Prom season can sneak up on you quickly, especially because it comes around the same time as finals and graduation. Besides who you’ll be going with, what you’ll wear is one of the most important things on people’s minds. You want to choose an outfit that you feel great in and will love seeing in photos of the night for years to come.
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed when choosing a prom outfit because it’s very different from how you dress in your normal life. Dressing for prom doesn’t have to be stressful, though, if you follow a few basic guidelines.
Choosing Your Prom Look
When deciding what to wear, it’s important to consider a few main points so you have the best prom experience.
Prom Dress Code
The first thing to check is what your school’s policy on promwear is. Most schools relax certain day-to-day restrictions, such as prohibiting clothing that is sleeveless or strapless, for prom. Still, there will usually be some guidance.
Since prom is a formal event, most schools prohibit casual clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and jeans.
Prom Theme
Most proms will have some kind of theme. It might be based on a time period, a film, or some other concept, usually voted on by the student body. The decor will usually be based around this theme. That being said, not everyone will be dressed to the theme and if you really hate it or feel uninspired, you don’t have to.
What Do You Wear to Prom? Dresses for Prom
For feminine prom looks, a dress is a classic choice. Since prom is a formal event, a longer dress or a dress with bold and eye-catching details is perfect. We’ve been loving the variety of prom dress options from Sherri Hill.
Most formal dresses show a little more skin than daytime dresses featuring elements such as bare shoulders, open backs, deep v-necks, or high leg slits. You can choose what features you’re comfortable with, but there are some more covering options too. A wrap or jacket can provide you with extra coverage and add visual detail to your outfit.
We recommend trying on your dress in person before committing to check and make sure the fit is perfect. You should also choose a color that’s not just trendy or matches the theme, but looks good on you. Most importantly, it should be a dress that feels comfortable and won’t cause a wardrobe malfunction while you dance the night away.
There are also some non-traditional prom options that fit the formal theme while still allowing you to stay true to your personal style. Two-piece skirt and top sets have been growing in popularity in the formalwear sphere in recent years, allowing you to play with mixing and matching or having a cropped look that shows your midriff.
Formal jumpsuits have the ease of a one-piece outfit while allowing you to wear pants, if that’s what you prefer. You can choose a jumpsuit that’s sleek and simple or has a lot of bling and fun details.
Accessorize Your Prom Dress
Once you’ve chosen a dress (or two-piece or jumpsuit), you will need to accessorize it to complete the outfit. When choosing shoes and jewelry we recommend choosing something a little more neutral so you can wear them for other events. You may regret spending money on something that doesn’t match anything else you own since you’ll only get one use out of it.
What Do You Wear to Prom? Suits for Prom
While it’s tradition to wear a tuxedo at prom, there are other options for masculine prom outfits. First of all, you don’t have to buy a tux. Most people rent theirs and formalwear rental stores often have good deals for prom season.
You can also choose to wear a suit. A good suit is a great investment in your wardrobe and one you can sometimes even find at the thrift store for cheap. Depending on the dress code for your prom you could even get away with a pair of dress pants and a button down shirt. Add a tie in a fun color or pattern to express your personal style.
Dress to Impress at Prom
For many high schoolers in America, prom is one of the most memorable nights in their teen years. You want to make sure that you have a great time and part of that includes choosing the right outfit for the night.
Make sure you choose a look that won’t get you stopped at the door by dress code enforcers. You should also pick something that makes you look and feel good being photographed in and dancing in for hours. Don’t let a bad prom dress dampen your big night!