The task of choosing what to wear to my Year 12 formal was perhaps one of the most torturous experiences of my life.
My body was… weird. Nothing fit. Even now, I’m not quite sure who fancy dresses are designed for, but they’re definitely not for me.
As if this period in a woman’s life isn’t traumatic enough, a school in the US recently gave a 21-slide presentation on ‘acceptable’ attire for prom, because, ladies, there are rules. And they are utterly ridiculous.
Listen: How young is too young for a school formal? We discuss, on our podcast for imperfect parents. Post continues after.
The guidelines are incredibly detailed, but here are some of the highlights (translated from formal Catholic-speak).
No cleavage, please.
Boylan Catholic School: “The neckline of a dress, top or gown must be cut in a modest way without showing cleavage. Spaghetti straps or strapless dresses are allowed, as long as they are not low cut.”
Translated: “If you have breasts, a physical feature over which you have no control, you must dress differently to people who have smaller breasts. Do not show your breasts. Seriously. They’re confronting.”
Top Comments
I don't think the guidelines are excessive. I think the problem lies deeper, the idea that while formal dress for men involves lots of layers and covering up as much as possible, formal dress for women is considered completely the opposite, the most conservative at least involves showing your arms and decolletage in a fitted bodice. And what happens if you are not OK with that. Formal = showing your body? Doesn't apply to men. What happens if the girls want to wear a suit?
My daughter's school ball had the same rules. You pay to go to that school, you abide by the school's dress code. Don't like it? Don't go to that school. Is it ridiculous? Of course it is!