Make your matric ball a night to remember

It’s finally time to start planning and thinking about your matric ball dress, and, of course, here are some wonderful rules to help you look picture perfect from head to toe.

Trends this year: crop tops are all over the runway as well as the red carpet. What I love about this is that you can wear this top again with a high-waisted skirt, and you’re not just stuck with it just for the matric ball.

Embellished dresses with clusters of embroidered flowers are in. Sheer mesh material that looks like a second skin, with delicate embroidery is a huge trend as it creates that illusion. Petals, bold floral prints are in, so don’t be afraid of these prints. Lace is still everywhere.

Start your matric dance accessories quest with your dress appointment. Once you’ve gone for a consultation, you will have a clear view on the perfect colour for you. This will dictate what accessories you will need.

The colour of your shoes will depend on the colour of your dress. Remember to choose heels you can actually walk in, and practise in them well before your dance.

Gone are the days where you have to match your clutch with your shoes.

Any colour clutch goes with a nude heel, depending on how adventurous you want to be – red clutch with a black dress.

Don’t overdo the bling. If your dress is heavily embellished, keep your accessories simpler and vice versa. If you have a simple dress, go big with earrings, or a neck piece teamed with a more detailed clutch.

Step out of your comfort zone. Seldom do you get to dress up in a beautiful evening dress, so make the most of your matric dance.

Go for chandelier type earrings, even though you normally wear small studs or rock an ear cuff (cuffs are a big trend right now).

Don’t be afraid to be different, you are unique after all. If you have always wanted to wear an intricate head chain or head band, then wear it. Choose a hairstyle and dress that complements your head accessory.

Wear an elegant cuff, bangle or bracelet making sure it will not hook onto the fabric of your dress.

Be trendy and wear a hand chain. Remember only one chain at a time. If you are wearing a head chain, then don’t wear the hand chain.

Statement rings pop your matric dance manicure. Don’t be afraid to show off your beautiful nails.

A lot of effort goes into preparing for that perfect look – but that’s part of the fun, right?

Whether you’re going for a long princess gown, a fitted mermaid cut, a plunge neckline, which is a low cut out around the bust area, or something just a little bit different, you don’t want to go too showy, as it’s a school event.

Some of the dresses out there are a little revealing, but remember to keep it classy. You’ll have more than enough options for the biggest night of the year.

* Visit www.ronelda.com, follow her on Facebook at Ronelda Rhode Personal Styling / Bridal Wear, follow @StylebyRonelda on Instagram or @StylebyRonelda on Twitter.

If you have fashion-related questions or think you have a talent for putting together outfits, you can email fashionfundi@inl.co.za

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