When you think of your prom, what comes to mind? A dress that’s fallen into obsolescence? A painful corsage pin? The date you pretended to like for the sake of a good picture?
Last Friday night at First Avenue, Minneapolitans paid for a night of nostalgia with the hits of the 1990s and 2000s at the Forever Young Prom.
There were, of course, some differences.
“I went to junior and senior prom and cried both nights,” attendee Crystalina Peterson said. She matched her date perfectly in a royal blue number. “I’m so thankful to be with someone respectful and amazing this time around.”
What else was different?
“Alcohol … and everyone came here to have a good time,” attendee Amanda Sylla said.
However, some things never change; fashion is still at the forefront.
Tickets were sold out by midnight, and the lucky patrons inside danced the night away to Kelly Clarkson. Here’s what some of them wore:
Derrick Johnson, 22
comedian
What he wore: “Danielle’s ex-boyfriend’s pants,” Maui shirt and Vans shoes.
Taking the ’90s theme to new heights, Johnson’s look was reminiscent of Travis from Clueless in the best possible way. While most partners put time into a matching prom ensemble, Johnson let creativity run wild with clashing metallics. Checkered Vans are nothing new, but Johnson’s pairing took the ensemble to the next level. The absence of black and white in the rest of the outfit allowed the pattern to pop.
Johnson may not be prom king, but prom jester seems more fun anyway.
Anne Putnoki, 27
Self-employed house cleaner
What she wore: Ragstock skirt and jewelry, Melissa shoes and TOBI shirt.
Out celebrating her golden birthday with twin sister Aline, Putnoki’s black top and gold tutu achieved the perfect balance of fun and refined. Melissa shoes, made with a plastic sole, allowed style without the hardness that comes with heels. The large beaded earrings are fabulous. A stud and ponytail pairing provide ample freedom for dancing.
Aline Putnoki, 27
Self-employed house cleaner
What she wore: Thrifted dress, Melissa shoes and homemade necklace.
The Putnoki twins prove that when it comes to a formal situation, there’s no better date than your sister. Sequin dresses are tricky to pull off — the fullness of the black adds enough subtlety to make it work, however. The classic spaghetti strap and tea-length silhouette can work for proms past, present and future.
A homemade ribbon choker is soft yet striking. The pop of pink in the shoes is unforgettable — perfect for a night to be remembered.
Will Massengill, 23
Freelance filmmaker
What she wore: Dad’s jacket from the ’70s, undisclosed shirt, pants and shoes.
The jacket: yellow and plaid. What more can be said?
“The first time I wore it was at my college graduation. My grandma pulled it out of her closet and asked me if I wanted it,” Massengill said. Obviously, he said yes. Massengill chose to keep his other pieces toned down. A neutral jacket and a classic brown leather shoe polish the look off nicely.
With style like this, “forever young” reigns.
