Despite the fact that in the US, formals are referred to as “proms”, the basic concept is the same: Glam yourself up and stand around for some awkward photography which will no doubt come back to haunt you later in life.
If you can get through this gallery without giggling, you deserve a medal. (Post continues after gallery.)
Our favourite celebrity formal photos
When I think back on my school formal days my mind gets tangled in a sea of tight, unflattering hairstyles (with or without butterfly clips), heavy silk taffeta and beaded evening bags.
Related: “My surprising secret weapon for looking youthful and well-rested.”
It was the late 1990s/early 2000s; a time that was unkind to so many of us.
By my Year 12 formal, we had all made the decision to come dressed as the classy debutantes we knew we always were. There was a LOT of bead action happening. It was also a (horrible) time before bronzer. Most dresses were modelled on celeb fashion at the time, so it's refreshing to see that even those we idolised had their weak moments when it came to formal fashion and beauty.
Related: The disturbing side effect of dry shampoo no one tells you about.
