It's not a typical black-tie event.

In fact, that's the whole idea behind Penn State's annual Unity Prom -- the final Pride Week occasion catering to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender communities and their allies -- which will be held at 6 tonight at the Ramada Inn, 1450 S. Atherton St.

"What I've always said is no jeans, no sneakers, no baseball hats," Jennifer Storm, Pride Week co-director, said. Other than those three limitations, prom goers can wear whatever they want -- and the loose rules inspire many to do just that.

Storm said that while a lot of people show up in traditional evening gowns and tuxedos, others use the night to display their creativity.

In past years, many people have come dressed in drag and a few individuals wore vintage 1950s gowns from thrift stores. At this year's prom, people are planning to show up in a variety of creative costumes.

"I'm wearing something a little non-traditional," Dani Hadley, Lambda Delta Omega sorority vice president, said. She plans to show up donning a black outfit consisting of a leather corset, a choker necklace and tight shiny pants.

Chris Brown, Pride Week co-director, said he decided to switch his style from the tux he wore last year.

"I'm going in full-out drag this year," he said. He said he has yet to choose a dress, but he knows several other men who plan to come in drag will join him.

Other attendees will take advantage of the relaxed atmosphere of the event and dress for comfort.

Sara Ryan, Allies political chair, said she will wear a simple outfit of black pants and a black tank top.

Kamilah Cole, Undertones treasurer, said she will dress it up a little bit by wearing cropped black pants, a sheer top and a pair of sandals. "I was going to get a dress, but the shopping here is atrocious," Cole said.

Storm said she did buy a dress for this year's prom, which she looks forward to wearing. The lavender spaghetti strap two-piece will compliment her partner's lavender tie, she said. Her partner wore a tux last year, but this year she's just going for a regular suit to save some money, Storm said. "I've never had fun like I have at these proms," she added.

She said the prom originated three years ago to offer students the opportunity to have a prom the way they wish they could have had it in high school. "The idea was to give a rite of passage back to the LGBT community," Storm said.

Since it started, the prom has been a success every year, drawing more than 100 attendees each time.

"I'm very excited because I never went to my high school prom," Cole said in anticipation of the night's affair.