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Prom dress shopping is an essential part of the prom experience, and many individuals look forward to the process of finding their dream prom dress. After all, there’s no better way to feel like a princess than by trying on different gowns, either by yourself or with your friends. It’s important to plan what to wear to prom dress shopping ahead of time so you can make this process as smooth as possible. Planning ahead means saving you time trying on dresses and decreasing any stress that might come with prom dress shopping. Our helpful prom dress shopping tips below are here to get you started on your journey to finding your dream prom dress. How Far in Advance Should You Go Prom Dress Shopping?  If you’re getting your prom dress in person, you’ll want to go shopping two to three months before the event, depending on the intesity of the alterations you need done.  For a shorter prom gown or a more off-the-rack style, you can get away with shopping for your dress around two months prior to the event.  If you know that you’re looking for a more custom style, or if you know you’ll probably have to get alterations (like hemming) done, you’ll want to add an extra month to your shopping timeline. This ensures that you have time for the work to be done and a final prom dress fitting before the event.  What Should I Wear Prom Dress Shopping? Prom dress shopping can be a long process, and you don’t want to wear clothing to your prom dress appointment or a boutique store that is hard to get out of. We recommend wearing something that is easily removed, such as a cotton T-shirt and shorts or leggings, so that you can change in and out of your street clothing into dresses with ease. You may also want to bring a pair of high-heeled shoes with you, or another pair of shoes similar to your prom night shoes. You can try them on with your dress options to get a better idea of what your entire outfit will look like. What Bra to Wear Prom Dress Shopping?  If you think you will be wearing a bra with your prom dress, make sure to wear one similar in style when you go shopping. Then, you can get a better idea of what your prom dress will look like on the night of prom. For the most neckline and sleeve versatility, consider a strapless bra. If you know that you’ll want a dress that features a low plunge, choose your bra accordingly. Prom Dress Shopping Tips to Prepare for Your Shopping Trip The following prom dress shopping tips help you make the most out of trying on dresses so you don’t deal with stress and confusion during your planned shopping trips. Pick the places you want to visit ahead of time and realistically plan time to spend in all of them. Eat something before you go – the best decisions are always made on a full stomach, especially if you are shopping for a few hours. Decide to bring a friend or two with you, or ask a close family member to come. Wear an outfit that’s comfortable and easy to change out of, including comfortable shoes. Book appointments ahead of time at stores that require them, such as small boutique stores. Bring your phone or a camera to take pictures. You can look at these later to decide on the dress you want. Prom Dress Shopping Tips for Trying on Dresses After you’ve narrowed down the stores you wish to visit for a prom dress, you should keep in mind these tips for trying on dresses to make sure you find the dress of your dreams. Make sure you are trying on dresses that are the correct size. Take note of how a dress fits on your shoulders and waist, as well as the length of the dress. Try on dresses with a variety of necklines to see which style suits you best. You should also try a variety of dress styles, such as mermaid and A-line, to see which design most flatters your figure. Decide between sleeveless, strapless, and long or short-sleeved dresses. These items may need to be altered, so make sure you’re shopping with enough time for another fitting if alterations are needed. Choose a color based on your style and what suits your skin and hair tone. Pay attention to the fabric the dress is made out of and how comfortable it feels on your body. How to Decide What to Wear to Prom This is part of the fun of shopping for prom; you get to decide what makes you feel confident and what kind of energy you want to embody on the big night.  Above all, make sure you follow the dress code as well as any specifications your school has (certain necklines may not be allowed, for instance).  You may also want to keep the theme in mind, if there is one, as well as what colors and silhouettes you generally feel most confident in. For instance, if you know that warm colors make you feel amazing, start by trying on a pink or yellow prom dress. The most important thing about your prom outfit is that it makes you feel confident, and it’s something you’ll feel comfortable wearing on the dance floor or dining with your friends.  What Is Not Appropriate for Prom? As we said, be sure to look at your school’s dress code; they’ll typically outline any styles that aren’t allowed at the event. What’s typically not allowed are styles that show a lot of skin, styles that are overly casual (like sweatpants), and clothing that isn’t clean. Can You Wear Jeans to Prom or Prom Dress Shopping?  For both of these questions, the answer is likely to avoid jeans. Here’s why:  The dress code for most proms is formal (or, sometimes, semi-formal). While you’ll want to check your school’s specific dress code for your prom night, generally, jeans won’t be considered formal enough for the event.  