Prom is something that little girls and teenagers alike dream about. Many are caught daydreaming about having that one perfect slow dance, having the perfect date or having the right friends by their sides to enjoy the night ahead of them. An important concept of any dance or large event for many people, especially with prom, is deciding what to wear. Many people, women especially, stress about what color, what brand, and what price they can afford. Because of this and the numerous styles that exist, there are thousands of options for teenage girls. With multiple styles to choose from, it is important to find something that is right for you, something that you feel comfortable in.
The one thing that doesn’t change about prom no matter what your style, is that you should expect to spend a decent amount of money (normally ranging from at least $50 all the way to hundreds of dollars). With it becoming more acceptable to be a little more frugal with school dances, instead of buying a dress many choose to make their own, using normal materials to soda caps to duct tape. Whether you choose to do this or choose to buy your dress, the options are wide open.
The first step, is to figure out what your everyday style tends to be categorized as. This could range anywhere from preppy to punk, from sporty to bohemian, and from red carpet to girl next door. If you tend to prefer jeans and sweatpants to dresses and skirts, prom may worry you because of the rather glamorous dresses you have to choose from; it it easily overwhelming. However, there’s no need to fret; you can easily find a dress that you feel comfortable in.
Common, and rather expensive, materials for prom dresses are silk, chiffon, tulle, and lace. According to Night Moves by Allure, these materials are what gives each dress its own specific design by adding detail to the overall look of the dress. Alongside iron-ons, sequins, sparkles, and different patterns such as floral and animal print. Though there are some things that never go out of style, like a simply black floor-length dress, new styles are coming out everyday. Today, it is much more common for women to wear shorter dresses to prom, whether they are covered up by a sheer material or simply showing more skin; prom is not how it used to be. With this being said, you should not feel like you have to fit into a specific style. It is, however, important to know what style you are looking for so you can more easily find exactly what you want. With all of the different options you have, you should take the time to learn what different styles of prom dresses look like.
When it comes to the actual style category of a dress, there are many different concepts to consider. For example, a bohemian dress tends to be long, flowing dresses sporting either a small color range or even a nature-inspired pattern. For those who wish to show off their femininity, they more commonly wear a Princess-like dress which is complete with ruffles, a large, layered skirt, sequins, and even embroidery. If you’re looking to turn heads, going with a slender Red Carpet- inspired complete with a split and lace detailing. If you are less girly and more sporty, you can sport a look that suits your style by wearing a plain dress with minimal detailing. If modern prom isn’t your thing, it is common for girls to look to past decades, sporting dresses inspired by the 1950’s with portrayed with a large skirts and high waist. And for those who aren’t too worried about following the ‘rules’, a punk-inspired dress that plays around with contrasting patterns and darker fabrics such as plaids and polka dots. By knowing terms such as these, you can more easily find what you’d like by asking retail workers or simply searching online.
There are many different choices you have, from choosing between the number of straps the dress has to how much skin you’re willing on showing (as well as how much you’re allowed to show). You can choose between strapless, halters, one shoulder, or the standard two shoulder dress; looking at dresses ranging from classics like the a-line dress and ball gowns to the up and coming mermaid and high low styles, there are many options to take you pick from.
The most important thing about prom is not what you wear or who you’re with (though for many these are important factors) it is how much fun you have. So get out there, find a dress you love, and have the time of your life.
