HIS & HERS: Unexpected Prom & Special Occasion Looks

Truthfully, unlike how the TV shows and movies taught me, prom was not the night that they had described. It was a lot of awkwardness, failed promposals, an inability to match my date’s suit, and all in the middle of exam season. Nevertheless, all of the crazy high school shenanigans aside, one thing was definitely a highlight – my dress, and shopping for said dress.

In classic young-fashionista fashion, it took me months to settle on the right one. And when I did, I had my mom bring me to a seamstress to customize it with a cape-like-train. It was a thing friends, it was a thing (haha). I just felt like there wasn’t something edgy or bold enough to match the statement I wanted to make leaving high school.

But nowadays, I look around me and there are SO many incredible styles and variations. Every body shape is celebrated, sparkles are an option, not mandatory, and the ability to create the perfect look for your prom (or even just a special occasion) is so much easier. What’s even better is that the pieces are so re-wearable, they won’t get dusty in your closet (guilty!). In light of a lack-lustre prom, Dave and I wanted to recreate a little prom moment and are doing so with one of our favourite home-malls

(just a quick subway ride over to the east end), Scarborough Town Centre. When we arrived at Scarborough Town Centre, we were skeptical on what we would be able to find; but the sheer variety of stores in the mall made getting inspired so easy. It definitely helps that their food and play scene is equally as inspiring though. We may or may not have stopped by Cacao 70 for brunch and got our VR on in between shopping.

It’s like hitting up a one-stop-shop (literally) – for a fun day of shopping, eating, and playing.

Whether you’re getting ready or inspired for prom (for the record, I’m jealous) or are just prepping for a wedding or special occasion this season, here are 4 looks for you (and your special someone) to look fly AF (with all the details of where to scoop them up):

SET 1

FLORAL GARDENS

There’s nothing that makes me feel like more of a princess than a pretty floral dress with tulle. I’ve been loving this modernized version with just the right amount of sparkle and embroidery. It’s the perfect blush pink to be worn right through the season and for years to come. Throw in a flower crown and have your partner compliment in a bold sky-blue to create the perfect floral garden pair. And peep that pink sweater on Dave. Who said matching had to be cheesy?

ON MEL:
Floral Crown – H&M
Embellished Dress – Topshop, Hudsons Bay Company
Shoes – Le Chateau

ON DAVE:
Powder Blue Blazer and Pants – H&M
White Collared Shirt – H&M
Fuschia Pullover – H&M
White Sneakers – Le Chateau

SET 2

SUNSHINE, MY ONLY SUNSHINE

Like the ray of sunshine in his day that you are – this yellow off-shoulder piece is a perfect transition piece from prom to special event. Comfy, versatile, and so affordable. Dress it up with a sparkly statement necklace and have your man decked out in florals (because he’s confident like that, right?) with a pop of that yellow sunshine.

ON MEL:
Statement Necklace – Forever 21
Yellow Maxi Dress – Forever 21
Shoes – Le Chateau

ON DAVE:
Maroon Blazer and Pants – Zara
Floral Shirt – Zara
White Sneakers – Le Chateau

SET 3

WEAR THE BLUES AWAY

Blue will always be a royal colour and who doesn’t want to look like the royal couple on prom night, right (helloooo Meaghan Markle)? This sparkly number with a mesh front panel is just sassy enough to match Dave’s full-on checkered suit. We all love a man who can rock the same print as a table cloth, right?

ON MEL:
Statement Earrings – H&M
Blue Dress – Top Shop, Hudsons Bay Company
Shoes – Le Chateau

ON DAVE:
Checkered Blazer and Pants – Zara
White Shirt – Zara
White Sneakers – Le Chateau

SET 4

PASTEL GASTBY

Gatsby was romantic, heartbreaking, and absolutely memorable… kind of like high school right? Channeling our favourite era in this surprising slinky number with a contrasting head wrap – comfy and re-wearable? Check! And Dave did not get away from florals this time either.

ON MEL:
Yellow Headband – H&M
Sequin Earrings – H&M
Teal Dress – Top Shop, Hudsons Bay Company
Shoes – Le Chateau

ON DAVE:
Grey Blazer and Pants – Top Shop, Hudsons Bay Company
Floral Shirt – H&M
White Sneakers – Le Chateau

We hope you liked these outfits as much as we loved pairing them together. Scarborough Town Centre made it so easy to put these looks together all in one spot. With shops like Zara, Forever 21, Browns, Le Chateau, Hudson’s Bay (and killer food spots like Cacao 70 and Kwan), you’ll be ready for prom or that special event in no time.

And don’t forget, prom is full of surprises – sometimes good, sometimes ones you just learn from. But at the end of the day, it’s your prom and it’s a memory that lasts a lifetime. I hope you’ll surprise it (or perhaps fellow guests at a special occasion event) with something bold… one that says, hello world – I’m here to make a statement!

mel inspired