Footloose and fashion free

When it came time for Soni Likens to choose a dress for a special Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce event, one thought ruled her decision: the more hideous the better.

That thought, Likens says, pretty much sums up the whole '80s fashion era.

Tonight, Likens and other members of the Chamber Young Professionals group will resurrect banana clips, fingerless gloves, Don Johnson-inspired suits and teased hair at an '80s prom at Mollie's Cafe and Bar.

Likens found her vintage strapless polka-dot dress on eBay and plans to pair it with a banana clip, jelly shoes and fish net stockings.

"It was such a unique era," said Likens, who works at Big River Telephone. "It's embarrassing looking back at pictures of big hair, but you kind of want an excuse to do it again."

This is Likens first time to attend the prom, though a similar event was held last year.

This year's theme is "Footloose" and a prom king and queen will be chosen. After a three-course meal, the dining room at Mollie's will be turned into a dance floor and '80s music will fill the air.

The women who attend all agree that much of the event's charm is found in searching for '80s-inspired outfits.

Cheryl Klueppel found her three-toned gray dress earlier this month while shopping with a friend.

"We had a great time trying on dresses and reminiscing. We laughed more than anything," said Klueppel, who works at the American Red Cross. "It's all about getting together with friends and having a good time."

Klueppel and around six other girlfriends plan to gather before tonight's event to do each other's hair and makeup.

"I'll probably have to wear blue eye shadow to go with my gray dress," she said.

Meg Davis turned to some serious research to perfect her prom ensemble.

"I reviewed a lot of old Madonna videos and 80s movies, like 'Pretty in Pink,'" said Davis, who works for River Radio.

Davis was only in grade school during the '80s and never really experienced the full-blown style of that decade.

"I never got to wear the big poofy dresses, but I thought they were the most beautiful," she said. "It's stuff I would love to wear but would be embarrassed to be seen in public."

She's recreating a dress with rhinestone straps and has numerous bracelets, white boots and large earrings as accessories.

"And I'm desperate for a crimping iron. I couldn't find one in any stores," Davis said.

cmiller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128