HOUSTON – Teenagers tend to like pushing boundaries, especially with the way they dress. For prom, some teenage girls try to use less fabric to show more skin. But this year, some schools are pushing back when it comes to prom fashion statements.
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Prom dresses on store racks this year feature plunging necklines, cut-outs and short skirts. It's making it harder for a girl to choose a dress that her parent would approve of. And now, schools have a say as well.
Some school officials passed around "dos" and "don'ts" and cracked down with contracts.
"It is a balancing act a little bit," said Mike McDonough, principal of Westside High School. "Part of what high school kids are supposed to do is stretch it a little bit to find ... to show their independence, but within a boundary. That is what part of our job is as well and I think the kids are OK with that. But they will test it a little bit. That is what teenagers will do."
At Westside, prom-goers sign a contract. McDonough said it is a teaching moment.
"What kids forget about, because so much of their life is here at Westside High School or their high school, is that there is a whole bigger world that is going to be making decisions about you, and you will have so many first impressions to make. So it is appropriate to know how to dress for different occasions," he said.
This week, Bellaire High School seniors are getting the message. Assistant principal Jhacole Legrand visited English classes to make sure everyone is speaking the same language when it comes to understanding what is appropriate.
Some high schools, such as Lamar and Clear Creek, had a "best judgment" policy.
"There is kind of like a guideline -- just don't wear anything too showy or anything too scandalous," said Maddie Koogler, a senior at Lamar High School.
"If you are fair about what you expect, then they will make a good decision about it. But you just have to communicate," McDonough said.
"I just want to have fun. I don't want to have to be thinking, 'Is my dress OK?'" said Amber Yanez, a senior at Lamar High School.