Eco Fashion World

The limo, tuxes, gowns, and sparkling decorations spell glitz and glamour for many high school students. Some teens, though, are turning prom into something more than a night of conspicuous consumption. From paperless e-vites to proceeds donated to charity in lieu of overdone disposable décor, these rites of passage are becoming more socially conscious. The website Teens Turning Green , is hosting a Project Green Prom that supplies valuable tips for greening festivities, and features students winning eco-friendly gifts from eco-fashion sponsors like Bahar Shahpar and Lara Mille.

The average girl spends $500 on prom gear that likely will languish in a closet for a while before getting tossed. Buying vintage or creating a DIY concoction à la Pretty in Pink has been an option for modish prom goers for years; luckily, there are more ethical options than ever. Sophisticated, timeless styles in go-to black (see an elegant column gown from Beau Soleil) are winning out over blinged-out Cinderella concoctions. A cocktail length dress like a coral silk number from Amana will leave prom-goers with an option that can be worn again and again, transformed with accessories to suit various events in the years to come making prom truly the first step to chic partying.

Convertible dresses are likewise smart bets, and surprisingly formal from AngelRox. Opting for smaller labels like ethical brand Stewart and Brown for a party dress ensures there will be no “she’s wearing my dress” worries for the big night. Floor length styles from EDUN and floaty pastels by Rene Geneva  become un-fussy. And for those who want to dress to the nines, shopping the bridal section of eco icons like Deborah Lindquist can yield one of-a-kind results.

Shoes and jewels aren’t left out from the ethical treatment. Recycled bling from Kezha Hatier saves resources, and Fair Trade sourced Hovey Lee pearl earrings ensures guilt-free gilt. Dancing shoes like gilded sandals from Neuaura finish outfits for the cruelty-free crowd, or wear your heart on your shoes with Melissa slingbacks. Clutches from repurposed leather marry vintage ethics with right now glitz.

The ultimate prom accessory is, of course, a corsage—eco-minded prom attendees should remind their dates to buy local, organic, fair trade blooms from businesses like Veriflora and Whole Foods. And share that ride! Trust us, you’ll have more fun.

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