Tips for Prom Dress Shopping (2024)

3/3/2014

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· Begin your search for your prom dress early. You may not have a date yet, but you will want to start looking at fashion magazines and stores as early as three to four months before your prom.

· Make sure you don't pick one that everyone else will have; you should be different. Just be yourself.

· Plan your budget for your prom dress and begin saving as soon as possible. Be sure to allow extra cash for small accessories like hair clips, shoes, and jewelry.

· Watch some celebrity red carpet events and take notes on your favorite styles. You may just be able to find a similar prom dress in your local boutique.

· Try on dresses in a variety of different styles and cuts to find the one that works best for your body. If you have a slim figure, you may look best in a sheath-style dress that shows off your silhouette. If you are curvy, you may want to consider an A-line dress that will highlight your waist and minimize your hips and thighs. Don’t be afraid to try on something that you hate on the hanger. Some dresses are just not hanger dresses, but they look great when you get them on a body.

· Start shopping for shoes and accessories at least 2 months in advance of the Prom. This way, you can try on your shoes, bag, and dress all together at the dress shop. Most dresses will need to be hemmed to the right length and having your shoes prior to making alterations is a must.

· Plan to choose and purchase your prom dress at least four to six weeks before your prom. Most formal gowns (including prom dresses) require alterations for a perfect fit, and you will want to allow enough time to complete these alterations.

· A couple of weeks before your prom, try on your dress with your shoes, jewelry, make-up, and hairstyle to be sure you like the finished look. Walk and move around in your prom dress a little to give it a comfort check and to make sure there will be no wardrobe malfunction. Even the most well made garment can loose a hook or pop a zipper.

· On the night of your prom, make sure you wear a button-up or large neck shirt that you can remove easily once your hair and makeup are done. This will prevent any make-up smudges, or heaven forbid, pulling you hair down before the big night.

Tips for Prom Dress Shopping (4)

Tips for Prom Dress Shopping (5)

Tips for Prom Dress Shopping (6)

Tips for Prom Dress Shopping (2024)

FAQs

When should I start shopping for my prom dress? ›

The best time to start shopping for prom dresses is in January and February (assuming your prom is in summer of the same year). This is just after the new prom dress collections have been released for the year. By shopping in January, you'll see the most dresses possible, before any styles get sold out.

What to bring when you go prom dress shopping? ›

If possible, carry shapewear or support undergarments you'll wear to the prom. When you bring these undergarments, you'll be sure that you're getting the best fit and a complete look for the night! Bringing shoes along is also a good idea. The heel height may determine the need to alter the length of your attire.

Do you wear a bra to 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.

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.

How much do girls pay for prom dresses? ›

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. According to the company's guide to navigating prom costs, total costs could be upward of $2,000.

What's a normal amount to spend on a prom dress? ›

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.

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.

What do most girls wear to prom? ›

Long dresses are timeless and add a touch of elegance to the prom night. They come in various styles, including ball gowns, A-line dresses, and mermaid silhouettes. Long dresses are an excellent choice for those aiming for a classic and sophisticated look. Short dresses bring a youthful and playful vibe to prom night.

Do girls take purses to prom? ›

Clutches or mini handbags are a must when you go to prom; you wouldn't want to have a huge purse that doesn't let you move around, so make sure to keep inside simple and important items like: IDs. Tickets and forms. Phone / Charger.

What type of bra to wear dress shopping? ›

When you shop for a wedding dress, you'll want to wear a bra that's versatile enough to work with various dress styles, so a strapless bra is usually best. If you're investing in a new bra for shopping, we recommend using something you'll wear again.

How far out should you buy a prom dress? ›

We suggest that you should start looking in December or January, but make sure you give yourself at least two months to explore all the dresses and purchase your dress.

How to try on prom dresses? ›

Tip 3: Quick test drive

You want your prom dress to be beautiful AND comfortable since you are going to be spending 4+ hours in them that night. You do not want to spend hours in a dress that you can't breathe or move freely in. That will take away from the fun you could have that night. So walk around in the dress.

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