How to Choose Your Perfect Prom Dresses

There are very few times in your life when you get to wear a truly glamorous, jaw-dropping dress. Why not make your prom night one of those times with a beautiful, flattering, perfect prom dress?

Deciding on what type of dress

Get some inspiration. Check out different trends that are on the catwalk lately. Look through some magazines to see what you like and dislike about this seasons dresses. You can also look at what celebrities are wearing to red carpet events, and use these things to influence your look.

Start looking at fashion magazines and stores as early as three to four months before your prom.

Plan to choose and purchase your prom dress at least four to six weeks before your prom. Most formal gowns (including prom dresses) require alterations for a perfect fit, and you will want to allow enough time to complete these alterations.

Watch some celebrity red carpet events and use the internet and take notes on your favorite styles. You may just be able to find a similar prom dress in your local boutique.

Focus on matching the dress to your body shape, to ensure the ideal fit. Finding out what your body shape is will help you to match it to the ideal dress, one that flatters and accentuates all of your good features, hiding anything you might consider a flaw. You could be an apple, pear, hourglass, vase. There are various different categories for body shape and you can find your body shape by reading: [Determine Your Body Shape|How to determine your body shape].

Once you know your body shape, you're at a great advantage, because your body shape determines what style or cut of dress will suit your figure, therefore making your job of finding a dress easier.

Decide on the color. Now is a good time to decide what color you would like. And, this is a very important part because, different colors tell people what your personality is, like if you choose a bright red, then people would think you were bold and the center of attention. If you choose black, sophisticated; blue, confident; pink, fun; purple, bubbly. It's all about what image or mood you want to show. It's also about what color you look flattering in. Some girls look better in blue, some in red. For example, girls with long brown hair and brown eyes should avoid the color yellow. It really depends on your hair color, figure, eye color, face shape, mouth size, and eye size.

Plan your budget for your prom dress and begin saving as soon as possible. Be sure to allow extra cash for small accessories like hair clips, pantyhose, and make-up. Find and buy cheap prom dresses online is also a good choice.

Shopping for the prom dress

Start looking out for the actual dress, now that you know what you want. Ideally, you need to start this stage at least 4 to 5 weeks before the actual event. But, remember, if you see a really nice dress in the window, don't think 'that's the one' and just go in and buy it. You need to shop around because, you might buy that dress and a week later see an even nicer one. Good things come to those who wait.

On the other hand, don't purchase your dress too far in advance, as before big events you can easily lose or gain weight, from stress or something else, such as periods, boyfriend troubles, stress, season (winter versus spring).

Try on dresses in a variety of different styles and cuts to find the one that works best for your body. You should already have done the work on the body shape, but here are some additional considerations:

If you have a slim figure, you may look best in a sheath-style dress that shows off your silhouette.

If you are curvy, you may want to consider an A-line dress that will highlight your waist and minimize your hips and thighs.

If you're short and petite, dress shopping may be a nightmare; cocktail dresses become full gowns and party dresses become cocktail dresses.

If you're looking for a longer dress, look for a short dress that is long on you. It will fit better and will fit you everywhere else without being too long.

Choose the dress. Once you have narrowed your choices to one particular prom dress style, try on that style in a variety of different colors and finishes. Although you should already have an idea of the preferred color, it can't help to do a final check for a glamorous shade that brings out color in your face.

When choosing a fabric finish, keep in mind that shinier finishes will tend to show off figure flaws while matte finishes will obscure and diminish undesirable features.

Designing your own dress

Consider getting a dress tailor made for you. You might not like this idea of waiting around and you also might have a creative flair. If so, you could also design your own dress. You are probably thinking 'what?' but you could just sketch what you want on a piece of paper and take it to a tailors to be made for you. Or, you can take in a picture of a dress and they can make a copy.

Do this at least four weeks in advance, so that you have time to have it altered if needed.

Start shopping for shoes and accessories at least two months in advance of the prom or formal dance. This way, you can try on your shoes, bag, and dress all together at the dress shop. If you change your mind, you can at least return the bag and shoes if time allows, and you will only have to pay the lay away fee rather than getting stuck with an expensive dress no one else would necessarily want.

Shoes usually look best when they are of the similar color or suit the color of the dress. A nice pair of heels are good if you want to be a bit taller.

When it comes to jewelry, don't go over-board, too much can just ruin the look of the dress and make it look cluttered.

Hair

Sort out the perfect hairstyle to match the prom dress. While the opportunities are endless, don't leave the decision till the last minute. Are you thinking of dyeing it? If so, do this well in advance, ditto for a new cut. Some classic hairstyles are updos (they make the outfit look very classy and sophisticated) or long loose curls (they make you look fun and cute). A side bun makes for a quirky change.

Getting ready for the prom

Try everything on to check how it all comes together. A couple of weeks before your prom, try on your dress with your shoes, jewelry, make-up, and hairstyle to be sure you like the finished look. Walk and move around in your prom dress a little to give it a comfort check.

Get ready on the night of the prom. On the night of your prom, put your dress and a "cover-up" (any clean shirt or jacket) on before applying make-up or styling your hair. This will prevent any make-up smudges or product stains on your fabulous prom dress.

To complete the look, don't forget that beautiful smile. Wearing a nice prom dress is good, but if you are smiling it will make you look like the best person in there. You confidence will go through the roof when you get all the compliments.