Formal Approach, a formal wear retailer with over 20 years of formalwear experience. This blog discusses prom dresses, party dresses, high end fashion, celebrities, and designers! Posts on the blog are written by our employees and are not necessarily the views and opinions of Formal Approach. We sell prom dresses, homecoming dresses, pageant gowns, shoes and accessories, men's tuxedos and formalwear. Our purpose is to use a blog to communicate website updates, sales and even promotions!


Shop online 24/7 at www.formalapproach.com to view one of the largest prom collections in the south!


Monday, July 25, 2011

Pageants See Green

Since Sherri Hill did a custom dress for Miss USA the green color has become one requested by formal goes of all types.  For many years emerald to hunter green was a color that only few requested.  Now emerald green is know as the new trendy color for homecoming, formals, prom and pageant.  Look for the elegant green color, like this one from Jovani 2012, to make a strong comeback as one of the most wanted for prom and pageant 2012.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Shoe Make the Match Perfect

To go with that over the top homecoming dress that will make you stand out on the field, don't forget to add the unforgettable shoes to go with it.  Look toward the fashionable shoes like these from Jovani.  A silver hill, feather detail, and a modified slim platform all make this shoe one that will be talked out by all.  So look for the bling with the shoe and not just with the jewelry.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Homecoming Dresses in Flirty and Fun

Homecoming dresses are becoming as important as prom dresses. The look, design, and fit all must be perfect for hitting the football field lights!  While most homecomings are still help outside during football season, the girls who are on the field have began to realize that you must stand out!  From beads and sequins, to layers and feathers, homecoming contestants are reaching for the look that they think will make them ready for anything.  We have to say it is about time. The dress is important just don't forget to add the perfect accessories to make your appearance as memorable as possible.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Prom360 App Perfect for Prom

The Prom360 app is Formal Approach's newest addition to its multimedia use of technology.  Keeping their prom and pageant shoppers abreast on the latest from the top prom designers in the country is the main mission.  View the entire collections of designers, share images with your friend via Facebook or twitter, check out the latest youtube videos, and more all at the finger tips of your smart phone.  Make sure you get it today so you'll be ready for Prom 2012!

Friday, July 15, 2011

Sherri Hill Readys for Homecoming and Formal Season



For Sherri Hill to let out the secrets of her 2012 collection would only be to compromise the cutting edge designs that we have come to expect over the past few years. However, there are clues that can be taken from the fantastic fall/homecoming designs that will soon be available in our retail stores.

The over the top “bling” is still (and always will be) a part of what we have come to expect from a top pageant designer and once again Sherri delivers the wow factor. She always knows how to make a dress stand out by being perfectly hued or stoned to catch every ray of light available. With this knowledge she set in to motion the large silver mirror beading that was the key part to the look of 1403. A sophisticated yet fun and flirty dress that sold faster than a retailer could stock.
Unique fabrication and design make the dress a Sherri Hill! And with that comes the dress that you stop, look at, think about, and then buy because it is perfect! From the return of sleeves, disco ball patterned paillettes sequins, lycra banding, metal mesh, and feathers you have an easy choice to make your entrance as jaw dropping as possible.

So we may not be able to show you the exact look you will be asking your authorized Sherri Hill and International Prom Retailer to see, but we can say from our experience and knowledge Sherri Hill will be a prom collection for 2012 that will be like no other. So get ready! A jaw dropping entrance will definitely be made by those who chose a Sherri Hill.

Friday, July 8, 2011

International Prom Announces International Promise Foundation

Being a member of International Prom Association makes us even more excited to help announce the newest initiative,  International Promise Foundation.  The foundation was created as a means of giving back directly to the concerns of our industry's social audience.  The first initiative of International Promise Foundation is the Black Tie kick off on Tuesday, August 16 for the USO, benefiting the teen outreach of the service men and women.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Homecoming: Sexy or Sophisticated

Should a Homecoming dress be sexy or sophisticated?  Well, the answer is up in the air.  Many designers are releasing Homecoming Dresses as short only but over the past few years we have seen the trending of selling as many long dresses as short ones for the normally football field event.  So what is the call?  Should Homecoming dresses by short or long, set or sophisticated just the answer will come through the  homecoming season for which we are gearing up to start!

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Sequin Hit the Runway!

Sequins hit the runway in high fashion over the past few weeks.  What does this tell us at Formal Approach? Get ready to see sequin for the 2012 prom season!  The sparkle and shine go back to the hot sequin trend of the early 90's in prom but the all over look definitely made a strong come back this year and we love it!  With better beadwork and stronger designs sequins once again have taken their place in the women's formalwear industry!

Friday, April 29, 2011

Prom on a Budget!