When it comes to prom dress shopping, the answer’s a little more lenient. Jeans can be harder to get in and out of while trying on dresses, making them a possible hindrance to your shopping process. However, if you have a very comfortable pair of jeans that make you feel confident, and they’re easy to put on and take off, you may want to consider wearing them. Finding Your Dream Prom Dress Finding your dream prom dress might seem like an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t need to be. When you keep our prom dress shopping tips in mind, you’re sure to make the most out of your prom dress shopping experience. Remember, shopping for your gown is part of the fun, so don’t rush through this part. Take it as a chance to really figure out which dress highlights your natural features and lets you look and feel your best. Tags:  Prom

When it comes to finding their dream prom dress, many individuals feel overwhelmed at the idea of searching through racks of dresses and online pages of prom dress options. This is understandable – there are a lot of prom dress choices out there. Instead of heading straight out to the mall or browsing online stores for hours, you should first review our style guide. We’ll help you understand what you’re looking for in a prom dress so you can more easily find that dream gown. Figuring Out the Prom Style You Want Style 54454 in bright fuchsia Figuring out the exact prom style you want can be difficult, especially if you’ve never purchased a formal gown before. Below, we help you identify the types of styles that you might be interested in wearing and give you an idea of what questions to ask yourself as you shop for your dream prom dress. Things to Consider About Your Prom Style Style 54924 in light orange There are many different prom style items that you might want to consider as you start looking for your dream prom dress. When considering prom dresses, make sure to ask yourself questions about dress silhouettes. For example: Are you looking for a long or short dress? Do you want an off-the-shoulder design? Do you want a specific neckline design? Are you interested in a ball gown or an A-line style dress? Do you want your dress to be revealing? Do you want a solid color or a pattern? Asking these questions about what you want in a prom dress will help narrow down the many options out there and give you a good idea of the types of dresses you should be looking at. What Do You Like Wearing? Style 54907 in red Another important thing to think about when it comes to prom dress shopping is which styles you like to wear the most. If you are in love with full skirts, a ball gown might be the dress for you. If you love a more simple and slim design, maybe opt for a body-hugging mermaid dress or a flowing A-line slip dress. You may also want to consider your figure and which styles or prom dress embellishments will best enhance your natural features and help you feel your most confident. Where Do You Want to Shop for Prom Dresses? Style 55070 in ivory/blue If you know that you want a favorite designer for your prom dress or you love a specific store, you’ll want to browse those options when you start your dress search. You may also want to search for dresses that are similar to a specific designer’s style to help increase your options. You never know where your dream prom dress will come from! Do You Want to Wear Your Dress Again? Style 54893 in peacock When choosing a prom dress, many individuals want to make sure that they select an outfit that can be worn multiple times. After all, a prom dress is an investment, and getting multiple wears out of this dress at different events helps make this gown a valuable piece of your wardrobe. If you do want to wear your dress again, keep this in mind and consider choosing a more versatile, simple style that can be worn on many different occasions. Embrace Your Style and Enjoy Prom Style 55059 in light aqua No matter which style of prom dress you choose, if you are in love with the way the dress looks on you and feel confident in the gown, it’s the perfect choice for you. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed looking for your dream prom dress. – simply sit down and think about which styles you prefer and which highlight your natural features. Then, you will easily narrow down your prom dress options to find the one dress that makes you shine. Tags:  Prom

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 Style 54912 in Ivory/Gold. 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 Style 55001 in Blue. 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 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 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 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. Tags:  Prom

