5 shopping tips for finding the perfect prom dress
For those who've spent the last few months holed up at home in lockdown and revising for their GCSEs and A-levels, the end-of-year socially-distanced prom or summer ball celebrations may seem far away, but, there is a light at the end of the educational tunnel, I promise.
Proms were unheard of in the UK around 15 years ago, but have since been a welcome celebration we've adopted from across the pond. Summer balls, as they're often called here, are now the highlight of the year for school and university-leavers - particularly after the pandemic. As well as a fun and special night celebrating the end of a no-doubt challenging time, it's also a welcome chance to dress up and wear the kind of glamorous ensemble which is the ultimate antidote to a school uniform or your daytime looks.
With the celebrations weeks away, what better motivation to get you to the end of the line than starting the search for your fabulous new dress? Searches for prom dresses kicked off back in February, so you'll want to get in on the action while the best selection is still available.
Give yourself a well-deserved break and follow this handy guide which will make shopping for yours much easier...
Keep an open mind
Think 'prom dress' and it's likely a slinky fishtail-hemmed dress springs to mind, and while this is a popular option, don't rule out shorter or midi lengths, or bandeau styles and two-pieces, for fear of not looking dressy enough.
Equally, form-fitted isn't the only shape to look into. A structured midi dress can be incredibly elegant, as can an empire-line dress, or a floaty maxi dress.
Try on a range of lengths and styles that you're comfortable with and take someone along with you whose opinion you trust. Be sure to get that person to take a picture of you in each dress so you can see how you look in them and compare.
Don't be afraid of colour
Many of us naturally err towards the safety of black when it comes to evening dresses, and while there's no doubting the flattering and elegant prowess of an LBD, there's a lot to be said for a striking colourful number or a shimmery metallic style.
I'd counsel you to move away from brights and instead adopt a chic colour palette of deep shades, like navy, emerald green, burgundy or violet, or pastels, like lemon, blush pink or pistachio which will have you looking chic and grown-up and all lend themselves well to evening. They're bold enough that your friends will be able to spot you in the crowd, too.
Be wary of your budget
Sequin dress, £430, Needle & Thread; Amira dress, £390, Stine Goya; Self-Portrait crystal embellished dress, £400, Net-a-Porter
It's all well and good falling for a slinky deep purple Oscars-worthy gown complete with a small train and corset bodice, but how much wear will you actually get out of a dress like that? Even if it comes in at the £500 mark, wearing it twice still means quite an expensive cost-per-wear amount.
If you're keen on a designer name and a three or four digit price tag to match, it could be worth looking into luxury renting services, like Rotaro, which has a selection of stunning dresses from the likes of Reformation and Materiel Tbilisi available to hire from as little as £39.
Look into alternatives to dresses
Poppy jumpsuit, £195, Ghost; Lace jumpsuit, £165, Kitri
While a dress is of course the most obvious option for a prom, don't feel constrained. Should you feel more comfortable in trousers, a smart suit or an evening jumpsuit has just as much style kudos.
A jewelled colour and silky, glossy fabric helps it to feel prom-appropriate, and embellishment always adds a glamorous touch. This season, feathers have sprung up on the hems of everything from slouchy suiting to strapless jumpsuits so are worth looking into as an interesting detail.
Don't underestimate the power of accessories
Glitter sandals, £195, LK Bennett; Beaded headband, £150, Shrimps; Beaded bucket bag, £115, Suryo; Evening bag, £100, Uterque; Rhinestone earrings, £35, & Other Stories; Vintage clip-on earrings, £48, Susan Caplan; Metallic platforms, £29.99, Zara
It's easy to get lost in dress shopping and putting all your efforts into finding the perfect one, but accessories shouldn't be overlooked as they have the potential to elevate a simple dress and, crucially, are the elements of the outfit you'll be likely wear again and again.
Pick a comfortable pair of heels: it's no good having to sit on the sidelines all evening as your feet hurt too much to dance, and low heels will ease you in after a year in comfy slippers during lockdown. A platform is ideal if you're not the most confident, but a single soled shoe always looks more expensive. Opt for a metallic pair and they'll work with a host of other evening looks for years to come.
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