Thursday, April 25, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.
Coming soon to a dance floor near you: lots of sequins, chiffon and brocade. It's the stuff this year's hottest prom fashions are made of.
From form-fitting sheaths and short chiffon skirts to classic double-breasted tuxedos, this season's looks are highlighted by glitz and glamour.
Sleeves are out and high necks are in for the ladies. Bow ties are getting wider, guys, as high-cut tuxedo vests quickly replace cummerbunds.
"Today's teen is a more sophisticated shopper. They really want to look like they're getting dressed up," says Wendy Duncan, manager of David's Bridal in Las Vegas, where all styles of prom dresses are flying off the racks.
A sampling of fashionable formal wear was on display at Cimarron-Memorial High School recently during its third annual "Pre-Prom Fashion Show."
Hosted by the school's DECA chapter, a national association of marketing students, the show raised about $700 to send eight club members to Orlando, Fla., Friday to compete in the organization's National Career Development Conference.
The fashion show was an opportunity "to give the kids knowledge on how to put together a professional and organized event," says Cimarron's DECA adviser, David Philippi.
Not to mention a sneak peek at potential prom duds. Philippi and 15 students served as the show's models, striking poses on a catwalk set up in the school cafeteria.
Look for lots of thin, spaghetti-strapped, open-backed dresses this year. Also big: long, revealing slits in ankle-length gowns.
On the other hand, mini dresses -- especially flouncy chiffons with high, empire waists -- are cute when worn with retro patent-leather clogs or strap shoes.
"Those are really fun looks that can be worn again," says Duncan, figuring most girls spend between $80 and $200 on their prom dresses.
Cimarron freshman Lindsay Brenner went for a more traditional design, though, from the Jessica McClintock designer line.
"It's long, it's black, it's got a slit up the side and it's really, really tight," and it cost only $100, she explains. "My mom said, 'It makes you look really skinny.'"
Though Crystal opted for classic black, most prom goers are clamoring for color -- iridescent blues and purples, emerald greens and rich golds -- accented with sparkling beads, rhinestones and sequins.
The trend is carrying over with the guys, too, who plan to accessorize their designer tuxedos (Christian Dior and Oscar de la Rente among them) with multicolored and embroidered vests and 2-3-inch-wide bow ties.
"The guys still want to match what their dates are wearing and the colors of the dresses are a lot of jewel tones," explains Mikka Moon, owner of Tuxedo Junction on West Sahara Avenue, where students can rent complete tuxes for $35 to $65.
Pointy collared shirts are out; mandarin or banded (round) collars are in, as are white jackets over black slacks.
"A lot of the dresses that the girls are choosing are black, so for pictures ... it's a nice contrast for the guys," Moon says.
That's what senior Chris Todd plans to sport at Cimarron's prom in the Heartland Mansion next weekend. "I'm wearing the James Bond tux. He wears the white jacket in the old movies," he says.
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