Prom is an exciting occasion that many people look forward to, but there are lots of things to consider when you’re preparing for the big night. Getting ready for prom can be stressful, but there is lots to look forward to, and doing things like shopping for your dream prom dress can even bring extra fun to the event. If you’re stuck on your prom prep, we’ll give you the low-down in the following event guide. What Makes Prom So Special? Style 54907 in red Prom is at the end of the school year, after a long and tiresome exam season. It’s a special occasion because you are all letting off steam, but since it’s at the end of high school, it also signifies the end of an era. Many people see prom as the beginning of adulthood. Whether you’re heading to college, you’ve secured a job, you’re starting an internship, or you’re on a different path, prom is one of the last events you have as a high schooler. What Should I Wear for Prom? Why Prom is the Door to the Future The thing about prom is that it’s your last formal hurrah as a high schooler, so you should wear something that makes you feel confident and is unmistakably you. If your prom has a theme, it can be a good starting point for figuring out your prom look. However, if the theme doesn’t really resonate with you, you can either give it a subtle nod with your accessories or you can just go with whichever outfit makes you feel the best. Your prom is about you first and foremost; don’t feel pressured by anyone to wear something you dislike. Many people take prom as an excuse to wear a full-on princess ball gown. Sleek and sophisticated evening gowns like the one pictured are another classic option, and dress alternatives like jumpsuits and two-piece gowns are gaining popularity. No matter what you love wearing, there are tons of options that will make you feel like royalty. When you start searching for your prom look, do make sure to look at the event’s dress code and keep it in mind. Also think about whether or not you plan on dancing the night away, and plan accordingly for both your shoes and the range of motion your dress offers. What Style of Prom Dress Do You Prefer? Are you a girl who wants to go all out with a full-on ballgown? That’s cool, as the flowing, classic look is in right now, and there are some great designs out there. This is a sort of dress for a one-off occasion, a real ‘look at me’ garment, and one that will wow your friends. Choose from traditional full-length ballgowns or slim, body-hugging designs that are more modern, and you’ll find one that suits you down to the ground. Perhaps you’re someone who prefers a shorter prom dress, and there are many great styles to choose from with this type of dress. The classic and chic little black dress is a go-to choice for many girls as it can be worn just about anywhere, but be aware that brightly colored and metallic, tight ruched dresses are in this year, and if you want to go down that route, you’ll be setting the bar for others to match. The baby doll look can be a great choice for a prom, but you might want to be less exposed! There are some simply styled and very elegant dresses that are modest yet engaging, and they come in a range of materials and colors, and from some great designers. Take your time choosing your style, and then follow out tips below to get the best dress for your big night. Tips on Choosing a Prom Dress This isn’t any dress we’re talking about: it’s your prom dress, and that’s something pretty special. Here are a few tips for choosing the right dress, once you’ve decided upon a style: – Set a budget and stick to it. You don’t have to spend a massive amount to get a beautiful and stylish prom dress. There are many out there that are surprisingly affordable and of great quality, so decide what you’re willing to spend and start a shortlist. – Don’t be afraid to change your mind. If you’re buying online or at a high street store, you always have the option to decide that, for example, the short purple dress you chose is not actually the right one for you. Take it back, and choose a different one. – Don’t forget comfort. You want to wear a dress you feel comfortable in, both in terms of styling and in practical ways. Think about the temperature, how much you’ll be dancing, and what kind of materials feel good to you. The better you feel, the more fun you’ll have! – Be you, not someone else. Buy a dress that is you, that is your preferred style, no matter what peer pressure is telling you. Everyone might be going down the sparkly finish route, and you want a simple black dress. That’s cool; do it – it’s who you are. What Else Do I Need to Plan For Prom? Getting ready for prom isn’t just about your outfit. Here’s a quick list of things to think about alongside your dress search: If you’re going with a date (or with a friend or two) have a talk about coordinating corsages and/or boutonnieres. Get your request to your florist as soon as you know your color scheme, as appointments can fill up. Decide if you’re getting ready with friends or at your own house, and secure transportation to and from prom. This is a good time to talk with your friends about post-prom plans too. Book any professional appointments you’ll need, whether that’s hair, makeup, or fittings. Buy your tickets! If you plan on bringing a guest who doesn’t go to your school, see about any paperwork that needs to be turned in to your school’s office and get it submitted quickly so it’s one less thing to worry about. Don’t forget about hair, makeup, and shoes. When you’re building your prom outfit budget, remember to include these expenses. Break in your shoes ahead of time so they don’t hurt your feet. Heel pads will also help you on the dance floor. Do a trial run of you full look – outfit, shoes, hair, makeup, and accessories – to make sure everything works how you want it, and tweak accordingly. If you’re getting your hair and makeup professionally done, you can go with an approximation of what you’re envisioning. If you’re staying with someone overnight, decide what you’re packing in your overnight bag and make a list. That way, you don’t have to gather your essentials in a frenzy the day of. How to Enjoy Your Prom Finally, a few words on how to enjoy your prom. The most important thing to remember is don’t go with fixed expectations as you will get stressed. Simply approach it as a fun night out, but a special one. Try and relax and enjoy an evening with your friends. This is a big step you are taking, so make it an enjoyable one! Tags:  Prom

