How to Pick a Prom Dress

Photo Courtesy to Toria Belew

Photo Courtesy to Toria Belew

Prom is your time to be glamorous and feel on top of the world, and a prom dress is arguably the single most important item for your evening. Every person is different, so the dress you choose should reflect your personality.

But if you don’t enjoy shopping, can’t make up your mind, or are on a tight budget, here are simple steps to help you find that perfect dress.

  1. Decide on your budget.

If your dress budget is under $250, a department store like TJ Maxx or Belk is probably your best choice, while if your budget is in the $250+ range, a boutique will give you the most options.

So does that mean you have to settle if you cannot afford to spend $500 on a dress? (Let’s be real: most students can’t.) No worries. There are websites that sell secondhand dresses, such as poshmark.com, and apps like Mercari which can help you get the dress you want for less.  

If you decide to go the boutique route, consider visiting some of the best-known boutiques in the area, such Lex’s of Carytown in Richmond, Reflections Bridal, Prom & Pageant in Harrisonburg, and Amanda’s Touch Bridal & Formal in Waynesboro.

  1. Determine your size.

Believe it or not, you should start with a dress size that appears too big. Doing this ensures that if the dress is indeed too big, you will feel more confident in your size. After you find the correct size, practice the sit test to make sure your dress size will allow you to sit comfortably without busting a seam. (Wouldn’t want that be disastrous on your special evening!) All you have to do is sit on the bench in the dressing room, do a wall sit, or air squat to ensure your dress is right for you.

  1. Try out different styles.

Some body types are ideal for specific silhouettes. For an apple shape, or someone whose bust and midsection are larger than their hips, it is best to define the waist and draw attention up towards the chest with an empire waist (just below the chest) or with an a-line shape.

In contrast, someone who is significantly larger in their thighs than in their waist (known as bust-pear or triangle shape) needs to draw attention up to their chest, so a ballgown  with a cinched waist is the best way to accomplish this. A person with an inverted triangle shape (wide or broad shouldered and a slim waist) will want to draw attention down using an empire, a-line, or ball gown silhouette.

Finally, someone with an hourglass body shape (meaning your waist is small and your top and bottom half are balanced) can wear anything, but may look best in a mermaid or trumpet style (fitted throughout the body and then flaring around mid-thigh).

  1. Time to shop

You may want to stick to your comfort zone in styles and colors, but consider going outside the box. If you are used to wearing neutrals, go for a bright color, or at least try a pastel shade. Perhaps you are a person who wears color all the time. If this is the case, then consider a more elegant look with a simple black or white dress. Florals and prints are a growing trend as well.

Short dresses are traditional for homecoming dances, but as dresses have gotten more extravagant over the years, short dresses have entered the prom world too.

Another hot trend this season is two-piece dresses. Be open-minded and you might be surprised by what you like, compared to what you thought you would like. Remember this important point: Do not be afraid to try new things you might never envision yourself in.

  1. Not every dress is your dress

Some styles will disappoint and some styles will bring a grin from ear-to-ear when you try them on. The point is, be prepared to hunt. Do not become discouraged if you try shopping at one store and are unsuccessful, because there is a perfect dress out there, and if you quit looking, you’ll miss it.

  1. Check the price

If the dress is too expensive, don’t panic. If it’s from a department store, search for store or online coupons at sites like retailmenot.com. Always take a picture of the tag of the dress you fall in love with. Discount websites such as mercari.com and poshmark.com will often allow you to get designer dresses at a fraction of the original price. Any dress can become reality if you are willing to invest some of your time.

Enjoy your prom shopping and cherish the memories that come with the search. Follow these simple steps to find a dream dress that will compliment you with every step you take.  Be spunky and let the perfect dress find you. Remember: In order for the perfect dress to appear, you have to give everything a chance.

Photo Courtesy to Toria Belew