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Unexpected Accessories for Prom

By Casey Lewis, About.com

Never overlook the importance of hip, unexpected accessories on prom. Let your hip personal style shine with stylish extras - everything from a bright contrasting stiletto to a sweet bow headband to an edgy coat of black nail polish.

1. Black Nails

Rihanna with Black NailsStephen Lovekin/Getty Images for IMG
Nothing beats a classic red manicure for its easy elegance, but who wants to wear such a predictable shade on prom night? Strike a balance by choosing a bold, bright dress and covering your fingertips in a sleek coat of black nailpolish (Compare Prices).

This emo kid mainstay popped up on the fingertips of young Hollywood after Chanel released their own fancy version of drugstore favorite "Wild N' Wild Black."

2. Colorful Stilettos

Scarlett Johannson in Colorful Stilettos Charley Gallay/Getty Images
You could opt for the dyed-to-match satin route. You could opt for the beauty queen "goes with everything" clear lucite.

Or you could follow the cues of stylish starlets like Scarlett Johansson and Drew Barrymore and pair bright, rainbow-worthy shoes (Compare Prices) with your equally-colorful formal frock. A not-quite-matching match made in a heaven.

3. Bow Headband

Ashley Tisdale in Bow HeadbandAmanda Edwards/Getty Images
Blair Waldorf, queen bee of Gossip Girl, became a fast TV favorite for two reasons: her witty pop culture one-liners and her adorable bow headbands (Compare Prices). Whether she's wearing her school uniform or couture, her ubiquitous accessory is never far. We haven't see a prom episode yet, but there's no doubt that a sweet little headband will be keeping her mane in check.

Another High School queen bee, Ashley Tisdale, loves those princess bows.

4. Fancy Scarf

Diane Kruger with Fancy ScarfMarcel Mettelsiefen/Getty Images
Instead of dripping yourself in the typical diamonds (or rhinestones, rather...), consider trading a necklace for a pretty retro silk scarf (Compare Prices).

Drape a vintage print around your neck a la Diane Kruger for an interesting addition of color, or tie a floral pattern around your wrist in lieu of a corsage.

5. Skinny Belt

Emma Watson in Skinny BeltGareth Cattermole/Getty Images
Adding a skinny belt to your favorite day dress creates a smooth, flattering silhouette, so why not do the same with your prom dress?

Look for belts (Compare Prices) that are delicate and simple enough to simply alter the shape - not the whole style - of your dress. Cinch at your natural waist, just like Emma Watson in her uber-hip studded Burberry belt.

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Proms / Formal Dances

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