Prom is one of those special events that many individuals anticipate, some of them looking forward to this celebration from the moment they enter high school. After all, your prom celebrates the end of an era and a transition to your next steps after high school. Because of this, prom can be both stressful and emotional, and it’s easy to have your big night derailed by drama. To make your prom night perfect, we’ve compiled our best tips for prom below. These essential prom tips and tricks will help you focus on what’s important at prom and ensure you have nothing but fun making memories on this special night. Choose a Dress You are Comfortable Wearing Style 54916 in Blush. Shopping for the perfect prom dress is almost as much fun as attending the prom itself for many people. However, it’s important that you choose a prom dress that not only allows you to show off your unique style and make a grand entrance, but one that you are comfortable wearing. When shopping for the perfect prom dress, keep in mind that you’ll be dancing, moving around, and taking lots of pictures. Select a dress that fits you well so you won’t be worrying yourself with straps and ties all night. Make sure you feel confident with the length of the dress and how much skin is revealed. Being comfortable in your dress is step number one in keeping your focus on enjoying prom and away from the little things. Don’t Focus On Having a Date Prom dates are a popular topic, and it’s not unusual for someone to feel disheartened if they didn’t get asked to the prom by someone they’re interested in. Worrying about a prom date and being too nervous to show up to prom alone or with your group of friends is a sure way to be distracted throughout the night. Instead, embrace the fact that prom night is to celebrate you and confidently attend prom with your friends or alone – don’t let a lack of a date stop you from having a great time. Embrace Your Unique Style High school is a tough time for many, and you might feel pressure to choose a certain style of dress or act a certain way that simply isn’t you. While peer pressure is strong, do your best to embrace your unique style and engage in activities that you truly enjoy. Find a dress or prom outfit that lets you feel confident, dance if you want to, camp out at the snack table, or simply watch from the sidelines. The only thing you should be worried about on prom night is looking and feeling your best, no matter what form this takes. Stay with Your Circle of Friends If you’re not a good mixer, then stick with those you know. It can be a daunting experience being in a hall with the entire year, and it might make you nervous. Remember, your friends know you well, you’ve been through years together, so they will make sure they know where you are. Don’t feel pressured to do what you don’t want to do, which brings us to the next point. Dance, Dance, Dance – If You Want Dancing at prom is something many people look forward to, and partying to your favorite songs with friends or a date is a great way to make some amazing memories. Don’t be scared to dance based on how you might look or whether or not others will approve of your moves. You’re there to have a good time and party like everyone else, and if that includes dancing then go for it. That being said, don’t let yourself get pressured into something you aren’t comfortable with. If you really don’t want to show off your moves, find a table and hang out to enjoy your favorite song away from the dance floor. Feel Free to Take Some Time Out Crowded, hot, and noisy rooms can get the better of you, so feel free to excuse yourself from the company and take a breather outside. A few minutes of solitude and fresh air will leave you feeling invigorated and ready to go back in. You may find one of your friends also need a time out, so ask before you go. Many people take a break from a party, so you’re not doing anything unusual. Ignore the Drama Prom, like many other special events that are high in emotion and stress, will likely have its fair share of drama. However, you should work hard to ignore any drama coming your way – you certainly don’t want to miss your favorite songs because you’re trying to calm down a fight between friends. Ignore any drama that occurs and make a mental note to handle any problems the next day. You and your friends should be enjoying prom together, drama-free. Take Pictures, but Not Too Many Taking pictures at your prom is a great way to create memories you can look back on. Take pictures and enjoy yourself, but make sure that you aren’t too focused on posting your prom online and taking constant pictures. Doing this will take away from your prom experience, as you’ll only have seen it through a camera lens instead of enjoying it in person. Treat Prom as Just Another Dance Don’t stress yourself out about having to make prom a huge, life-changing occasion. After all, it’s just another school dance with the same crowd! Nobody is expecting anything different from you – they simply expect to see you and enjoy your company! You don’t have to do anything special to impress anyone, so treat it as another night out and not something intimidating or high-pressure. Make the Most of Your Prom Approaching prom it’s easy to get worked up: you think everyone expects you to be someone you’re not, you feel others will look better than you, and it starts to weigh on your shoulders quite heavily. If you read our tips again whenever you start to feel like this, then you’ll remind yourself there are ways to enjoy the night, no matter how nervous you might be beforehand. At the end of the day, prom is simply another party with your friends. It may be a special event and a celebration marking your transition to bigger and better things, but it shouldn’t be one that you overthink or get too stressed about. Use our prom tips to make the most of your night and ensure that you make fun memories to look back on for years to come. Tags:  Prom

