Back left
Back right

Top 10 Prom Accessories

May 07, 2012

Picking the perfect dress is only part of the story -- the accessories can make (or break) a look. This year, we've picked the glitteriest, sparkliest, and most practical accessories that will bring out your sparkle and help you shine on your big night!

1. Crystal Swirled Tiara

Crystal Swirled TiaraCrystal Swirled TiaraCourtesy of Claire's

...Or any tiara, for that matter. With the Royal Wedding's first anniversary celebration in every fashion magazine, the princess look is very much at the top of everyone's mind when it comes to event wear. It's your prom night -- be a princess for the evening!




2. Knotted Teardrop Earrings

Knotted Chain EarringsKnotted Chain EarringsCourtesy of Payless

The teardrop style is all over celebrity magazines right now, and it's hot for good reason. Whether your hair is dark or light, long or short, they frame your face and reflect light on each side, highlighting your cheekbones and spotlighting your eyes. When choosing your jeweled accessories for the evening, pick a color scheme and stick with it. For this showcase, we chose silver and crystal. You could easily choose gold and emerald green, for example, or any other jewel tones and precious metallic colors you'd like.


3. Angel Wings ring

Angel Wings RingAngel Wings RingCourtesy of Shop Bijou

18-year-old American Idol finalist Hollie Cavanagh wore a ring lik this as she wowed crowds with her powerful voice on camera in front of millions of fans. Chances are she won't have time to go to her prom this year, but if she did, she'd probably wear this ring!




4. Bow Necklace

Paris Hilton Inspired Bow NecklaceParis Hilton Inspired Bow NecklaceCourtesy of

Paris Hilton made this simple bow necklace popular a couple of years ago and it hasn't gone out of style for good reason. A simple necklace that falls just below your shoulderblades makes your neck look longer and more elegant whether your hair is in an updo, is short (and spotlighted with a metallic headband), or tumbles gracefully down your back. Plus, the bow is like the topper on an elegant present - perfect for showcasing your many gifts. 



5. Ribbon Belt

Rhinestone Encrusted SashRhinestone Encrusted SashCourtesy of J. Crew

Express your style and make your dress unique by tying a sparkly ribbon belt at your waist. Color-blocking - wearing items that are a single, stand-out color - is very big this season, especially in prom dresses. Once you dress up your look with accessories, you may find your cinched waist is missing something. A ribbon belt helps break up that block of color, complement your accessories, and play up your waistline.





6. Stretch Bracelet

Enchanted Evening Stretch BraceletEnchanted Evening Stretch BraceletCourtesy of Claire's

Definitely opt for a bracelet instead of a watch (check your cell phone for the time, if you must, Cinderella) so you can enjoy the evening without constantly worrying what time it is. This wide, bold bracelet is stretchy, so it won't dangle and jangle up and down your forearm while you dance the night away. Light blue jeweled accents add to the glow and sparkle and break up the mass of silver detailwork on the bracelet. If you're planning on dancing a lot, don't go for bangles, which can be uncomfortable and make a lot of noise when you're moving around so much.


7. Jeweled Hairpins

Hair Jewelry PinsHair Jewelry PinsCourtesy of

The expression "gilding a lily" literally means dipping a flower in gold. What it means is that you're taking something naturally beautiful and going over the top in an effort to make it something beautiful in a completely different, artificial way. We don't want anyone doing that on their prom night! These jeweled hairpins are a subtly beautiful way of adding a little sparkle to an updo. Space them unevenly throughout dark hair and they look like stars in the night sky. Naturally dazzling, and not at all "too much".

8. Beaded Sequinned Clutch Purse

Sequinned purseSequinned purseCourtesy of

A handbag should be large enough to hold a cell phone, cash, an emergency credit card, touch-up lipstick, pressed powder (see below), extra bobby pins and safety pins, tissues, house keys, and touch-up makeup. It should be small enough to fit comfortably in your hand. And it should be attractive enough to accent your outfit. This antique style silver purse has the added bonus of hideaway straps, so you can carry it as a clutch, hold it on your wrist, or sling it over your shoulder. It's like a dressed up Girl Scout accessory -- you'll always be prepared!

9. Pressed powder oil absorbing sheets

Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing SheetsClean and Clear Oil Absorbing SheetsCourtesy of

Bringing out your inner glow has nothing to do with shiny skin! Stay camera-ready all evening with a set of oil absorbing sheets. The perfect size for guys' pockets or girls' purses, this tiny packet contains enough wipes for you and your companions for the evening. Take one out and discreetly dab your face where you usually look oily -- cheeks, nose, forehead, chin -- just before grand entrances and photo ops.





10. Dyeable Sparkly Shoes

Sari Dyeable ShoesSari Dyeable ShoesCourtesy of Zappos

These peep-toe shoes can show off your lovely pedicure and add a little height, but are still comfortable enough to dance in all night long. Best of all, they're not just sparkly, they're dyeable, too. Get them dyed to match your dress exactly and you'll really pull your look together in a beautiful, sophisticated way. No need to run around town with a swatch of your dress trying to match the color, or trying to figure out what color shoes go with your emerald green cocktail dress. Just have them dyed and you'll be perfectly in sync!



Have Your Say

Which accessories do you love for Prom? Share your thoughts below!