My 5 Top Tips for Finding the Perfect Prom Dress (2024)

Choosing a prom dress isn’t something you can do in a moment. You might have a theme to meet, or perhaps a color that is behind the theme. With so much to choose from it can become a stressful experience. That’s why we’ve put together a checklist of five things you can do to make choosing your prom dress easier, less stressful, and more fun. Let’s start by talking about body shape.

1: Know Your Body Shape

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Every one of us is different. We are humans, and humans come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You may or may not know your body type, but it can be important in choosing the right dress. For example, a girl who is ‘pear shaped’ has broader hips than shoulders. This means wearing a dress that draws attention to the upper body is a good choice. A girl who is ‘athletic’ may want to wear something that highlights their midriff, for example.

There is plenty of information on dresses for body types and we recommend you check it out. Our first selection, however, is to look in your closet. You know what you like, and that’s because you know what looks good on you, so following the style of your favorites should be a good starting point.

2: Buy What You Like

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So, buying a prom dress is about buying something special for a one-off occasion, right? It can be, but can you really afford to buy a dress you will only wear once? We suggest that – as with the above point – you stick with what you know you like. This way, you can buy a dress in a different color than that you would normally buy, or perhaps a different top style or other details, but one that you could wear for occasions such as weddings, christenings and birthdays. In other words, something you like rather than something you believe appropriate.

3: Browse Through Stores

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If you are already a fan of shopping, you will know the benefits that browsing retail stores brings.

The main reason people shy away from shopping for fashion online is that they cannot try it on beforehand. We have two suggestions: find the bricks and mortar store that holds the dress and try it on there, you might fall in love and end up buying it person. You get to have to experience, so nice! If you decide to shop online, ensure you shop with one of the many online retailers who offer a free returns deal, which means if you don’t like it you can return the dress without added costs.

4: Don’t Be Influenced by Others

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Your friends may be planning to dress in a similar way. They might have the theme sorted and may be pressuring you to join in. The question is this: do you want to? Or do you want to do your own thing? Many girls are outgoing, the sort who is always in the spotlight. Others like to stay in the background and just enjoy things. Most are in between and will want to wear something in which they look and feel great. If your friends have something planned and it doesn’t appeal to you, you don’t have to do it. Be you, wear what you like, and choose a dress you love.

5: Wear What You Are Comfortable Wearing

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The above point leads us to this one, which is being comfortable in your prom dress. We don’t just mean the fit, but also the style and finish of the dress. You don’t want to display too much cleavage, for example? Then you don’t have to as doing so will make you feel uncomfortable. The same applies for dresses that are short, or have a slashed skirt, or are off the shoulder and so on. Any style that will make you feel a little out of place will spoil the prom for you, and it’s meant to be a fun occasion.

Take your time picking a prom dress and use the tips we have given you as inspiration, and you will find a dress that fits the bill. So, start browsing now and make a shortlist of styles you are looking for, and you’ll find a beautiful dress in which you can be the person you are.

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My 5 Top Tips for Finding the Perfect Prom Dress (2024)

FAQs

My 5 Top Tips for Finding the Perfect Prom Dress? ›

If you're expecting average prom dress prices to hover around $350-500, we have options for you, too.

How to FInd the perfect prom dress for you? ›

Six Tips for Finding the Perfect Prom Dress
  1. Do Your Research. Before purchasing a dress, do your research. ...
  2. Plan What Looks Best for You. Look in your closet, and see what pieces you like to wear and why. ...
  3. Plan Where To Go. ...
  4. Consider Cheaper Options. ...
  5. FInd the Perfect Fit. ...
  6. After the Dress.
Mar 20, 2024

Is $500 a lot for a prom dress? ›

If you're expecting average prom dress prices to hover around $350-500, we have options for you, too.

How can I be the best looking at prom? ›

  1. Get your dream dress. What is prom night without a dreamy dress? ...
  2. Skin Care. Having clear and radiant skin is what everyone looks forward to. ...
  3. Plan your Makeup. ...
  4. Flaunt your Picture-Perfect Smile. ...
  5. Get accessories to compliment your dress. ...
  6. Getting a Perfect Hairdo. ...
  7. Stay Confident.
Apr 8, 2024

How do you choose a dress that suits you? ›

7 Tips On How To Choose Clothes That Fit You Perfectly
  1. Buy clothes according to their style and silhouette. ...
  2. Find out your exact measurements. ...
  3. Measure yourself in unpadded clothes. ...
  4. Evaluate the unique structure of your body. ...
  5. When your top and bottoms sizes are different, do this.
Mar 8, 2022

What color should my prom dress be? ›

Bold colors like turquoise make dark skin pop, pastels like periwinkle complement pale skin, and earth tones like forest green look great on medium skin tones. Warm, earthy colors like reds, yellows, and browns pair well with warm undertones, while blues, purples, and greens look best on cool undertones.