Choosing a prom dress can be surprisingly nerve-racking! It’s easy to get stressed looking at endless designs and styles, but you really don’t need to. Below, we will look at a few ways in which you can make the process far less stressful and more enjoyable. Choose a Prom Dress in a Style You Like The dress you wear for your prom should be one that you actually like. It’s not a competition to be the “coolest,” despite what some of the girls may think – it’s a night that you want to remember and enjoy. If you choose a dress simply to impress, you may feel out of place if it’s not one that you like. Start by checking out some fashion blogs or magazines. See what catches your attention immediately and rule out what does not. Do you want a dress that highlights your curves, or are you looking for something less showy and more demure? You – and only you – know what you like, so don’t be persuaded by others. Popular Styles: A Prom Dress Guide To help make things simpler, we’ve gathered together some of the most loved prom dress styles to help you pick! Mermaid Dress – A mermaid dress is fitted at the top, then flares out under your knees, giving the impression of a mermaid’s tail. The mermaid look is a classic prom choice, especially when presented in a wonderful pale blue or sea green color with lace detailing. This look goes down well at many an occasion, so you can wear it again. A-Line Short Scoop Neck – We love the short A-line look in a solid color with a scoop neck. It’s simple, chic, and is trending right now. This almost a ‘girl next door’ look but one with a little daring to it. Full-Length Skirt with a High Slit – If you want the ‘Hollywood’ look, this is it! It features a full-length skirt with a high slit that lets you show off your leg (and helps you dance more freely). Classic Princess Ball Gown – If you want to embrace all the romance and drama of prom, then a classic princess ball gown is for you! These feature very full, floor-length skirts and fitted tops. This is a style that will let you live out your Disney Princess daydreams! Timeless Black Dress – If you want a look that’s stylish, trendy, and a true classic, why not go down the Little Black Dress route? We know it’s a cliché, but it’s a cliché that works, especially if you want to portray a sultry, sexy style that’s also elegant. Pick a Prom Dress for Your Personality There’s a good chance you will be in one of two camps: you’re either going to the prom with a ‘look at me’ attitude – in which case you’re an extrovert who likes attention – or you may not want to draw excess attention to your outfit. If you want the attention, then go for it: head-to-toe sequins, loud colors, or even feathers or a long train. However, if you’re looking for a more understated, quiet look, then think about the classics – solid colors, timeless silhouettes, and simple jewelry and accessories. There’s no wrong answer here; it’s totally up to you and the kind of statement you want to make! What Style of Prom Dress Suits Your Body? What style of dress suits your body? We’re all different shapes and have individual tastes. For example, if you have long and slender legs, you might want to make them your focal point with a slit-skirt dress or even a short one. If you want to show off your shoulders, think about a halter or off-the-shoulder dress. No matter what, make sure you pick a dress that makes you feel great about yourself, and that fits you comfortably. You can even consider getting a dress tailored to you specifically if you find one you love that doesn’t fit quite right (or that you’d like to be a bit shorter or longer.) Think About the Neck Line People look first at your face. Then they’ll look at the dress. That’s a from the top down routine. The first part of the dress they will take notice of is the neckline, so it can determine their overall impression of it. There are a few things to consider here. Think about how revealing you’re comfortable with it being; in your day-to-day fashion, do you opt for deep v-necks, or do you prefer higher collars? Also think about if you want something embellished or simple, and if you have any necklaces you’re hoping to wear and how it will look with the neckline. You’ll also want to think about dancing itself. Sometimes, a strapless dress can make it uncomfortable to move around a lot on the dance floor, so keep in mind how much you plan on dancing to faster songs. Colors and Patterns Are you into bright colors and striking patterns? If you are, then the prom is a great place to display your love of color in your dress. But if you’re not, then there’s an excellent, simple, and classic route you can take: solid, timeless neutrals. In many ways a simple and stylish black, white, or champagne dress is both the most demure and sultriest way to go. This is a garment you can wear anywhere you want to, so you won’t be