you've come a long way, baby

when did prom dresses become cool? we've noticed lately that the teenagers of today are much more in-the-know than we were in our prime, and they're passing over the allure of glitz and glam that prom offers for more subtle--and fashionable--prom dresses. you won't see these familiar shapes coming out of a limo in may:

say goodbye to the poofs, polka dots and crinoline of the 1980s and 90s and welcome in a new breed of prom dresses that includes this striking striped number from one of our favorites, a.l.c. (below). there is one thing, however, that our generation will have that the fashion-savvy teens of today will not--priceless pictures of funny hairdos, beaded dresses and shiny satin pumps dyed to match the color of your dress.