The Best Time To Start Prom Dress Shopping (2024)

The Best Time To Start Prom Dress Shopping (1)
One of the greatest parts of prom is picking out the dress. Before it’s time to start the search for the perfect dress, take some time to plan what dresses you’d like to try. Jot down notes or add photos of different styles to your vision board. You don’t need to know the exact style or color you’d like yet. You can decide when you’re trying on the gowns.

But first, let’s talk about the best time to start prom dress shopping and other tips for deciding on your picture-perfect gown.

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. This swift action will leave you plenty of time to get alterations done and pick out the accessories for your gown. You won’t feel overwhelmed as time dwindles and prom draws closer.

How To Prepare

The following are a few pointers to help get you through a day of trying on dresses.

  • Wear an outfit that’s easy to change in and out of.
  • Pick which stores you want to visit and draw up a plan for the order in which you’d like to visit them.
  • Wear a pair of comfortable slip-on shoes.
  • Don’t put on too much makeup—you don’t want to get foundation or mascara to get on the dresses.
  • Wear a strapless bra.
  • Bring an intimate number of people with you—too many people equals too many opinions.

During the Appointment

If you’re planning on hitting up popular stores, make an appointment with the business to receive the best customer service they offer. Most stores require appointments for trying on prom dresses, but not all do.

Bring a pair of shoes with you that are similar to the ones you’d like to wear to prom. This will give you an idea of the length you’ll need and how the end result will look.

Tips When Trying on Dresses

Some pointers to help guide you through trying on the different dresses include:

  • Try on a few different necklines to find the one you like best.
  • Decide on a color.
  • Find your correct size.
  • Pay attention to how the dress fits.
  • Try various styles to find the one that’s right for you.
  • Figure out which dress length you’d like—short, midi, long, high-low—and don’t rule out the idea of a jumpsuit.

If you don’t find the perfect gown on the first day, don’t worry. This is why you started your prom dress shopping early!

Try Shopping Online

Maybe you don’t feel like going into stores? Or maybe you’re too busy and don’t have time to dedicate to a day of dress shopping? Shopping online for your prom dress is a fantastic idea. It provides plenty of options, and you can compare dresses side by side. At Effie’s Boutique, we have various designer gowns, including JVN prom dresses, for your viewing pleasure.

The best time to start prom dress shopping is right after the new collections drop. You want the best assortment of gowns, and you won’t find a better selection than at the start of prom season.

The Best Time To Start Prom Dress Shopping (2024)

FAQs

The Best Time To Start Prom Dress Shopping? ›

Best Time To Begin

When should you start shopping for prom dresses? ›

They need to get their suit or tuxedo and you want to make sure you both look great together! It doesn't matter if you plan to shop online or in a prom store, but it is important to start shopping for prom early in December and January. Prom dress shopping is a special moment and experience.

Why do people buy prom dresses so early? ›

Larger Selection

You'll get to choose from a wider array of dresses if you start early. Shops do run out of popular styles and colors. Some dresses might also require a special order, and some sizes may take longer to find. If you start early, you'll have more dresses to look at that are still available.

How to make prom dress shopping special? ›

Before hitting the stores, spend some time online checking out the latest prom trends. Pinterest, Instagram, and fashion magazines are your best friends here. Get inspired, create a mood board, and identify the styles that resonate with you. This will make your shopping trip much smoother and way more fun!

How much does an average prom dress cost? ›

If you're expecting average prom dress prices to hover around $350-500, we have options for you, too. This yellow mermaid dress pulls out all the stops: a detachable waist drape, feathers, sequins, beads, you name it. They all come together to create a showstopping look.

Do you tip when prom dress shopping? ›

The answer is simple: tipping at a formal dress store is not necessary or expected. If you feel like you absolutely want to tip and it is allowed by the shop, you can certainly do so, but it's important to remember that there are other ways to show gratitude for excellent service that don't involve money.

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 do most people spend on a prom dress? ›

The price of a new prom dress could range from $85 to $900, but most people will spend an average of $400 to $500, said Kunal Madan, co-founder of Amarra, a dress company.

Do you wear a bra prom dress shopping? ›

Wear Comfortable Undergarments

The right undergarments can enhance the entire look of each dress you try on. After all, bright bra straps and uncomfortable underwear make even the most beautiful dresses look unflattering and feel awkward. We suggest wearing nude-colored underwear and undergarments that fit you well.

How much should I pay for a custom prom dress? ›

Did you know the average high school girl spends $300-$700 on her prom dress? That's without alterations! Designer prom dresses from designers such as Sherri Hill and Jovani on average go for $700-$1,500, again not including alteration costs. The cost of our custom prom dresses ranges from $500-$1,000.

How can I look prettiest at prom? ›

10 Beauty Tips for Prom
  1. Get glowing skin.
  2. Whiten your smile.
  3. Clean up your brows.
  4. Hydrate your hair.
  5. Use a good deodorant or antiperspirant product. ...
  6. Add a pop of color to the eyes.
  7. Change up your hair.
  8. Treat yourself like a celebrity with a lip color change.
Apr 17, 2014

How do you make a prom dress stand out? ›

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 early should you go prom dress shopping? ›

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.

What are the rules for prom dresses? ›

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.

When should I start looking for my prom dress? ›

Early Selection (6-8 months before prom):

If you want a wide variety of options and the latest styles, consider starting your search several months before the prom. This allows you to explore different boutiques, try on dresses, and take advantage the largest range of dresses.

When should you start planning for prom? ›

Two Months Before Prom

By this time, you may have already bought your prom dress online or gone dress shopping in stores to find your perfect look. Two months before prom is a good time to have the shoes and accessories you plan to wear so you can try them on all together.

When should I start trying on dresses? ›

It is best to start trying on wedding dresses 9-12 months before your wedding as this will give you ample time for getting a dress sorted.

Should I size up or down for prom dresses? ›

First, you should know that your best bet when buying a dress is actually going up a size. Now, don't freak out; that doesn't mean your gown is going to be falling down while you're on the dance floor – your seamstress is going to alter the gown ensuring that it hugs your body in all the right places.

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