wasting money on a one-off dress. Also, think about what colors you feel your most confident in. If you tend to steer away from yellows in your daily wardrobe because of your skin tone or hair color, for instance, you’ll likely want to rule it out for your prom dress as well. Try on Your Prom Dress Don’t be put off by believing you can’t try the dress on before you decide to keep. The major fashion retailers offer you a free return for money back (usually within a certain number of days, so be sure to check their terms and conditions), so you can take it back if it is not the right size or you decide it’s not for you. Plus, at many shops, they will be a stylist there who can help you determine if something fits well, and who can help you find something you’ll truly love! Choose a Prom Dress You Love For prom, and for fashion in general, the most important advice is to wear what you like and not what others tell you to. Your friend may go all out with a romantic ball gown, but that doesn’t mean you have to as well. Rock whatever feels best for you, no matter what’s trendy or what you may feel pressured to do. No matter what dress you choose, ensure you try it on to make sure it fits and is comfortable, and also stick to your budget. Enjoy searching, and we hope we’ve helped you find your perfect prom dress! Tags:  Prom

Prom season is approaching, and with that comes prom outfit shopping! Choosing a place to shop is the first step in finding your dream dress (or dress alternative, like a chic jumpsuit). If you’ve never gone prom dress shopping before, or if you’re already stressed and need some guidance, we’re here to help. Here are the best places to shop for prom dresses, along with some tips from our shopping pros! How Much Should a Prom Dress Cost? Before we dive into the best places to get a prom dress, you’ll want to understand your budget for your dress (and the rest of the event). This will help you know where to start and where you can expect to find your dream dress.  On average, prom dresses range from about $200 to $500, but there’s lots of room for options outside of those numbers. Using thriftiness and keeping an eye on deals, you can find a prom dress for as low as $50-100. If you’re looking into very high-end brands or couture options, a prom dress can cost over $1,000. What Are the Best Places to Buy Prom Dresses In Person? When you start to think about prom dress shopping, you may be overwhelmed by the many choices of places to shop. Fortunately, prom dress shopping doesn’t need to be difficult once you narrow down the best stores for your needs. Below, we give you an overview of the most convenient and useful places to shop for any budget or prom dress need. Best Place to Buy Prom Dresses for Variety: Your Favorite High Street Fashion Store We all have our favorite high street store, and it’s a great place to start looking for a prom dress. You’ll know what they stock and what you like, so get your friends together and have a day out browsing.   Bigger department stores are a great source of dresses or alternative prom looks in all styles. As prom season approaches, they will be amending their stock to suit the occasion, so you’ll find plenty of choices. Best Places to Buy Prom Dresses and Get Them Altered: Local Boutique Dress Store If you go off the beaten track a little, you’ll come across the occasional independent boutique fashion store. If you do find one, you’ll see that these are great places to buy unique and stylish dresses that may be perfect for the prom. If you don’t know of any yourself, ask around your friends and see if any of them know a great boutique. In boutiques, you’ll find the proprietor will help you choose and – as with the bigger stores – you can try on the dresses you like and see which one fits. This sort of shop will probably offer an adjustment service too, so you can get exactly the right fit. This is especially great if you know you usually need to get long gowns hemmed. Best Places to Shop for Prom Dresses Offering Unique Options: Consignment or Thrift Stores It may be tempting to rule out going to a consignment shop or thrift store for a prom dress, but they often have tons of unique gems that won’t look like everyone else’s dresses. If you tend to gravitate toward vintage glamour or other nostalgic eras, you’re more likely to find a dress that suits those tastes. You may also find dresses in darling prints, like florals to match the flowers blooming outside. Consignment shops and thrift stores are also great places to look for offbeat accessories to go with your prom outfit! Online Fashion Retailers: Best Sites for Dresses For many people shopping online is the way to go, but some shy away from shopping for clothes this way. However, you really should check out online fashion retailers as there are great savings to be made if you’re shopping on a budget, and more choices than you can imagine. From moody dark gowns to sky blues, online retailers have it all! If you’re wondering where to shop for prom dresses online, our prom collection is a good place to start. If you’d like to shop our collection in person so you can try dresses on, you can use our handy store locator. Many of these shops will also offer the ability to order online, which is perfect if shops near you don’t have the dress you’re looking for in-person. Keep in mind that many online-only stores don’t have the overhead of a high street store to worry about, so sometimes they sell at lower prices. You’ll find that the difference in cost is quite considerable, and you may find the same items online as in the high street, but at a lower cost. There is one downside, and that’s the inability to try on your dress. When shopping online, be sure to shop with reputable retailers, so your dress arrives as beautiful as it is in the pictures! Pro Tip for Shopping Online: Check the Returns Service We love online fashion shopping as the sheer choice of outlets is amazing, and most of the retailers have recognized that online buyers are looking for a sensible returns service. Look for retailers that offer a free returns service, and you have nothing to worry about. If you’re going the online shopping route, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to return your dress and start over if need be! When’s the Best Time to Buy a Prom Dress?  