By: Alicia Estrada
Every teenage girl dreams of the day, and night, of her first prom. Preparing for that one event, however, can take weeks, sometimes longer. If you will be looking forward to Prom Night � junior, senior or some other kind � this article will help you save some money, some time and perhaps even some face.
Everything has to be perfect and done exactly right according to your own specifications. It is your night, after all. Your date, corsage, limo, hairstyle and makeup are all critically important. But the one thing that outshines all of the other items of importance is the dress. The prom dress is the icing on the cake, and more than any other single thing can determine what the outcome of the evening will be. There is no room for error here!
No matter who is going to pay for the dress, it is important to shop around before making any final decision. Beyond the price range you (or your parents) have established, there are a number factors to consider when choosing the right gown. The color, length, fabric, style and overall fit are what will make your dress a success. Here are 10 tips you need to know before you go shopping:
1. The first tip is more of a reminder, perhaps. (Make that several reminders!) You need a firm budget so you don't waste time on a designer gown you can't afford. You also need to know your best and worst colors, what designs and features work best with your body type, how to recognize quality clothing and so on. If you feel less than qualified in any of these areas, by all means get good advice � and take it.
2. Bring the shoes that you're going to wear along with you. You need to make sure that the dress is the right length for the heel height, and that the colors match or coordinate correctly. Remember that your shoes must coordinate with more than just the color(s) of the dress. You need to be in balance style-wise, too. In fact, your shoes are very important to your choice of a final dress.
3. Avoid dresses that have trains on them. Although it might look great in front of a mirror or strolling in the store, a train can cause some major foul-ups on the dance floor. Trains are a hassle and the last thing you need to worry about is tripping in front of everyone.
4. Of course, there is going to be dancing at the prom. Be sure that your dress fits right in relation to the top of your shoe. Otherwise it might be the hem of your dress that you dance on all night instead of the parquet floor.
5. If the dress ties in the back, make sure that it is done in a way that is going to be secure over a period of time, and in different positions (sitting, dancing, walking). Some girls will use a hidden safety pin, discreetly placed, to ensure that the back of the dress stays closed. After all, you don't want that date of yours, or anyone else, getting any funny ideas.
6. If the dress happens to be strapless, make sure that the front of the dress fits right. Otherwise this can turn into a real embarrassment. Remember, too, that you will not be able to wear a regular bra with a strapless dress, as well as those with “spaghetti straps.” There are a few different kinds of “partial” or “strapless” bras that you might consider using, and some dresses come with “integral cups” for shaping and support.
7. Consider every type of fabric and style combination to find the dress that best fits your body type. For example, an empire-line dress is great for disguising a bigger waistline or tummy, while big hips are often camouflaged by a stovepipe midsection of satin fabric. “Clingy” and form-fitting clothes, of any kind, are not the best ideas for everyone.
8. Sweetheart necklines flatter almost any chest or neck and they can look quite becoming on almost any young lady. The neckline is very important, as it teams up with your hairstyle to frame your face.
9. If your neck is of the longer variety, definitely avoid plunging necklines. They can make your neck look even longer than it actually is and you certainly don't want that. Conversely, if you have a short neck, a plunging neckline can help, as long as it is done in good taste and in accordance with the other considerations.
10. Look for a dress that puts the emphasis on your best feature. Whether it be the unique color of your eyes or your dramatic hourglass figure, part of your decision should be based on how well the dress “accentuates the positive.” And remember the saying, “You should wear the dress, the dress should not wear you.” This will help you feel great about how you look, as the focus will be on the positive things you accentuate, as opposed to other things that you may not like as much.
If you really have bad luck and can't find anything you like, you might have to consider buying a pattern and having a dressmaker make it for you. You might expect this to be quite costly but, in fact, it's more affordable than you may think. EBay is a huge “virtual mall,” as everyone should know by now, and is a good place to seek out unusual or retro patterns and fabrics. If you go this route, you certainly won't get to the prom and see another girl in the exact same dress.
Have fun with the shopping. It doesn't have to be a stressful situation. If you follow some simple guidelines you will find the task is a lot less daunting than it might sound. You might consider inviting some friends along and having a shopping party, or make it a mother/daughter day, something special for the two of you to share. Memories are made of just these sorts of events, and “the prom” is a big one for many generations of young ladies. You will remember it for the rest of your life. Make it a memory to cherish forever and let your dress set the stage for a magical night!
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