It’s graduation ball season, the most awaited time in a graduating student’s calendar. And this year, we’re taking the cue from classic trends and the red carpet.

Sophistication

From the 1947 “New Look” of Christian Dior and French tulle, to more modern sophisticated lace, sexy slits and bodysuits, we created key looks for your big night.

BLACK lace bodysuit with gold embroidered appliqué, Lhenvil Pineda (0927-5026601); earrings and chain bracelet ring, Forever 21; ring and clutch, SM Accessories; heels, Parisian

HIGH-COLLARED long-sleeved white gown with sheer cutout, Xioti Chiu (0916-3158367); clutch, earrings and ring, SM Accessories; heels, Parisian

Fully covered

Personify a very regal and luxurious look with this fully covered ensembles. With either a trailed bodysuit or a high-collared long-sleeved gown, you can embrace your inner conservativeness while going a bit sexy.

NUDE slit gown with gold sequined bustier and lace appliqués, Lhenvil Pineda; earrings, bangles and clutch, SM Accessories; heels, Forever 21

MIDNIGHT blue cap-sleeved silk-satin gown with embellished lace, sequined floral appliqués, thigh-high slit and standard train, Joma Bernardo (0933-1521761); earrings, bangle, ring and clutch, SM Accessories; heels, Forever 21

Femme fatale

A slit skirt is a common detail on the red carpet. Raise the level of sophistication by adding other details like lace, embroidery and sequins, for a look that’s both timeless and sophisticated.

RUFFLED sleeveless top and red pleated ball skirt, The Ramp; earrings, Forever 21; bracelet, ring and clutch, SM Accessories; heels, Forever 21

WHITE top and black skirt, The Ramp; earrings, Forever 21; bangle, clutch, necklace and ring, SM Accessories; heels, Forever 21

The ‘new look’

The 1947 “New Look” of Christian Dior consisted of ball and mid-calf length skirts, pointed busts and round shoulders. We recreated it by replacing round shoulders and pointed busts with sleeveless tops, but still maintaining that slightly small waist. These two pieces are surely within your budget.

DRESS used as top, Miss Selfridge; violet pleated full-length ball skirt, The Ramp; earrings, Forever 21; ring and clutch, SM Accessories; heels, Parisian

LONG-SLEEVED deep-v neckline lace bodice with ball skirt, Xioti Chiu; necklace, Forever 21; earrings and clutch, SM Accessories; heels, Forever 21

Enough skin

Too much skin is not appropriate. Show just enough with a sweet keyhole neckline, or go for a brave deep-v neckline. A bib or collar necklace is perfect for a deep-v neckline.

NUDE tulle ball gown with lace and gold-sequined bodice, Lhenvil Pineda; clutch and ring, SM Accessories; earrings, Forever 21; heels, Parisian

RED BALL gown in silk satin and chiffon with red cap-sleeved v-neck lace bodice with floral detailing and gold threading and a three-layer tulle skirt (worn underneath), Joma Bernardo; earrings, bangle, ring and clutch, SM Accessories; heels, Forever 21

French grandeur

Tulle is everlasting, and is widely used for formal occasions. A princess aura is exuded when one wears a tulle ball gown, especially with extravagant embroidery or appliqués. You can never go wrong with this look.

PHOTOGRAPHY PAM STA. CRUZ BELLA

HAIR MARK FAMILARA for L’Oreal Professionnel

MAKEUP DIANE LORENZANA

STYLING DARYL ANGELO BAYBADO