I had to adhere to a strict dress code. The cruise itinerary featured casual dress nights, semi-formal, and formal evenings for guests, which we too had to follow. For many this was an annoying part of living on ship: having to get dressed up to go get a slice of pizza from the guest buffet on the lido deck. For me, I saw it as my chance. Finally, I had to reason to buy some truly impractical, fancy gowns.

When I officially signed my first cruise line contract, I treated myself to a day of shopping. My mom and I headed to the nearest outlet mall and straight into BCBG. I reveled in the opportunity to find some glamorous pieces. And that I did. So much so, my bank called to make sure there was not fraudulent action on my card. THANKS CHASE NO JUST ME.

Getting dressed up to go out to dinner or watch a show aboard the ship was always a production. My roommate and I, crammed in our closet-sized cabin, would blast music and sit on the floor doing our makeup. With the smell of hairspray and hot curling irons in the air, we would zip each other into our embellished, stunning gowns feeling like a million dollars. I adored every minute of it.