“My So-Called Life” depicted a slightly different teen from the one pictured here. Ditching the auburn hair, grungy plaid shirts, and teen angst, Claire Danes looked perfectly sunny on her high-school prom. In a simple dress and earrings with a statement necklace, and what we’re guessing is red lipstick, Claire was a sight for sore eyes.
Her hunky date looks like he could have also made quite the TV career himself. He definitely comes across as the guy walking around with the football jacket stuffing nerds into lockers. But we hope we’re wrong and that Claire had better taste in boys back then.
Bethenny Frankel
Bethenny Frankel is now a mainstay of high fashion who anyone would aspire to dress like. But it's good to know that she wasn't born that way. By the look of those puffy sleeves and that strawberry pink dress, the star of "The Real Housewives of New York City" enjoyed her prom in the 80s.
We will admit, the jewel tone looks beautiful on her, and she's definitely giving Disney princess vibes with this look. The reality star toned her look down in later years and evidently also eased up in front of the cameras. With that slouch, young Bethany may have been a little nervous.
Tracee Ellis Ross
The year was 1990, and young Tracee Ellis Ross was ready for the prom! The actress shines in this simple yet gorgeous grey dress and dangly earrings, proving that it's not all about the bows and frills — pure class. Her unpretentious dress showed off her gorgeous hourglass figure and really accentuated her collarbones for a put-together look all-round.
The chunky bangle and French manicure further show that the accessories took center stage for this look. To think that proud mama, the great Diana Ross was possibly behind the camera snapping her little girl is a wild thought in and of itself.
Courtney Cox
This is an interesting look for Courtney Cox. While we acknowledge that this was the 80s and special concessions are made for this, the "Friends" actress sweater-dress-combination seems weird, even for then. We will say, though, that it is very on-brand for Monica Geller.
While she looks slightly strange, there's no doubt that she looks very happy, especially as she holds onto the arm of her sweet date. He, on the other hand, could have lightened up a bit. Maybe the photographer just caught him at a bad moment, but maybe he also didn't fully recognize the huge star potential in his date.
Debra Messing
Our beloved star of "Will and Grace" had her fun too. With that white satin dress, pearls, and 80s wave, Messing and her date (seen here mid-blink) are ready to awkwardly embrace the sweet sounds of Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time." You don't really ever see someone mid-blink, do you?
This is quite a fascinating picture for a number of reasons. Who knew that years after this fun, innocent high school night, she'd be one of our favorite sitcom stars and a total gay icon? It just goes to show, kids, life doesn't end in high school! There is hope beyond the cringey yearbook pics.