Advice on how to shop sustainable for Prom

NORA LEVY sports editor

As Prom approaches, searching for the perfect dress is high on the list of steps to having the best Prom. However, the qualities of the perfect dress may be different for each attendee, as for some, sustainability is an important piece to consider.

To sustainably dress at Prom, a dressember.com article by Millie Vieira emphasizes two key tips: “1. Buy second hand 2. Buy from an ethical company.”

In a Sept. 1, 2022, article by Eva Astoul on sustainably-chic.com, a third method is mentioned, as Astoul recommends borrowing a dress from friends or relatives.

Locally, stores like Jodi’s Closet and Friendtique may have Prom dress options to choose from, while Plato’s Closet may have Prom dresses at a slightly more expensive price point if the shopper is willing to drive to Strongsville.

Buying from an ethical company may pose an added challenge as you must first determine which companies are sustainable. find something comfortable that you are okay with wearing for several hours. Try to avoid itchy fabric, sequins that scratch you, and clothes that are too tight.

Jasmine Owens of ethicalconsumer. org details seven ways a company can be unethical in a March 22 article. Though, Owens boils the idea of an ethical business down to four key principles: “Its commitment to the environment, how it treats workers and its human rights record, its policies regarding animals [and] how it acts towards democracy and the state.” If the company has questionable practices, the company may not be sustainable.

Finally, if a Prom attendee has an older sibling, cousin or other relative, it may be a good idea to check and see if they have any dresses that could be borrowed. Even if the Prom dress does not fit perfectly, it may be cheaper to get alterations than to buy a new dress. An alteration would also certainly be sustainable.

The WHS Prom is scheduled for May 13 and the theme is Masquerade.

Once you have found someone to go with and something to wear, it is time to make plans for the evening.

If you are going out to dinner, be sure to make a reservation as soon as you can. Most restaurants are usually pretty busy on Saturday night, and they will be even busier on the night of Prom, so making plans early will be helpful in the long run.

You should also decide whether or not you want to participate in the Grand March. It is not required, but it can be a fun way to show off your fancy attire and date.

Once you have you have made your plans for the night, it is time for the dance itself.

The most important thing to do is have fun. make sure to savor the evening and make lots of good memories.