Shopping for prom can be a daunting experience, especially if it’s your first time planning for a formal event. There are many components you need to think of, including the boutiques you want to visit and the style, color, and fabric of your dress. Then, to complete your ensemble, you need to look for matching jewelry and shoes.
How to Shop at Prom Dress Boutiques Without Getting Overwhelmed
If prom is right around the corner, and you’re wondering where to start, dive into our bite-sized prom shopping guide.
Step 1: Learn What Dress Styles Suit Your Body Type
Before you begin shopping for your outfit, take some time to understand dress silhouettes and cuts. While you can rock any style of dress you want, different dress cuts highlight different features and can influence your overall look.
A-line dresses are the most popular silhouette and flatter nearly all body types. These dresses have a fitted bodice and a flowy skirt, creating a balanced frame. Ball gowns are also popular choices for prom. These dresses balance wider hips and are particularly complimentary for inverted triangle body types.
For petite body types, choose dresses with a short, defined bodice. Look for belted dresses and long skirts to elongate the frame. Fit and flare dresses are a foolproof choice, offering the waist definition and balancing the overall look.
Step 2: Gather Inspiration
Once you’re equipped with the knowledge of dress silhouettes, it’s time to find ideas. Use internet resources such as Instagram and Pinterest. Online magazines and blogs can also be a great place to see what is trending and if anything clicks for you. You can pick and choose palettes, trends, and aesthetics to create a mood board for your prom look.
When finding inspiration, think of the details, such as fabrics, embellishments, sleeves, and necklines. This will give you an idea of what to keep an eye on when visiting physical stores.
Step 3: Finalize Your Budget and Preferences
An important part of prom planning is setting a budget. This will save you time and also help you narrow down your options. Prom dresses can range anywhere from a few hundred to thousands, depending on where you shop from. Having a realistic budget in mind will also help you decide which boutiques to visit. When finalizing your budget, also factor in tailoring, accessories, and professional services costs, such as hair and makeup.
Step 4: Visit Shops and Boutiques
Now that you’ve planned and prepped for prom shopping, it is time for the fun part. Begin by making a list of all the prom boutiques in your area. You can ask your friends for recommendations and check online for reviews. Popular shops for prom include retailers such as Nordstrom, ASOS, and Anthropologie.
If you’re looking for unique styles and craftsmanship, online dress stores can also be an excellent choice.
Tips for Shopping at Prom Dress Boutiques
As prom season inches closer, boutiques will be booked and busy. To ensure you make the most out of prom shopping, we have compiled a handy list of tips.
Schedule a Fitting Appointment
Many formal wear boutiques require prior scheduling to accommodate fittings. This ensures that you can be offered a personalized and seamless experience when you try on dresses. Before scheduling a fitting, you may visit the shop to have a look at their collection. This way, you will have a sense of the variety they carry and if they match your preferences.
Bring Friends Along
Finding the ideal prom dress is an important decision for seniors. Bring your friends or family along for support and opinions. It can also make the shopping experience much more engaging and fun. Refrain from inviting too many people to tag along since too many opinions can be overwhelming.
Prioritise Comfort
As you twirl in your dream dress and marvel at the style and design, don’t lose sight of how the dress feels. Take a moment to tune in with your body and ensure that the dress isn’t cutting into your skin or making you uncomfortable in any way. You should be able to move easily without constant adjustments.
Keep in mind that you will have to spend an entire day in your prom dress, walking around and dancing.
Enjoy Shopping!
The process of planning your prom look can feel like quite the task. If it starts overwhelming you, take a break and focus on having fun. You can break everything down into smaller steps, and things will fall into place on their own.
Remember, the point of prom is to express your individuality and unique style while celebrating your academic journey.