If you’re shopping in person, you’ll want to get started no less than two months before the event (though with alteration time, you may want to make it three). For online prom dress shopping, you may want to purchase your gown four or so months before the event. This will give time for your dress to arrive, ensure that you like it, and have any necessary alterations done in time for prom.  Finding the Best Place to Buy Prom Dresses Selecting your dream prom dress doesn’t need to be an overwhelming task. Now that you know the best places to shop for prom dresses, you can go shopping for the big night! Prom dress shopping can be stressful, but it can also be one of the most fun shopping trips (online or in-person) that you get to make, so have a blast! For more on how to prep for prom dress shopping, check out our guide. Tags:  Prom

Are you having trouble deciding on your prom dress for the big event? We’re here to help! We’ve done some research for you and uncovered the best prom dresses for the 2024 season. There’s something for everyone among the options, whether you like to bring dramatic glam or exude understated elegance. So, let’s not waste any more time, here are the prom dress trends for 2024. Pastel Tones Style 54787 in Aqua. You can’t go wrong with a pale and muted pastel color palette regardless of if you’re wearing a high-drama ball gown or a close-cut evening dress to prom. Popular choices include blue (like the picture above), pink, or yellow. When you’re choosing a pastel dress, keep your skin undertones and the color of your hair in mind. Lighter shades can wash certain skin tones out, and pastel yellow in particular can clash with blonde hair. If you’re blonde and fall in love with a pastel yellow look, think about putting your hair in an updo to keep attention on your dress. High Slit Prom Dresses Style 54798 in Red with high slit and a lace up back. A fitted dress with a long skirt and a high slit may not be to everyone’s taste, but for the daring, it’s a showstopper! Bright, bold colors go hand in hand with this trend – red is the most popular choice, so you may want to choose a different color to stand out. You can’t go wrong with a bold blue, green, purple, or even pink! When you’re looking at high slit prom dresses, do consider your event’s dress code. You don’t want to invest in a dress you fall in love with only to be turned away at the door! Mermaid Prom Dresses Style 54807 in Fuchsia. Mermaid dresses are the ultimate silhouette for those looking to marry an evening dress with a ball gown – it’s no wonder they’re trending! Two-piece sets featuring mermaid skirts are also a playful take on this silhouette. While these dresses are figure-hugging, they can still retain a sense of modesty for people who don’t feel comfortable showing a ton of skin. The flare portion of mermaid dresses can be super dramatic or more flowy, making them great for lots of different personality types. Ball Gowns Ball gowns are a classic look, and for prom they remain utterly timeless. The right ball gown will make you feel like royalty, so of course they’re a trend in 2023. These dresses are known for having a fitted bodice and a full skirt, making them a great option for individuals who want to flaunt their feminine side. Ball gowns can come in just about any color, though delicate tones like pastels or even white tend to be popular. Go for a jewel tone or another bold color to make an entrance! Neon Hues Style 54237 in Neon Green with nude. Stuck on a color choice? Try going neon! Bright neon colors are perfect for the prom attendee who is adventurous and loves to make an entrance. If your prom features a blacklight, you’ll find yourself glowing!Neon dresses can come in all silhouettes, including chic two-piece sets! Popular neon colors include pink, orange, green, and even blue. Before committing to a neon dress, though, take note of your skin undertones and the color of your hair to keep your dress from clashing with either. Simple and Elegant Dresses If you favor a more minimalist approach to your formal wear, a simple formal dress will convey elegance and refined style. Satin, like in the above image, is a fabric that stands on its own and doesn’t need embellishments to look elevated. When your dress is less over-the-top with embellishments, it gives you an extra opportunity to go more bold with jewelry and shoes. A simple strapless dress is the perfect backdrop for a stunning jeweled choker or statement pendant. Finding Your Dream Dress Now that you know the prom dress trends of 2023, you can search even more confidently for the best dress for you. No matter if you want to follow the trends or if you want to do your own thing, you’re sure to find the perfect dress for the big night. Tags:  Prom