Choosing a prom dress requires a little preparation. Here’s what you should bear in mind before setting out to buy one.
Image by RPatts via Flickr
Buying a prom dress can be a fairly involved process. Don’t expect to walk into a shop and have the gown of your dreams jump out at you, complete with the right fit and at the right price. If you want to get a dress that is uniquely you, and just right for the occasion, you should do a little bit of research first to ensure that you know what you want to get.
You should also make sure that you can afford it, and that you won’t have to face the embarrassment of having a rival same-dress-wearer at the party to contend with. So, before you go shopping for the perfect outfit, here are a few things you should prepare first:
Get an idea of what you want
Before you set off to scout any stores that sell prom dresses you should first find out more about what’s on the market. Browse internet catalogues and do so with a discriminating eye to see what dresses are hot this season. Take note of the catalogue codes for anything you like, and lay them out so that you can compare them properly. Besides the internet, look through magazines and tabloids to see what is available and what is trending.
Having a selection of possibilities at your disposal will help you to make a more informed choice when buying. It is important to not have your heart set on only one dress. Have a few choices to go for. That way if you can’t find your first choice in the right size, style or price, you won’t be hit with a panic attack when you’re in the store, and end up settling for something you don’t really want.
Know your accessories
Your prom outfit is not just about the gown you choose. Every item and accessory you wear should play a part in complimenting your overall look. So before you go choosing a prom dress, consider the accessories you want to don on the night. Think of everything, from necklaces and earrings, right down to your clutch-bag and shoes. Even when you’re just browsing through the latest styles of homecoming dresses, be sure to factor in what they would look like with the rest of the outfit.
Consider your quirks
Every one of us is unique, even if we don’t always feel like it. Consider the qualities that make up who you are and factor them in when choosing a dress. Your outfit should complement and accentuate who you are and not hide them to make you a generic member of the ball. The prom is an opportunity to really express who you are, so experiment a little.
What is your budget?
Budget is a massive factor when it comes to choosing the dress that is right for you. We all want to go all out and wear diamond encrusted gold lining and platinum fibre dresses (or do we?), but consider what this will do to the price. Spend too much and you’ll run the risk of looking like you’ve overdone it; but spend too little and you’ll look like you just threw something on while leaving the house.
Find the right balance and factor in all aspects of your outfit when working on a budget. You don’t want any unexpected expenses for items that you simply have to have at a later stage.