By Ahlia Bethea ’13, Fashion Columnist

For most, if not all, Newark Academy students, schoolwork comes first, meaning that all social activities come second. With AP and IB exams in our midst, it’s no surprise that the added pressure of prom is causing some students to feel extremely overwhelmed. However, even with all the stress of getting into college and making sure you crack that 2000 mark on the SAT, kids at NA still find the time to enjoy prom and all the drama that comes with it. Whether it is the overwhelming amount of underclassmen who show up to share your special day or the limit that your parents put on your credit card when you go dress shopping, there is always something to make you stop and wonder, “Is prom really worth my time?” The general consensus is that prom definitely is worth your time. It’s a rite of passage and, no matter what drama it attracts, you have to be there.

Whether it is junior or senior prom, there is an unspoken code for everything from dress length to who you bring as a date. During the three years I have spent inside the brick walls of Newark Academy, the majority of prom-goers I’ve seen have abided by such rules. A feeling of conformity and lack of individuality was one of my first impressions as I gawked at prom candids posted across from Ms. Pursell’s geometry classroom as a freshman. As I’ve started to prepare for my own junior prom, the small sense of rebellion towards NA prom tradition has made the process extremely exciting for me and my peers. Aside from the fact that there will be a substantial amount of sophomore boys and girls in attendance at the junior prom, there are some major trends taking over the suit and dress scene.

Current couture runway trends such as asymmetrical skirts and open backs have been popping up all over the “Prom Dresses 2012″ Facebook groups.  Other trends such as warm weather white and lovely lace are also permeating the scene. With so many Spring trends represented, one has to wonder whether or not girls are consciously being trendy. When asked about her prom dress experience, Grace Thompson ‘13 said, ” I personally wasn’t given a budget. But when I walked into Bloomingdales with my mother, she made it clear that we would be shopping in the fanciest section.” Others such as Annabel Sharahay ’13 said her parents gave her a limit of around $200, but she was sure she wouldn’t even spend that much. With the prom being in cafeteria, many girls shared the same feelings. Junior Shreya Srivastava was very honest in her opinions towards the ticket price and location, “I don’t think people should have to pay $40 to go to the cafeteria. Where is all the money going?” Obviously trend setting was not a major priority for these ladies, but spending money in the right places definitely was.

All eyes are on ladies during prom, so what are the gentlemen doing to prepare for the big night? Do they have as much trouble finding a suit as girls do finding shoes? According to junior Nate Feinberg, they don’t. When asked to discuss his shopping adventures, Feinberg replied, “Harvey, my guy at Nordstrom’s picks out all my clothes,” and his parents did not explicitly give him a limit on how much he could spend. Although most guys don’t have personal shoppers, Nate’s nonchalant attitude towards suit shopping was almost universal among boys polled. The only thing that has made a big impression on boys this year is neckwear. A considerable amount of guys are opting for bowties over normal neckties. Even though few pair them with tuxedos,, the presence of a bold bowtie is still very important. The sudden interest in the dainty accessory appears to be spontaneous, but the ladies are definitely fans of the upgrade.

Being merely a junior, I do not have access to the senior’s prom looks just yet, but from what I’ve heard they will definitely be fabulous. Instead of settling for the extravagant dress that looks the most like it belongs at prom, senior girls are purchasing dresses that truly reflect their personal styles. Fashion isn’t only about following the latest trends; it’s about creating looks that express what you’re feeling on the inside. As the wonderful Yves Saint Laurent said, “Fashions fade, style is forever!”