The Ultimate Prom Dress Guide

This isn't just any dance...it is THE dance we all wait for in our senior year!

Prom has become a bigger deal than ever in elaborate gowns, full photoshoots, and a high price tag! This article will cover what to expect prom dress shopping, what alterations will you need for a prom dress, and a guide on how to choose a prom dress style.

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All dresses shown are from Azazei.

Shop the collection with code SALE15, SALE25 or SHOP for a discount.

Dress Styles

First are common dress styles to try on so you can narrow down your style. It is good to go in with an open mind but also with photos of what you like, so the stylists can help pull similar dresses. They will know their product best so don't be afraid to ask for their popular or favorite looks.

If you can pick the style you want, you can narrow down the details like a fancy back, appliques, two pieces, or cutouts. If you are not sure which you prefer, try on one of each and then narrow down your search to the one you like best.

Sequins & Sparkle

A popular style is sequined prom dresses with a real Hollywood glam look is sparkle from head to toe. If sequins are not your thing look for beads or fabric that has shine and sparkle.

You can cut the dress short and wear it after prom as a party dress.

Glamourous Simplicity

If the glamour isn't for you, try an elegant yet simple look in a fitted prom dress. This will show off your curves and you can wear it long or short, far into the future. You can also find styles with beads for a bit of personality if you want a touch of sparkle.

Cinderella Ballgown

I highly suggest trying a ballgown at least once even if just for fun! You can go glam, simple, or look for a high neck with an open back. There are many different types of skirts and fabrics to choose from.

The True Mermaid

A true mermaid prom dress has tulle built into the bottom of the skirt for a dramatic effect. These still look great short, or you can even take the tulle out for a different style later on.

Flowy Gowns

Flowy prom dresses are very popular, you can wear them easily long or short afterward. There are dozens of different tops, backs, and beading that can give the dress personality.

When To Shop For A Prom Dress?

Prom season actually starts in September at the beginning of the school year for prom the following June. Most dresses in the store are samples that you are able to order in another size and color. Some of these dresses can take months to arrive, or styles can run out of stock. This can leave you later in the year scrambling for what is leftover.

You can ask the store if you can purchase the samples since most of them will be new for the season, or they will often have a section of more affordable styles that are meant to be purchased off the rack. These you can shop for later in the year but do not wait too long to ensure you get the right size.

Something many parents may not be aware of, is that schools have registries. Either in-store or started by the students on Facebook, they ensure no one wears the same dress.

I know it sounds crazy but as an ex-manager at an evening gown salon, teenagers can cause a lot of unneeded drama even for the sweetest girls. Post a photo in your group chat of the online photo, not of you in the dress so that it stays a surprise when everyone sees you!

If you are going as a guest to prom, it is typical to wear something simple or a short style.

This comes from giving the prom girls their special day and is an unwritten rule you may face.

What Budget Can I Expect For A Prom Dress?

I like to break price points into 3 categories, all 3 have amazing options for any style.

(Prices in Canadian Dollars)

- $200 and under - Typically off the rack styles or knock-off brands. Can be found in malls, local shops, and online easily.

- $500 and under - Most common, many options available at this price. These will be known name brands in the industry and will most likely need to be ordered.

- $1000 and under - You should have your pick of the store at this budget. Local dress shops often will not get many dresses over this budget.

- $1000 and Up - These are designer gowns you will most likely need to order or will not be available to try on in-store. I would go to a design house instead of a local shop with this budget.

These price points are in Canadian dollars which heightens the price. When dresses come from another country there is a dollar exchange, duty, shipping, and other charges that make the dress more expensive. You will see the US price often be significantly less if that is where the supplier is located. Even ordering online you may find yourself paying extra duty fees once the item arrives at your door! Plan for this in your budget if you plan on purchasing online.

Another thing to plan for is alterations!

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All dresses shown are from Azazei.

Shop the collection with code SALE15, SALE25 or SHOP for a discount.

What Tailoring & Alterations Should I Expect For A Prom Dress?

Sometimes you can try on a dress and it fits perfectly with no alterations needed, LUCKY YOU! The majority, however, is similar to a wedding dress that you will need to make alterations. There are so many different body shapes and sizes, it is crazy to think we would all fit the measurements on a size chart. This section will show how to get the right size and what alterations to expect. Remember that these dresses are often ordered for you and are non-refundable, especially after being altered.. Ensure you selected the right dress before making the purchase!

