Prom Dress Shopping Tips
Of course, there are some practical facts to consider, COST, STYLE and potential future use. How many young high school girls are financially able to purchase not only the dress, but the extras that are mandatory for such an elegant evening. Mom and dad come to the rescue and provide the funding, (unless the prom attendee has spent the last year baby-sitting every child in the neighborhood or had a few after school jobs at the local mall). For practical purposes, dad and mom will be the financial support of the special evening.
Let’s see, I can name a few items that are at the top of any shopping list along with the dress. Shoes, evening bag, shawl or evening jacket, special lacy undergarments, gloves (if you so desire), jewelry, a special hair-do, make up that shows great cheek bones and makes those Baby Blue or Heavenly Brown Eyes look terrific, did I mention the Grey or Green vixon dazzlers?
Here are a few tips that may not be considered when planning the Prom Night. Do you know how to walk in a floor-length evening gown in high heels? Yep, it would help to practice, don’t ya think! Practice posing, you know there will be camers everywhere on Prom Night, dad and mom are sure to want a special picture for the mantle and the school will be taking pictures of each couple as they arrive. Have a few basic positions practiced. Look at pictures of models, but remember to look real and not as if you are set to race down a runway. A few tips on how to “carry” yourself, stand tall, do not slouch, hold your shoulders at a slight angle to the camera, twisting your hips a bit more sideways, away from the camera. Don’t forget to put on a smile, you may want to practice in front of a mirror to capture “that look”.
Another important consideration is your complexion and weight. You may want to stay away from those french fries and candy in order to control any complexion problems and extra pounds. Did you know that white or light colors reflect light and you may look a bit larger. Darker colors have are slimming, but again, the color must be flattering to your skin tone also. Try to walk a little more or ride a bike to tone your body for that slim, fit look you want to achieve.
You know the date of the Prom, determine how many trips to the store will be needed to accomplish all of the necessary items on your Prom List. Sit down and think about how you want to look. Check out magazines and window shop, just to get an idea of what style dresses are being shown for the season before running into the first store and purchasing the “cute” dress in the window. Decide on a few acceptable colors, (what colors are best for you, don’t decide on fire engine red if your skin tone and hair color or not compatible), do you want long or short sleeves, strapless (be sure your figure can accommodate such a style).
Look in your local telephone book for stores that specialize in dresses for bridesmaid or prom dresses. Loralie, Sydney’s Closet, The Prom Drress Shop are a few stores you may have in your area. If time permits, search the online auction site Ebay for Buy it Now Prom Dresses. There are a few online stores that carry formal dresses. Be sure to check if you need to register before you set your eyes on purchasing a dress. You may want to consider having your Prom Dress made by a local seamstress/dress maker. Even if you have purchased your dress at a local store, you may want to have a seamstress check out the possibility of making adjustments. This is good time to mention if your dress has beading near the seams, having the dress altered could be a problem. Again, be sure you have allotted sufficient time to such a project.
A couple of hints you may find helpful for your shopping trips. Take along a pair of lowheel slippers to try on the dresses. Please don’t keep yuor sneakers on while walking around the store. Stores can be strict about not getting the hems of the dresses soiled.
Remember that your dress should be flattering, there is a difference between looking sexy and looking cheap. What looks good on your friend may not be suited for you. Be realistic, don’t expect to lose an exessive amount of weight just so you can fit into a dress one or two sizes smaller. Your normal size is the best guide for your choice of a dress that feels comfortable, and gives you the confidence you need. When you try on a dress, you may want to be fitted for a better bra that can better define the cut of the dress and make it more attractive.
There are also slimming panties that can purchased to give you a seamless look from the waist down.
A shawl or evening jacket may be a necessary addition to your Prom Dress. Depending on the weather or your particular location, having a light weight, cover over your shoulders is perfectly acceptable. Choose a texture and color that will enhance your dress, not detract or take center stage… the dress is the focal point of the evening.
Your shoes must not only fit properly and not hurt your toes or heels, you wil be dancing and cannot afford to sit the evening out with your feet in a foot bath!. Heel height must not be overlooked, low or medium heels are the best. The color of the shoes is important also. Avoid white or light colors. Choose a color that does not draw attention to your feet. You could use fabric shoes that are dyed to match your dress.Here is a question? Do you want shoes that can be worn later or shoes that wil spend next few years in the back of your closet?
Jewery and handbags are necessary, but remeber to keep them simple. You are only to need lipstick, hanky, small compact and comb, and a few dollars for an emergency call home or a cab fare. Just the essentials, not the saddle bag you normally carry to the mall. Mom may even suggest a simple string of pearls or a small gold chain that just happens to be wrapped in a special box as a gift for your evening.
Talk to your hairstylist, and discuss a few styles that will flattering to your face and outfit. Have him or her fix your hair in a few styes to see how they feel. You certainly do not want to spend the night using a curling iron or re-inserting pins in your hair. Why not take advantage of the time and get tips on make up and how to apply it. Here again the right tone is necessary to carry out the color of your skin and dress.
You have beautiful dress, shoes fit and are perfect, your accessories are great, but not taking center stage. Maybe you want a special fragrance to highlight the outfit and makeup that is expertly applied. There are several trial size bottles that can be picked up at a local department store as samples. Take a few home and test them. Don’t over use the fragrance, you just want a hint of the perfume. A tip in how to apply perfume, spray the mist in the air and walk through the mist. Your skin will attract the mist and you will be properly covered in a wonderful scent.
I hope you can learn from these tips and use them to your advantage. Just remember to be the best that you can be. A Prom is your entry into a new and exciting world. Enjoy your evening.