Who usually pays for prom? ›

The person who asks someone to prom is responsible for paying for the night's expenses, traditionally. However, it is more common now for couples to share the costs of the evening, as proms can be very expensive.

What are girls wearing to prom in 2024? ›

From elegant long mermaid gowns, romantic cottagecore dresses, sleek prom suits, trendy black sheer dresses that could have come straight out of the Euphoria set, and gothic gowns inspired by Wednesday Addams, and affordable prom dresses on Amazon, there's no shortage of options.

What is 5 dollar prom? ›

Five Dollar Formal It's prom all over again with one rule! The party is formal but your outfit can only cost Five Dollars (NO EXCEPTIONS) Everyone will scour the thrift shops or find an old dress or suit from their closet (my friends all come from the 80's so their old dresses were PERFECT) The tackier the better.

How do I pick my prom dress? ›

Seven tips to help you choose your prom dress
  1. Consider your body type. The first step in finding your perfect prom dress is to consider your body type. ...
  2. Set a budget. ...
  3. Choose your colour. ...
  4. Determine your style. ...
  5. Choose your fabric. ...
  6. Shop early. ...
  7. Try on Different Dresses.
Apr 28, 2023

What is not appropriate for prom? ›

o Prom attire should reflect more a formal family occasion (like a wedding) rather than a night on the town or at a dance club. o Dresses that are too revealing, are skin tight or form-fitting, expose midriffs or cleavage, or are too short in length are not appropriate.

What does prom stand for? ›

Although prom in its precise definition is short for promenade dance—a formal dance party for high school students held toward the end of the school year—there are several other activities that typically take place on prom night, including group photo sessions, dinners and afterparties.

How to win Best Dressed at prom? ›

Be unique: Obviously your personal style, accessorizing talents, and inner confidence will make your prom look completely one-of-a-kind. Plus, with so many combinations of style customizations and color options, it'll be pretty hard to have a “who wore it best” moment on the dance floor.

How can I stand out at prom? ›

Here are some tips for finding the perfect unique prom dress:
  1. Look for interesting fabrics. One way to make your prom dress stand out is to choose a dress made from an unusual fabric. ...
  2. Go for an unusual style (i.e. unique characteristics) ...
  3. Consider asymmetrical necklines. ...
  4. Wear an iridescent prom dress.

How to look flawless at prom? ›

Prepping for Prom Perfection: The Importance of a Flawless Base
  1. Cleanse: Start with a clean face. ...
  2. Exfoliate (Optional): If you have dry or flaky skin, gently exfoliate your face 1-2 days before prom night. ...
  3. Moisturize: Apply a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to hydrate your skin and create a smooth canvas for makeup.
Apr 5, 2024

How do I know my prom dress size? ›

Bust: Measure around your back and across the fullest part of the chest over your bra. Waist: Measure around the smallest part of your waist, about 1-2 inches above your belly button. Once you measure, you're good to go! When you know your measurements, you can easily shop online or in person for your perfect gown.

How far in advance should you look for a prom dress? ›

Best Time To Begin

Ideally, you want to start prom dress shopping in January or February, assuming your prom will be early summer of the same year. Shops will have recently dropped the newest prom dress collections, and you'll get to the dresses before others have picked over everything or styles sell out.

Is 300 too much for a prom dress? ›

Prom gown: around $300-$700, before alterations

But if you're checking out the off-the-rack selection at a store like Hershey's Cocoa Couture, $300 is going to be the low end. “Our dresses here, we try to keep them under $500,” said Jill Brown, owner of Cocoa Couture.

How do I find the perfect prom date? ›

HOW TO CHOOSE A PERFECT PROM DATE
  1. Finding a date for the prom can be a very stressful situation. ...
  2. Bring a companion. ...
  3. Ask early! ...
  4. Be thoughtful. ...
  5. Plans are on you! ...
  6. Remember that prom is about who you spend your night with, not who you show up with.

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