How to Shop for a Prom Dresses
While clothing trends often shift every season, dress trends tend to hang around for several years. A tell-tale sign of up-and-coming formalwear trends is to check out celebrities’ red carpet appearances for award ceremonies like the Oscars, Emmys, and Golden Globes. The prom dress industry keeps a close eye on what couture designers design and what stylist stars wear so you the prom goer can wear hip, fabulous dresses.
Start early to shop for the perfect prom dress. Some dresses are only available by special order, and may take six to eight weeks to be made. This is also true if the store does not have a dress you love in your size. If you are buying a dress off of the rack, later in the season the dresses and styles will be picked over. Meaning you may not find that perfect dress, or if you do, someone else from your school may already be wearing it.
It is always a good idea to look through up-to-date magazines such as Seventeen, Prom Magazine, and even bridal magazines. You would be surprised at the different fashions you will see and the great ideas from the models in these magazines. If a dress really catches your eye, tear out the page and take it with you when you go shopping for your gown. Another timesaving step is to take your measurements before you go shopping. Jot down your height and weight. This will give you more time to look. This information will come in handy when you decide to go online and shop.
Prom dress shopping doesn’t stop after you have found the dress. Oh no! The next thing on your list is shoes , then purses, wraps, jewelry, make up and hairstyles. Prom dress shopping includes the trip to the salon or day spa and a good tanning session or two. People usually begin their prom dress shopping before they have even been asked out. That way they already have the jump or if they don’t get asked until the last minute they are already fully prepared.
Pick dresses a size larger than normal. Prom dresses run at least one size smaller, just like wedding gowns. Keep an open mind. Try on lots of different styles of dresses. You might love a dress you never thought you’d wear. Try it on; dresses look better on you than on the hanger. Listen to the opinions of your mom and/or friends as to what styles and colors look good on you. Just because you like the dress in an ad doesn’t mean it’s the dress for you. Let the salesperson help you try on the dresses. They help you zip and lace up the dresses, hang them back up and save you time shopping.
