In American society, prom is more than just a dance. It’s a journey that abounds in traditions, thoughtful preparations, etiquette rules, budgeting, and safety considerations. If it were just a dance, prom wouldn’t be featured as the centerpiece for so many teen movies. Prom is an iconic rite of passage, marking the transition from adolescence to young adulthood. Some colleges organize what is informally referred to as “college prom”, which are themed-formal dances, balls, or gallas. Many schools have a winter formal or spring fling. In other words, it’s a fun night with your friends.
The prom dress is an exercise of managing social tensions: you need to fit in but also look like yourself. A range of factors must be considered when picking the right gown. Your good taste, keen sense of style, and feminine judgment will be admired for years to come, so you can’t afford to make a mistake. There are countless beautiful, tasteful, and appropriate dresses available for prom, and now is a good time to make a purchase. You’re still able to place special orders and have alterations carried out. Here are a few tips on finding a prom dress to dance the night away in:
Ideally, You’ll Want To Start Prom Dress Shopping 4-6 Months Before
As a rule of thumb, we recommend buying your prom dress between 6 to 8 months before the event so you have enough time to get the finetuning done without cutting it close. Proms are held in June or July, around the end of exam time or the end of term, so it’s important to start shopping early in December and January. Browse online and in magazines to get an idea of the style you like. Designers create looks based on the many types of body shapes that exist. The hairstyle and make-up are important, too, and you’ll be happy to hear that many beauty salons offer special prom deals.
Create a mood board on Pinterest to collect inspiration. Things you can add to the mood board include but aren’t limited to imagery, color palettes, and the overall look and feel of the event. Your mood board will be populated by pins you like and those that inspire you. Additionally, the Pinterest board has its own URL, so you can share it with your friends and family. You can get instant feedback on your outfit from a global community of fashion-obsessed people with mobile apps. Ultimately, the only thing stopping you from trusting your own style intuition is you.
Find The Most Flattering Prom Dress For Your Body Type
The trick to looking your best no matter what you wear is learning what dress will balance your body and what parts of your body you should reveal or conceal. Experiment with different silhouettes to see what works for you. How a gown fits is subjective, depending on the current trends and your self-confidence. You might scoff at what models and celebrities are wearing, but here’s one thing: they look great because they know how to dress their silhouette. If you want to dress in a flattering way for your body type, here’s what you need to consider:
Hourglass: Your hip and bust measurements are equal in size, with a narrower waist measurement. Emphasize your slim waist with a sheath dress, wrap dress, or a fit-and-flare dress.
Inverted triangle: You have broader shoulders that narrow down to the waist or hips, presenting a striking silhouette. It’s best to avoid boat necks, spaghetti straps, or strapless styles. Opt for a drop waist dress or an A-line dress.
Triangle: Your hips are wider than your shoulders, and a wider waist and hips. The perfect dress option for you is a boat neck dress that draws the eyes upwards and adds an extra sparkle to your appearance.
Rectangle: Your shoulders and hips measure about the same, but your waist has little to no definition. An A-line dress offers a blend of style and comfort, elongating the figure without overwhelming it.
Petite & plus size: Petite means your body structure is smaller. Plus-size means you fall outside of the industry’s standard size range. Select prints that are in proportion to your size, wear shades of the same color, and focus on accessories that flatter your body type.
Think About The Dress Code And Theme When Choosing Your Prom Dress
Prom is a formal event and most schools have some sort of dress code that stipulates how long your prom dress should be. If you’re not appropriately dressed, you’ll be turned away at the door, so if you have questions regarding your outfit, seek approval from the administration. Prom is a chance to show off your style, but don’t feel pressured into wearing provocative clothing. It’s nice to be noticed. However, bouncing back when you’ve made a bad impression isn’t easy – you can’t go back in time and re-do it. If you’re bringing a date from another school, it’s your responsibility to ensure they’re dressed tastefully.
Behind every memorable prom, there’s a theme that sets the stage for the entire event. The theme engages students to create lasting memories and guides what decorations are used, what invitations are sent, and what favors are sent out. Make sure your prom dress is, first and foremost, comfortable, and incorporate the theme into your choice through color and style. Wear your best bra and seamless underwear. Your sports bra isn’t going to cut it. Don’t expect a dress to fit perfectly off the rack; find a seamstress or tailor who can help you instead of reaching for the sewing needle, thread, and scissors.
Wrapping It Up
Prom is a big deal. Indeed, it takes tons of preparation, but it’s one of the most memorable events that students have the opportunity to partake in. To ensure everything goes perfectly, take caution when shopping because one wrong move can lead to a miserable night. Your mom or dad can assist you, but you should make the last decision. After all, it’s a night to remember.
