Sourcing your dream prom dress is no easy task! There is so much pressure to get it perfect that you can find yourself just scrambling for anything that makes you feel OK at the last minute. Avoid that all too familiar feeling of panic and instead follow these easy to follow prom dress buying pointers to get you to that formal frock sooner rather than later.
Take your measurements
First thing’s first, you need to make a few measurements. Taking down your unique dimensions is vital to finding a dress that fits and flatters you perfectly. It’s all well and good going off the fit on the model, but at the end of the day all of our shapes are completely different and therefore it’s best to shop for you and not someone else. Note down your shoulder, hip, waist and height measurements and keep them with you whilst you’re browsing to find a dress that fits you like a glove. You can also implement your new found shape awareness to your hunt for your everyday clothing, so it’s a handy one to take the time to do!
Gather inspiration
Next, you’ll want to source some aesthetic inspiration for yourself. Gathering inspiration is one of the easiest ways to create a direction for yourself or to better understand the general vibe that you’re going for with your dress and styling choices. Hop online and create a few mood boards, once you step back and look at the big picture you’ll see repeated colors, shapes and materials – use these as your jumping-off point to find a dress you really truly love! Just remember to curate inspiration that is going to blend with your shape, again you’re styling yourself not trying to look like anybody else.
Fit comes first
Now that you’re armed with your measurements and your aesthetic direction, you can actually start looking at some real life dress options! The fit is the most important aspect of your piece, it should come before anything else. Look for a style that flatters your silhouette, it’s a good idea to take a dive into your wardrobe to look for the cuts that you already like to wear. This is going to guide you towards the shape that you’re going to feel both your best and most confident in, which is exactly how you want to be on your special night.
Style considerations
Fit? Check! Next? The style and detailing! This really is the fun part, and the key to finding a prom dress that is as perfectly unique and beautiful as you are is by letting your personality shine through the piece. This means prioritizing yourself in every style choice. Think about selecting your favourite colour, opting for light and airy materials if you prefer a whimsical look, or going for rich, embroidered accents for a moodier vibe. Whatever makes you feel most like you.
Factor in the event
When you’re shopping for a special occasion it is always important that you remember to factor in the event as a whole. If it’s a daytime event you might want to go lighter and brighter, maybe it’s in a novelty location where you can lean into the theme? What time of year is your formal? All of these should guide your dress choice.
Don’t forget about the accessories!
Lastly, never forget about the power of the humble accessory. The right enhancements can take the plainest dress and transform it into the most stunning frock in the room! Look for statement shoes, chunky eye-catching jewellery or romantic headpieces to switch up your classic piece.
Ready to land your perfect prom dress? Follow these pointers and you two will be united in no time.
