Your final year is upon you, which means prepping for exams – and searching for prom dresses while you’re at it. Our prom dress guide is the perfect procrastination from all that homework.
Whether you want something long and elegant, or short and playful, we’ve got loads of unique prom dress ideas to choose from. Plus, you’ll find all sorts of handy tips on how to pick the right style of dress to flatter your skin tone and body shape. Ready for a bit of revision before you shop? Read on…
Our Guide To Prom Dress Shopping
If you’ve found yourself stuck in regards to what prom dress to wear, don’t worry. Switching from a school uniform to a formal gown can be pretty daunting, which is why we’re here to help.
To make sure you find the dress that makes you feel like amazing, here are some important things to consider:
Personal Style:
- What makes you feel confident and amazing? Do you gravitate towards bold and sparkly, classic and elegant, or something unique and quirky? Let your personality shine through your dress choice.
- Think about the overall vibe of the prom. Is it formal and black-tie, casual and fun, or somewhere in between? Choose a dress that fits the setting.
- Consider your comfort level. Will you be dancing all night? Do you prefer something airy and flowy, or a more fitted silhouette? Comfort is key to enjoying the evening.
Body Shape and Flattery:
- Highlight your favourite features. Different dress styles flatter different body types. Experiment with A-line, empire waist, mermaid, or fit-and-flare silhouettes to find what makes you feel most beautiful.
- Don’t be afraid to try something new. It’s your chance to step outside your comfort zone and explore different styles. You might be surprised at what you love.
- Focus on feeling good in your own skin. The most important factor is choosing a dress that makes you feel confident and radiant, regardless of the trends.
What Colour Should I Wear?
We’ll start with the basics, and with what colour dress to choose. As unhelpful as it may sound, it really is down to you and what you feel comfortable in. However, there are ways of narrowing down your search if you’re really lost.
Your skin tone can help define which colours you look best in. If you have a rosy complexion with blue tinted veins, you’re most likely to have a cool complexion. If you have a golden undertone with green tinted veins, you have a warm complexion.
Jewel shades like emerald, deep blue or purple work better for those with a cooler skin tone. If you have a warmer tone, reds, oranges, and earthy tones will look especially good on you. If that’s still too much to choose from, a classic LBD never goes amiss. A black prom dress is a style that suits just about anyone.
Are Prom Dresses Long Or Short?
The short answer is both. A more traditional formal gown tends to be a floor length style, but that’s not to say that you can’t find a short prom dress that will suit the occasion.
A maxi prom dress is a classic option, skimming the floor for some Hollywood style drama. A fishtail style dress is a perfect choice for a full-length option that still has glamour. The Giselle dress with added frills is just what you’ve been looking for.
If a maxi dress is just not your style, there are plenty of short prom dresses to pick from. When it comes to shorter styles, you can be a bit more playful. You can pick a dress with a fuller skirt or something a bit more stylistic. Whilst this 20s style embellished dress may remind you of The Great Gatsby, there is no studying of the text required.
What Prom Dress Suits My Body Shape?
You know if a dress is the one for you if it makes you feel amazing, no matter what shape you are. However, there are certain styles of dress that can help to accentuate the best part of you.
For Bigger Boobs
When you’ve been blessed with big boobs, they have to be kept in consideration when finding an evening style dress. If you’re hoping for full support and no nip-slips, deep plunging and backless dresses are out (because those multi-way bras never really work).
For Petite Body Types
Petite girls, you will go to the ball. Maxi dresses might be difficult for all you petite girls looking for a dress to sweep you off your feet, but shorter dresses can still pack a punch.
For Curvy Girls
If you’ve got curves all over, then good for you. All you need now is a dress to show them off. An illusion dress is perfect for sculpting your look whilst adding a touch of glitz. Try the Arabella black maxi dress, it even has sequins for that certain touch of je n’ais ce quoi.
Unfortunately, we can’t tell you exactly what your prom dress will look like. That part is on you. But once you’ve done the hard part of revision and exams, dress shopping will seem easy. If you still think you need more help, maybe it’s time to swallow your pride and enlist your Mum for some advice. We’ve even got a handy guide to help her out with her prom dress picking.
Prom Essentials
Prom night is a whirlwind of fun, but it’s also important to be prepared! Here’s a list of prom essentials to ensure you have a smooth and magical evening:
Before the Big Night:
- Transportation: Arrange how you’ll get to and from prom, whether it’s a car, limo, or group ride. Plan for any potential delays.
- Hair and Makeup: Book any appointments ahead of time, or plan your DIY routine for the day of.
- Prom Tickets: Make sure you have your tickets and any necessary IDs handy.
Must-Have Items for the Night:
- Small Purse/Clutch: Fits essentials like ID, debit card, cash, mints, lip balm, safety pins.
- Dancing Shoes: Pack a comfortable pair to change into if your main shoes start feeling pinchy.
- Phone Charger: Capture all the memories and stay connected, but be mindful of your phone usage.
- Snacks and Drinks: Pack some small snacks and a water bottle to keep your energy up throughout the night.
- Blotting Papers and Oil Absorbing Sheets: Keep your face fresh and shine-free under the dance floor lights.
- Small Mirror: For quick makeup touch-ups throughout the night.
- Plan something fun with friends after prom! It could be an after-party, late-night breakfast, or just hanging out and swapping stories.
- Take pictures! Capture the memories of this special night with your friends and date.
- Most importantly, relax and have fun! Prom is a night to celebrate and create lasting memories.
