Take everything you knew about teenage style, fashion, and dress codes. Got it? Now throw it out the window. From the looks of the racks, prom is not the time to abide by any rules of fashion or, frankly, modesty. While prom dress shopping is a right of passage for any girl, and trying on magical gowns and flowing skirts is a dream, coming across some of the numbers out there is more of a nightmare for parents.
Parents are often put between a rock in a hard place as companies market more and more sexual clothes to younger and younger teenagers.
Here's a question you can tell your kids to ask: Is it a prom dress, or a Dancing With the Stars costume? That should be the number one way of vetting whether the dress is appropriate enough to rock in the school gym or should be shelved until her appearance on the ballroom floor with Derek Hough.
As you're gearing up for that exciting shopping trip, prepare yourself by first … by seeing all of the "don'ts."
*This post was originally published on our sister site, The Stir.
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*Images via Jasz Couture, Rissy Roo's, Jasz Couture
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Cleavage on cleavage
There's no way this one fits in with the school's dress code. Guaranteed. Don't think it's that bad? Don't worry, we're just getting started.
Cutouts for days
Ah, parents. Are you ready for the phone calls?
Barely there
Not much is left to the imagination, is it? But whatareyougonnado?
One step at a time
At least she opted for the longer sleeve here, right? That's a different take.
The trio
Because bondage and bustier are two facets you definitely want in a teen prom dress.
The asymmetrical look
Who can resist the mermaid look? Clearly not some retailers because this is a very real (and scary) prom dress.
Get it yet?
That's no joke. They really like ruffles, slits, and low-high cuts.
Feeling leggy
She could definitely pull an Angelina Jolie moment with this one.
Short & (not so) sweet
So many comments to make about such a little dress. Don't. Know. Where. To. Start.
What the WHAT?!
You have the chiffon, you have the cutouts, you have the bikini-style top. What else could you ask for?
Work the camera
If the beading, cut, and sheerness of the dress didn't convince you to stear clear for your sweet 16, the model's seductive pose should do it.
Is this even a dress?
No, that's a real question. Is that reallya dress? Can someone confirm
Opposite of boring
It has a beaded bodice and a feathered skirt. Sign us up, please!
Dress or lingerie?
Once we agree on the fact that this model is easily several years past high school, let's just acknowledge one thing: This is lingerie.
Must Need: Tape
Truly… that just looks like a nip slip waiting to happen.
Madonna?
Remind anyone else of the Queen of Pop? We're getting some cone bra flashbacks.
And again ...
But this one has a very mermaid feel, doesn't it?
Our eyes! Our eyes!
Let's play a game: Prom dress or nightclub outfit?
Not a dress
Honestly, it's just two pieces of bedazzled fabric. A dress? Absolutely not.
Indecent
That looks like a little too much exposure, don't you think? But wait until you take a look at the front. One bad move and people will get a much-too-close peek.
