PROM DRESS BUYING TIPS

Prom night is a time when you want to look like a princess! Follow these tips from Myjellybean.com to find the perfect dress, for the (hopefully) perfect evening.

Think Ahead

Finding the perfect prom dress should start way before you hit the stores! Before you window shop, spend some time thinking about what you want. Are you looking for a once-in-a-lifetime gown? Or do you want something classic that you could wear again as a special occasion dress, perhaps with different accessories? Is your style sleek and tailored, or more lace and ruffles? Or do you want to make a different statement with your outfit? You don't have to know exactly what your ideal dress looks like - keeping an open mind as you shop can lead to wonderful discoveries. But having at least some idea of what you're looking for can definitely cut down on confusion and indecision in the stores.

Collect Ideas

Now it's time to do some fashion legwork. Tour the stores, read magazines, visit Web sites selling prom or bridesmaid dresses (enter "Prom Dresses" in any search engine). You can look for fabulous vintage prom dresses on Fashion Dig's A-Z Catwalk site, or at Ebay.com, the online auction site. A top site for prom dress ideas is Dessy.com, famous for bridesmaid and formal dresses in sizes up to 24. You can't shop online there, but their site will help you find a local bridal store in the U.S. or Canada who carries their dresses.

Give Yourself Enough Time

Don't be fooled into thinking you'll find the perfect dress at your favorite store, or that it will take only one shopping day to find your gown. Unless you're fabulously lucky, you'll need to put in some time to find the perfect creation to make you look your best on prom night. Give yourself lots of time to shop and try things on, so you can make the best decision - not a last-minute panic purchase.

Dress for Trying On

When you go shopping, you'll want to wear clothes that are easy to take off and put back on, since you'll be trying on dresses. Wear a shirt you can pull over your head, and a pair of casual pants or jeans. The same goes for shoes - slip-ons or sneaks are easiest to remove in the change room. (If you already have a pair of shoes that you want to wear, bring them with you in your bag.)

Know Yourself

Know what dress colors highlight your eyes, hair and skin tone. You can get an idea of what colors are most flattering to you in the Myjellybean Clothing Generator. Also know what dress styles and cuts are most flattering for your body type. The perfect dress will hide your flaws, and highlight your good points, to help you look your most beautiful.

When it comes to the most popular styles, an A-line skirt with a bit of flare is flattering on nearly everyone. Be wary about buying a white or very light-colored prom dress, especially if the fabric has a lot of shine. These shades reflect light and can make you seem larger than you actually are. Darker colors tend to have a slimming effect, if that's what you are looking for - but keep in mind, you want a shade with enough pizzazz to flatter your natural coloring.

If you're drawn to prom dresses with a revealing or very tight cut, remember there's a difference between looking sexy and looking sleazy. If in doubt, bring along a friend with good sense to tell you when you're crossing over that line.

Know Your Dress Size

Be realistic. Don't decide you want to be a certain size, then buy a dress hoping to diet your way into it. Thin does not necessarily equal beautiful! (Marilyn Monroe wore size 16.) Whatever your size, whether you're curvy, average or skinny, have the confidence to celebrate yourself the way that nature made you.

Buy your prom dress to fit and flatter your body, as you are now. If you end losing a few pounds before prom night, it's usually no problem to have a seamstress take in an inch or two. But if you buy a dress that's too small, it can be difficult (if not impossible) to make adjustments. There's also not much that's attractive (or comfortable) about squeezing into a too-tight dress. Be realistic in the first place, and you'll be happier with the way you look on the big night.

If you're shopping online or through a catalog, one of the biggest secrets for success (for prom dresses or any other clothing) is measuring yourself accurately so you order the right size.

Know Your Budget

If your folks are funding your shopping trip, be sure to talk over finances with your parents before you visit any stores. Don't spend over your limit unless your parents know. It would be heart breaking to have to return a fabulous dress. It's better to know your budget, and look for a dress within that range.

Don't Rush It

A prom dress is a major purchase. You want to make a gorgeous entrance, and you want to be comfortable enough to move gracefully in your dress all night. Not to mention, prom dresses can be very expensive! So take your time buying. Don't buy anything at the first store you visit. If you think you've found the perfect dress at the first shop, put it on hold while you visit other stores. Make sure you try on a variety of styles and fits, in different colors, to see what looks best on you. If you don't find anything better, you can always go back.

Look for Quality

Don't buy a dress that's badly made, no matter how low the price. When you're looking at dresses, feel the fabric and make sure it won't be scratchy or uncomfortable on your skin. Check the seams for straightness and even stitching. Have a look at the hems and the way they are finished. Does the dress have a lining? When you wear the dress, does it flow evenly, or do the seams make the dress look lopsided? Is the neckline centered? The better quality dress you buy, the better you'll look on prom night.

Don't Feel Pressured

If salespeople are helping you, don't feel pressured to buy anything, or even pretend you like the dress. You're only wasting time - theirs and yours. Do be polite and friendly to the people at the store, but don't feel like you owe them anything, no matter how much time they spend with you. That's their job - and yours is to find the perfect dress! If you're shopping with friends who get tired of waiting for you, tell them to have a great day, you'll see them later when you're done shopping. Don't buy something just to get it over with. Don't buy anything you're not 110% satisfied with. Do buy your dress after a lot of careful thought and consideration.

Buy the Right Bra and Undies for Your Dress

The right foundation garments can improve how prom dresses fit and flatter. Choose your bra and undies carefully to provide support in the right places and go with the cut of your gown. This is one time you absolutely don't want elastic or bra straps peeking out where they shouldn't be! If you get your gown altered, be sure to wear the same foundation garment and shoes to your fitting as you'll wear on prom night, for an accurate fitting.