Prom season is upon us, but perhaps you could see this on your own from the hoards of dresses in all department stores, or the pictures filling social media. I have long past the age of attending prom, graduating over two years ago now. I went to one prom, as a senior and it was fun, however I do not hold great nostalgia for the night like some do, and do not romanticize it like media portrayals. It was simply a fun night, and a good way to kick off the end of high school.

Though I may lack a certain excitement in reminiscing about prom, I do not lack excitement in remembering my old dress. It was perfect (for me). A black ball gown with gold sequins; it made me feel like a million dollars. I remember walking through prom, and like most girls at that age, I compared myself to others, but I did not feel any competition because my dress was right for me.

As it should, considering the price of prom gowns these days. It is becoming increasingly common that girls spend upwards of 400 dollars on a gown, not including alterations which can add even more to this cost.With these heavy prices in mind, it causes quite a lot of angst for the night to be perfect, however that is just it, it is one night only. Thus, for most of these dresses, they are worn once and never get to be pulled out of the garment bag again.

In my head, I remember how I thought it was a waste, but at the same time, I too wanted my perfect dress. Did I spend more money than I should have? Yes. Do I regret it? No. However it was with sadness, that I took the dress off at the end of the night and put it away fearing it never would be worn again. So it was much to my delight when my younger sister decided to wear my dress for her prom this year. With a Gatsby theme, my gold and black dress fit the bill. She, as a sophomore, will still have time to pick out her perfect dress when she is a senior, but for now my old dress gets to sparkle once again at another's prom. It will create different memories, and be captured in different photos, but it will still hold the same nostalgia for both my sister and I.

But what is it about pieces of fabric sewn together that causes such a stir within a girl's heart? These dresses offer a promise. A promise to have one night where you will look beautiful; where you will have the chance to transform from your usual self to that fairy tale image everyone remembers. Maybe as little girls we were too enamored with that scene from Cinderella in which she was transformed, but it is the image of the magical ballgown that remains iconic to this day. Though this dress does not promise a fairy tale ending with Prince Charming, it shouldn't have to, don't forget that prom is only for high-school kids. Nonetheless, the dress you chose can transform you within your OWN eyes into the princess your childhood self wanted you to be.

Regardless of whether or not prom is the best night of your life, simply a good night, or even an awful one, it is the dress, at least for me that makes me smile fondly at old pictures. So as prom season approaches, let us not forget the transformation that can occur with the magic of a dress, turning girls into royalty for one night only.