Disney's PROM: The Style Files

With the Disney's PROM about to be released on Blu-ray and DVD, we catch up with Shoshana Ruben – costume designer from the film – to find out her top back-to-school fashion tips and fun style secrets!

Back to School Cool

Want to find out how to jazz up a school outfit? Want to stand out from the rest of the crowd in class? Follow Shoshana’s tips and you’ll be turning heads in no time…

• Be Different: “I think it’s always nice to push your boundaries with fashion and look for interesting pieces to spice up your school outfit. Look for a fun top with a nice texture or a nice pattern that you can wear with a pair of jeans. Be a little different and stand out from the crowd!”
• Denim Diva: “Denim is always popular, and right now is no different. There are lots of different styles of jeans, so experiment and find the perfect pair that suits your body shape. Maybe skinny jeans look great on you? Maybe flared jeans work better? Find your perfect fit and feel confident in them.”
• Layer Away: “It’s fun to layer outfits, especially as we head into the cooler months of the year. Wear a nice dress and put a denim jacket or blazer over the top. Wear a short dress and pair it with some tights or leggings. Layer up and have some fun!”
• Accessorize Wise: “If your school has a strict uniform policy, you can still have fun with fashion accessories. Take a look at your school rules and see if you can add a brooch or a pin to your blazer. See if hair ornaments are allowed, or find out if you can wear jewelry. A cute necklace or some funky bangles will add some fun to a regular uniform!”
• Comfort is Key: “When it comes to school clothes, comfort is key. You’re going to be wearing your outfit all day long, so make sure it’s comfortable. I don’t mean that you should always wear sweat pants to school, but it’s important that you look and feel good in what you’re wearing.”
• Bag it Up: “Every student needs a school bag, so pick the right bag that suits your personality. Do you want to take a regular backpack to school? Or maybe a colorful, oversized purse? Make sure your bag is practical because you’ve got loads of books to carry around, but have fun with it too.”
• Heels Off: “I don’t think it’s practical for girls to wear high heels to school. Nova wears cute ballet flats to school in Prom, and I think something like that is the perfect look. There are lots of sweet sneakers, flats and boots in stores, so pick something fun and comfortable. Don’t stress your feet with heels!”
• Boot Up: “I like to have fun with fashion, which is why I like to mix things that are a little unexpected. If you’re going to wear a cute floral dress, why not team it up with a pair of combat boots or cowboy boots? Add something different to a really feminine outfit to make a fun fashion statement.”

Party On!

Heading out to party but don’t know what to wear? Don’t panic! Shoshana has the answers…

• Hit the Shops: “I think it’s really difficult to buy a party dress online. If you want to be certain that a dress fits you, you’ve got to try it on. Everyone’s body type is different and it might look great on your friend, but completely different on you. Head to the mall and try on everything you like. Happy shopping!”
• Individualize an Outfit: “Make an outfit more individual by taking the time to add the right shoes, jewelry, bag and accessories. Add a scarf, a necklace or some earrings. Or look at different hair ornaments, like something with feathers or something that sparkles.”
• A Bag of Tricks: “Going somewhere special after school, but don’t want to wear your party heels all day long? Save your sore feet by popping the heels into your bag. Wear your comfy flats all day long, and then change into your party wear later!”
• Choose the Right Color: “Not everybody looks good in every color, so experiment and find the color that suits you. It’s important to feel comfortable in what you’re wearing, so if you’re not a pink person, don’t look for a pink dress just because it’s the hot color of the season. Colors are fun, but only if you feel confident wearing them.”
• The Little Black Dress: “Don’t worry if you only feel comfortable wearing a black dress to parties. There are a number of ways you can jazz up the outfit… Add a sparkly scarf or slip on some colorful shoes. Take a big bright bag or wear some colorful, bold lipstick. You can’t go wrong matching any color with black, so have fun and see what you come up with.”
• Look Around: “If you’re trying to find the perfect party outfit, look for inspiration on the red carpet or in fashion magazines. See what your favorite stars are wearing to premieres and parties, and then mimic some of their ideas.”
• The Show Blues: “Think twice about wearing heels to a dance party because you don’t want to spend the night in pain. There are plenty of ways to find dress-up shoes that look just as cool and funky as high heels. Ballet flats and ankle boots can be just as fun!”

DIY Diva

Check out Shoshana’s do-it-yourself fashion tips with a difference…

• Button Up: “A fun and inexpensive way to change the look of your blazer or cardigan is to head to a fabric store and buy some new buttons. Ask an adult for permission before you change anything in your wardrobe, but then have some DIY fun!”
• Customize Your T-Shirts: “There are hundreds of ways to customize a T-shirt. Write a slogan on the front with a bright fabric pen. Add some ribbon down the side. Change its shape by cutting the neck or sleeves. Write a word in sequins around the bottom. Experiment and do something unique!”
• Add Some Sparkle: “Freshen up old outfits in your wardrobe by adding glittery rhinestones or sequins to the pieces. Get creative by adding a little sparkle to bags, shoes, jeans, tops, skirts… Anything will work!”
• Match Away: “A belt is a fun accessory that will immediately change the look of an outfit – and it doesn’t have to cost much at all. Why not put a colorful piece of ribbon around a black dress to inject a dash of color? Wear a matching piece of ribbon in your hair or match the ribbon’s color to a pair of shoes. Mix and match, and have fun!”
• Don't Forget the Trim: “Head to a fabric store and buy some trim to add to a shirt, skirt or jean jacket. Add some fun detailing, or a funky patch. A lot of patches are iron-on now, so you don’t even need a needle and thread!”
• Be Adventurous: “My biggest piece of fashion advice is simple: Have fun with your wardrobe. It’s okay to be a little adventurous, but feel what’s right for you and see what works on your body. Play around, have fun and find styles that suit you!”

PROM is Available on Blu-ray & DVD August 30, 2011!