Prom night is usually the highlight of any young woman's schooling life, but it can also be one of the most stressful events of the calendar - especially when it comes to deciding on the perfect prom dress!
Among the tidal wave of emotions and decisions on who to attend the prom with and who to dance with on the night is the ultimate freak-out of "what do I wear!!"
Literally thousands of girls each year come undone at the thought of prom night in a desperate flurry to have everything perfect in order to make it a night they will never forget. The prom dress is the most important aspect of the night, and can possibly be the biggest decision a young girl makes in her schooling years!
Getting prom night ready can be made so much simpler by following our helpful tips to make sure that your prom or formal is everything that you dreamed of!
Prom Planning
Planning is essential. Allow yourself at least 3 months before prom night to plan every aspect of your outfit and to source ideas and inspiration on possible prom dresses. Magazines and the Internet both are the best places to start. Have a look though images of past prom nights or prom gowns and start noting down the kind of styles that appeal to you a well as the types of colours you like. Planning ahead also means booking your makeup and hair appointments if you are looking to have your makeup and hair professionally done, as well as arranging a limo if you and your pals are wanting to roll up to the prom in style!
The Prom Dress
Once you have a good idea of the types of styles and color schemes you wish to go for, then is the time to start scouring formal wear stores for that perfect dress. The prom dress doesn't always have to be mega expensive either, there are plenty of retail stores which sell beautiful formal wear for affordable prices. Specifically, Forever New is a great place to start but don't discount the boutique stores in your area also as these stores tend to have one of a kind dresses and specialize in prom & formal wear.With online shopping taking off, many young women are looking to online dress stores to purchase their ideal prom night dress. ASOS, The Iconic and Boohoo.com are all popular places to find a gorgeous dress; just be sure to properly take down your measurements to avoid ordering something that doesn't fit correctly. Renting a prom dress is also a great idea! Have a look at our range of formal dresses and consult one of our stylists if you need further assistance in making sure the dress you purchase is the one for you!Prom night dressing is super fun because you don't have too many restrictions when it comes to how glam or how demure you want to go. Try playing around with different dress lengths, different materials and colours. A lot of girls like to go princess glam with their prom or formal wear, with beautiful diamante detail and princess-style gowns in soft floaty chiffon and tones of pink and jewel colours. Others look fabulous in a more conservative cut in classic black and white with hair sleek and polished and a bold red lip. The best piece of advice for choosing a prom dress is to wear something that you feel comfortable in, and what is an extension of you and your unique personality.
Don't Forget the Details
You might have the perfect dress, but it can so easily be ruined by the wrong pair of shoes or set of jewelry! Never skimp on the details when it comes to prom night dressing, this includes hair and makeup. Your accessories should be like a bow or ribbon in a present, tying your ensemble up and keeping in theme with your style. Shopping for accessories is a delicate process because it requires some thought. Have a look at your prom dress and determine its colours and texture and try and emulate this in your accessories. If you are wearing a dress with an embellished bodice, opt for a metallic or silver heel and a pair of chandelier or diamante earrings. Be careful of wearing heavy accessories if your dress is on the more delicate side. Satin and chiffon gowns should be complemented with delicate jewelry, and if your dress has any detailing around the neck avoid any heavy looking necklaces or statement pieces and opt for an up-do hairstyle to show off the detailing of the dress.When it comes to choosing accessories it's all about balance. Bright dresses can be complemented with bright contrasting colours worn in the shoes or jewelry as well as with makeup. A bright lip can be a great way of adding a bit of 'wow' or oomph to your ensemble if your dress is in a darker hue. Costume jewelry is the best for accessorizing, as there is so much variety and at affordable prices. Have a look at your local department store or accessory store such as Colette for beautiful pieces and designs. Again, consult a stylist if you are unsure of how to accessorize your gown and make the most of your prom dress.