The styles are exorbitant, too. They re almost all pastels, cut from yards of chiffon and silk, many with spaghetti straps or no straps at all. Brandy s has a short train and tiny fabric flowers in the back. The dresses weren t nearly as fancy as they are today, Lesley said. She remembers thinking her friend s gown a pale, green sheath patterned with purple orchids was elegant.
People just didn t go quite as extravagant.
Except for maybe the men. Tuxes were the most interesting, she said. Blues, pinks, lilacs and lots of ruffles. Brandy s date, Shawn McDonald, has rented a traditional black tux with a long, seven-button coat. I just wanted something different, he said.