Monique Petty Ashmeade 
If you’re anything like me, you may have planned ahead for prom, meaning you purchased your dress already because you wanted to get the cutest one for the best deal. I guess this is a time where planning ahead may have backfired, but it’s okay. Prom may not be happening in person for the class of 2020, but that doesn’t mean you can’t rock your dress. Here are some ideas on how to rock and revamp your prom dress and make the most of this situation.
At-home Prom
This has become the new norm for now. I know I’m not the only one who’s parents have told them: “You’re wearing that dress, prom or not.” Well, prom can still happen! Just hang up some streamers and balloons, turn up the music, hit up your friends via zoom or another source and have the virtual time of your life. At-home prom may be the most inexpensive and fun way to celebrate. You can even get your fam in on the fun.
Prom Dress Photo Shoot
Many of us have come to the conclusion that people are going to see our dress. What better way to do that than to stage a prom photo shoot where you don’t have to have a professional photographer just grab your phone, makeup that face, do your hair, and have your family members snap shots of you being the baddie that you are. Get creative and have fun. When you’re done, post the photos to your social media and wait for the likes to come streaming in.
Change It Up
Okay, there are creative ways to recycle your prom dress. Depending on how the dress is made, you can have it tailored to give it a whole different look. You can shorten the hem, cut off the sleeves, or dye it a whole different color. The possibilities are endless! The only thing that matters is that you get some wear out of it. And who knows, it may come in handy for another formal event in college.
Save / Donate
If the quarantine ends by the summer (fingers cross), maybe you can plan to have a small get-together with your friends that will serve as your makeshift prom. If that’s the case, you will want to save your dress until then. You can also save your dress for a family member or friend who will be having prom maybe a year or two from now. Why not help them save money and hand down your lovely dress. If you’re feeling really generous you may even want to donate your dress to your local Salvation Army or Goodwill.
Whatever you decide to do, just know that you have options to help make the best of this situation.
By Monique Petty-Ashmeade, Senior, Brooks College Prep
Twitter: @writerinthedakr
