Rock The Formal is quickly approaching. With any event, the perfect outfit is a must. Finding that outfit can be a challenge, but with a couple of tips and tricks you won’t have to sweat it.

“Last year to spring formal, I wore a black shirt and black pants and a silver tie with a gold tie bar,” said junior Andrew Cano.

“For this year, I plan on wearing CLU colors with a dark purple shirt and a gold tie and black pants.”

Sophomore Paige Rios is sticking with a timeless little black dress.

“I was planning on wearing a classic black cocktail dress. It’s easy to match shoes and accessories with black, so I don’t have to buy a completely new outfit,” said Rios.

Since the formal is in Los Angeles, a cocktail dress or a short dress is a great option for gals to wear. Slacks and a button up is an appropriate outfit for guys.

Accessories and shoes are also important details when it comes to completing your outfit. The perfect accessory, such as a small clutch, can add that extra little touch, turning a good outfit in to a perfect one.

“I’m wearing neon pink platform pumps that I already own with my black dress, just to give it a little color. Plus neon is popular right now,” said Rios. “I usually wear platform pumps because I’m short, and they give me a little boost.”

Another option, instead of heels for gals, is a ballet flat or a gladiator sandal. Dancing in heels all night can be a painful experience, especially if you’re not used to wearing them. Flats and sandals are always a smart and stylish alternative.  This year’s formal has a more casual vibe, so heels aren’t an absolute must.

The typical college-student budget limits what formal wear you can purchase, but that doesn’t have to affect your style. Staying within budget is usually a must for most students, especially for an outfit that you might only wear once.

“Whenever I need an outfit for an occasion I’m going to once, I try to spend as little money as possible,” said sophomore Alexis McCullough.

There are a lot of stores in the area where you can find budget-friendly outfits that work for formal events, for both guys and gals, so you don’t have to break the bank to look great.

“I like to go to Forever 21, Bebe and Windsor when I’m shopping on a budget for more formal dresses,” said McCullough. “I can usually spend less than $50 to get a new outfit for the night.”

The outlet mall in Camarillo is also a great option when trying to find a budget-friendly outfit. There are many great stores to choose from for both guys and gals, including Charlotte Russe and Guess.

If you don’t have time to make it to Camarillo, try The Oaks mall.

You can always take an outfit you already own and add new shoes or a tie to create a new look. Always look through the sales rack; you never know what you might find for a discounted price.

Some stores, such as Topshop, offer student discounts when you show your school ID, so don’t hesitate to ask if the store you’re at offers that, too.

Most important, have fun picking out your outfits and expressing yourself.

“I like to go shopping with my friends, which is helpful because they help me out by picking things out for me to try on,” said Cano. “We go to Men’s Warehouse and head straight to the sales rack to get the best deals.”

Lindsey Walton
Staff Writer
Published April 17, 2013