What is your prom budget?  Don't stress thinking you are not going to have a large enough budget, you night doesn't have to cost a fortune.  You just need to figure out what is important in order to know what to splurge on and what you can do without.  Do you really need your legs waxed, teeth whitened, a limo, or a a facial?  Not in order to look your best or arrive in style.  Think about things you can do yourself to make your night special and still be treated like royalty.  The things we do not suggest cutting corners on are the dress, jewelry, and shoes...we are not saying you need the most expensive but that these are the things that get you noticed and you want to be noticed for all the right reasons.  No matter what your budget just remember have a wonderful time and make great memories!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

The Prom Checklist

Once again it is time (or past time) for the prom checklist to be crossed off!  There is the dress, shoes, jewelry, accessories, flowers, etc.  Wow! could the prom checklist be any longer?  If you are OCD then every last detail must be checked off (maybe twice) and your list may go for pages.  However, the key details are what matters: dress, shoes, flowers, appointments if needed, and reservations.  With just these few of things you can have a great time at prom and dance the night away without worrying if you forgot to do something!  The key to prom is to have a good time, with friends as well as the boyfriend!  So go don't stress and have a wonderful time!

Monday, March 28, 2011

The New Moda Tuxedo is now In-Stock

Jean Yves has released the New Moda Charcoal Gray tuxedo just in time for prom and wedding season.  The Moda has already made a splash in the wedding industry by being featured in the 2010-2011 New Years Eve Wedding in Times Square.  Chosen by the audience for the groom to wear has made the look extremely popular.  Visit Formal Approach today to try on and chose the Moda for your wedding or special occasion.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Back In-Stock for Prom 2011

One of the top prom styles for 2011 is now back in stock in the amazing Bright Yellow color.  Limited Edition 4369 by Jasz Couture in available in sizes 2 through 12.  This modified a-line style has entr'acte beading and a gorgeous double  crossed back that has made it one of the top 10 prom dress styles of the season.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Sherri Hill on Idol

Well, maybe Sherri Hill was not there but one of her Amazing prom looks was.  Sherri Hill style 2532 made the Idol stage on contestant Hailey Reinhart.  The super sexy bandage and beaded short mini dress was one of the best looks of the night.  Pairing it with the platform peek toe pumps pulled this look together perfectly.  Sherri Hill style 2532 is currently available at Formal Approach in either the black or the white version.  Look for this popular style to be around for Homecoming in the fall also.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Stars in Designer Prom Dresses

From stars such as Snooki, Nicki Minaj, and Miranda Lambert the top prom designers are now dressing the stars for many public appearances and red carpet walks.  This means that you can look like a star for less than you would expect.  These stars are wearing gowns that are part of the regular prom/pageant lines of Sherri Hill and Jovani so wearing a celebrity dress can now be done without having to buy the knock off version.

Jovani


Lafemme
Sherri Hill
Jovani



Friday, February 18, 2011

Prints are still HOT!

Prints are still on the hottest trends on the red carpet and the prom industry has welcomed the trend by giving the prom shopper some of the best prints in years.  The options of printed dresses are endless!  Chose from a vivid paint splatter, a soft hued watercolor, beautiful blooms, a geometric edge, or deep hued peacock prints...you have the option.  From straight to ball gowns prints can be found in every style, you just need to decide which one suits your look!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Prom Shopping...Ready, Set, Shop!

Prom Shopping is ready to hit overload in the next few weeks.  With many styles already taken the current shoppers may be surprised that they are not as early as they think.  With shopping and buying officially beginning in December the February shopper is now running late to get the gown of their dreams for prom due to registry of the gown or the inability of manufacturers to receive that second supply of THAT DRESS by the prom date.  Not to fret though 1000 of possibilities are still available.  Just remember to shop open minded and you will find the dress that makes the perfect grand entrance!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Night Moves Dress featured on Access Hollywood

Night Moves has done it again with a beautiful emerald dress perfect to steal the look of the Golden Globes Read Carpet of Mila Kunis sheath.  The one shoulder, ruches bodice and slight flare skirt show the look of elegance that Night Moves has been showcasing and already shipping for Prom 2011!  Great job, Night Moves design team!

Friday, January 21, 2011

Jovani 7450 Restocked!

Been looking for one of the hottest dresses for Prom 2011.  This hard to find Jovani dress is now back in stock at our store in multiple sizes.  With vibrant colors and gorgeous styling, 7450, fast became one of the top prom dresses for 2011.  With an encrusted empire sweetheart neckline and perfect cut high low pick up skirt the dress is a head turner upon entrance.  Just one thing, if you get this dress make sure you add the perfect shoes, and Jovani even has their own line of great party shoes now.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Jewelry Still Over the Top!

The jewelry is still large this year!  A statement making look that will catapult a dress from average to unbelievable within seconds.  Double and triple stack the bracelets, large hanging chandelier earrings. and the way to large for your finger blinging ring are a must have to complete the looks for Prom 2011!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Falling Behind...

Well, guess you can say prom season is here!  We have fallen so far behind on our blog writing it is not even funny!  Formal Approach however wants you to know that they re ready for Prom 2011 with over 3000 prom dresses in stock, over 75 uniques styles of party shoes, and over 500 pieces of unique jewelry making us ready for the new season.  We now have extended hours to better serve you or visit us on line at www.formalapproach.com for our entire collection of top designer dresses.