Formally Speaking

Taffeta, satin and sequins for the girls; pegged pants and fancy cummerbunds for the guys.

These were the fashions most prominent at Brea-Olinda High School’s winter formal dance Dec. 9 at Plaza de Cafes in Newport Beach.

Most of the dresses were strapless or spaghetti-strapped, and almost all were cut above the knee. Some girls went for metallic golds, silvers, blues or greens. Popular colors tended to be the darker ones--black, royal blue and jade--though some opted for pastels. “I like the pink dresses,” said Archana Hardas, a Brea-Olinda junior.

Velvet was still the most desired fabric, though only a few actually wore dresses made of it. “Velvet dresses with ruffles, either sleeveless or with big sleeves, are nice,” junior Chrissy Barlet said. “But there is a limit to the ruffles, as nobody likes too many frills and bows.”

Senior Wendy Winslow said the fashion key was to keep it simple. “Tight, short dresses are in, but they have to be simple,” she said. “Wear a lot of accessories.”

For guys, it was much easier: Black tuxedos and patent leather shoes. Of course, bow ties and cummerbunds had to match the girl’s dress.

“Most wore short, fitted jackets rather than long ones,” junior Ray Jordan said. “Though some did show up in tails.”