"Moana" Star Auli'i Cravalho Shares Her Secrets for Finding the Perfect Prom Dress
Between her junior prom and red-carpet events, 18-year-old Auli’i Cravalho knows a thing or two about getting glam.
“It’s an all-day affair,” explains the actress, who grew up in Hawaii. “When you’re dancing around and listening to your favorite music, there’s no way you’re going to get your hair and makeup done in just an hour or two!” You know what else takes time? Finding the perfect dress. Auli’i’s number one rule: “Even if it looks crazy on the hanger, try it on. You never know!” Of course, time flies when you’re having fun, so take a moment now to steal more of her wisdom, including how to deal with nerves and her secret to a great night (hint: it doesn’t include your phone)!
Choose the right heel to avoid sore feet.
“When I’m standing in heels, I feel like a lady boss. A chunky heel is definitely more comfortable, but I think it’s easier to dance in a skinny one. I’ve actually started taking the bath slippers from hotels because they roll up and fit in your bag. So after I’ve taken all my pictures, I slip off my heels, put them under a table, and bring out the slippers. It’s a look!”
Try on as many dresses as you have to until you find the one.
“I know my body and find myself wearing the same things instead of trying something new. I work with a stylist so I don’t get predictable with my look. For events, we’ll try on racks and racks of dresses until I find one that gives me that feeling. Then you know that’s the dress.”
Opt for bold jewelry to really make the outfit.
“I’m into bold jewelry. I have a whole bag full of costume jewelry I love to play around with. Forever 21 and thrift stores are the best for finding things that are cheap and really out of this world.”
Get a dress that will shine on the dance floor.
“For red-carpet events, I like a form-fitting strapless dress. It makes me feel really confident. But for prom, I’m all about the flounce and a long dress that takes up space. I love the way it flows when I’m spinning on the dance floor.”
Ditch the purse.
“So I don’t have to hold a bag, I try to stick the essentials - usually blotting papers, lipstick, and my phone - in different areas of my dress.”
Take your best friend to prom.
“Your date can definitely be your best friend - guy or girl. I went to prom with my best friend Lauren, and we just danced and ate cupcakes all night! If I were tied to a traditional date, I’d be wondering if they wanted to take a break.”
Have fun with your nail color.
“For the shoot, I wore glitter nail polish and never wanted to take it off! I had no idea a nail could become an accessory. It’s like jewelry that you don’t have to worry about losing.”
Get makeup inspo from your favorite celebs.
“My friend and I looked at a bunch of accounts and different celeb pictures to see what we wanted to do with our hair and makeup. We tried everything the week before . . . purple shadow, red lips, liner, and then were like, ‘Do we do a strong contour or highlighter?’ ‘Do we go the natural route?’ We were figuring it all out. For the day of, my cousin, who is a makeup artist, beat our faces to the Gods!”
Opt for a ponytail to keep cool throughout the night.
“I don’t know how other people dance, but my way includes a lot of jumping, and I remember on my prom night my hair was just a mess by the end. So a ponytail is a good solid choice. You can whip it around, but it won’t be in your face or sticking to your sweaty neck.”
Go bold with your makeup.
“When it comes to makeup, I think prom is a night for experimenting and trying something fun, like wearing bright blue liner or a bold lip and then having bare skin with just some concealer. It just looks so fresh.”
Don't take the night too seriously.
“Everyone looks goofy doing silly faces, but those are the pictures that you’re going to look back on and laugh about. You’ll remember being with your friends and having a great night.”
Ditch the iPhone Camera.
“I believe in leaving your phone in your bag. You can use a Polaroid camera to take pictures - they really capture a moment in time. There’s no editing or instant upload. You can have friends sign one and tack it on your wall.”
Match your date.
“All of my friends and I wore the same color dress to prom. The idea was to coordinate but still slay individually.”
Plan the perfect after party.
“My friends and I left in a limo and blasted Beyoncé, which was awesome. At home, we took off our makeup, put on masks, downloaded the night, and took selfies. It’s good to have pics from when you’re relaxing .”
Stay positive.
“I get nervous before most events - you’re just wondering what everyone is thinking. So I tell myself, ‘This night will be what it’ll be, but it’ll be what I make it as well.’ Even if my heart feels like it’s going to leap out of my throat, I’ ll make the best of it. It’ll be a positive experience if I will it to be so.”
Look for the Prom issue of Seventeen featuring Auli'i in stores everywhere on December 25th, and subscribe to the digital edition here.
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