Sizing For Prom Dresses

You will start with 3 main measurements: Your Bust, Waist, and Hip.

Bust: Your bust should follow your bra line around the widest part of your torso and across the middle of each breast. Make sure you aren't slanted, and do not pull tightly or the dress will feel too tight! It is better to take the dress in than have to deal with an ill-fitting dress! Remember as girls are maturing, they can grow in the coming months so plan for space in the chest area just in case.

Waist: Stand up tall and bend to the side, where your side indents, is where your natural waist is. Many people believe your waist is where your jeans sit, that is actually your hip. Your natural waist usually sits a few inches above your belly button or a few inches below your bust.

Hip: This is where you are widest around your buttocks and the widest part of your hip/thigh.

Ensure not to be on an angle and look for the widest part from the side and facing forward. This measurement will not be as important if you have a flowy style or a ballgown.

Next is comparing your measurements to the sizing chart. Each brand has a different sizing chart, so ensure you use the companies you are buying from. You want to match as close as you can, and it is better to go bigger rather than smaller.

NEVER get offended by size, I have witnessed some of these brands be 4 sizes smaller than regular clothing. If you are normally a size 4 and have to buy an 8 trust the chart!

What do you do if you are a 4, 8, and 12 in your measurements?

If you have a flowy dress, the hip will not matter as much so you would go for a 6 or 8 depending on how close your measurements are, and how comfortable you are with tighter clothing.

Let's say you are buying a fitted gown with no stretch, it is best to go with the 12 or largest size. You can alter the rest of the gown but you know the dress will not be too tight or even worse tear!

Common Alterations For Prom Dresses

Length: The dressmakers do not know how tall you will be when these dresses are crafted, and it is much easier to remove fabric than add it. Most gowns will be made for a woman who is 6 feet tall in heels. A good way to save money, is to hem the front of the dress shorter and leave a train in the back. This will allow you to walk without tripping and save you money.

Straps: Similar to the length, they need to allow room for height and bust size in the straps. Pull the dress upwards slightly and pinch the strap shorter to see what the dress would look like with shorter straps. Your bust should feel secure, and it should be snug on your shoulders but not digging in.

Sizing: If you were between measurements or would like a more custom fit, alter the gown to hug where you would like it to. I have witnessed a girl order multiple sizes too large due to her size being sold out, and our wonderful seamstress was able to reconstruct the dress to a smaller size perfectly! MAKE sure you find someone who knows what they are doing!

Bra Cups: If the chest is a bit loose or if you cannot wear a bra with your dress, you can wear a sticky bra with a bit of extra padding. These are typically less than $20-30 dollars and can be reused many times.

Another option is getting an old bra, cutting the cups out, and having the seamstress sew them into the dress. This is a very comfortable option to get the fit you like in an inexpensive way.

Too Tight: Help the dress is too tight! Whether you grew, gained weight, or are just uncomfortable with the size, there are options!

It is common after ordering that the dress will be tighter than the one you tried on in-store, even though they are the same size. The sample has been worn like a pair of new shoes. You can open the zipper and enclosures and put your hands in the dress. Gently tug on the dress to stretch it out a bit. This could solve the problem for you without alterations.

If the dress really is too tight, a seamstress can look at the seam allowance. There is typically a bit of extra fabric in the seam to make it more secure. They can let out a bit of the fabric along each seam to give an extra inch or so all the way around.

No use? Another option is adding extra fabric or a corset. A corset is VERY easy to put in a dress and allows you to adjust the size to fit you perfectly. All they do is take the zipper out, add the grommets and string to lace it up. Often they will add a hook and eye or shorter zipper for extra security. DONE! Even if it sounds complicated it is quite easy for a seamstress.

Accessories For Prom

Remember to keep it simple and let the dress do the talking. A simple pair of dangly earrings are the easiest way to step up your look with a neutral-colored shoe. If you want to be more fun try a body chain or sneakers with a ribbon instead of shoelaces! If you have a date going with you to prom you can take a swatch from your hem and match the tie color to your dress.

Comment below with any questions about Prom or Graduation dresses or add in any advice of your own!

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All dresses shown are from Azazei.

Shop the collection with code SALE15, SALE25 or SHOP for a discount.