Dress shopping, ticket sales and talk of promposals, all clear signs that prom season is upon us at CHS. Hosted at the Washtenaw Golf Club in Ypsilanti, the dance is attended by upperclassmen and their guests. The party kicks off at 7:00 p.m. and ends at 11:00 p.m., yet weeks, if not months of preparation go into the four-hour event.
Considered a “formal event”, conventional prom attire includes a long gown, suit, or tuxedo. To accessorize, students pair their clothing with dress shoes, high heels, and commonly a set of nails to match.
As the prom attendees get dolled up for the dance, we’re putting a spotlight on some of the glamorous manicures CHS students are accessorizing with. From the newly-trending ombré nails to the classic French tip, these are the various ways the guests are showing up in style.
Maura O’Connor shared insights into her prom fashion choices, highlighting how personal preferences and comfort influenced her decision for her nails. “I did a brighter pink because I wore a black dress, and also just because one of my favorite colors is pink. I was like, I feel like it’ll add a pop of color,” said O’Connor. She stated how the choice reflected on her individuality, as she aimed to enhance her outfit with the vibrant accent.
Her footwear selection further emphasized her accessory choices, explaining, “I wore heels for pictures, but to the dance I chose to wear my pink Nike dunks. They were a choice that matched my nails and I thought it would be the perfect addition of pink to my outfit.” O’Connor states her nail art mirrors her overall thoughts on fashion, simple yet expressive. Typically sticking to neutrals or just a simple polish instead of going for designs, she chooses to maintain a cohesive aesthetic that complements her attire.
While going in a similar, neutral route, Sofi Das shares how going to prom became a spur-of-the-moment decision. “I didn’t decide what dress I wanted until the very last minute. So I didn’t know what kind of nail I wanted,” said Das. “I decided to go kind of neutral, something that would go with everything. So I decided to do a real sad white but added a chrome over it, which really made it pop more.”
While deciding on the nails last minute, Das ended up matching with fellow friends Ava Griffith, Meredith Bell, and Eleanor Farrell. “Addie McCreadie ended up doing all of our nails. Some of my friends have gotten their nails done by her and she genuinely was really good at it,” explained Das. “It didn’t have time for an appointment so I ended up just going to her and they ended up lasting for four weeks. I definitely recommend her!”
As prom night becomes a distant memory, CHS students are reflecting on the style, creativity, and personal touches that made the evening so memorable. From bold colors to subtle neutrals, each manicure added a unique flair to the overall look, tying together outfits and reflecting personal taste. With students looking back on the night, it’s clear that these small but striking details helped make prom truly unforgettable.
