How to find the perfect prom dress

Prom has always been the quintessential teenage right of passage. It’s all about the theme and location, the limo, the music, having a great time with your closest friends and maybe even a dreamy date, and of course, the perfect outfit. For girls, having the perfect prom dress is just the icing on the top, and there are tons of dresses out there. Terani’s collection of prom dresses alone literally has hundreds of stunning dresses you can choose from. Finding the perfect prom dress can get a little overwhelming, but with the following guide, you’ll be on your way to prom before you know it—sweat-free and completely transformed into prom queen.

  1. Logistics first: school theme, dress code, time, and budget

These are things you need to know before you get started. First, find out what the school theme is. You can decide to either go with the theme flow or completely clash with it. Your best bet is to probably just stay somewhere in between. Make sure that you’re aware of any dress codes or guidelines to avoid any issues come prom day. Give yourself a few months to shop and look around for dresses. You can also use this time to save up some money, especially if you plan on spending however much it cost for the perfect dress. Mom and dad may not be so willing. Regardless, it’s better to set a budget you can stick to.

  1. Do some research

If you already know which kind of dress you want to go for, all you have to do is figure out where you can find it. If you have absolutely no clue or don’t even know where to begin, start looking through some magazines to get some ideas. Go online and get some inspiration. You can figure out what the latest styles are, or you can decide if you’d rather go classic or retro.

  1. Don’t procrastinate

Start shopping early. Go to multiple stores and try on as many dresses as you can. Even try on dresses that aren’t usually your style. You might be surprised at what you find you actually like. Also, take into consideration what your date might be wearing. Coordinating can make it harder to look for particular dresses. Give yourself ample time to look for the perfect dress. You don’t want to be left with no dress to choose from at the last minute.

  1. Make comfort a priority

Looking your best does not mean you’ll have to be in pain during prom. The good news is there are dresses out there that are both stylish and comfortable at the same time. You’re not going to want to be thinking about the tightness of your dress or the way it pinches your skin while you’re on the dance floor. You’ll have more fun in prom if you’re wearing something that’s not hurting or bothering you in any way.

  1. Have fun shopping and buy it when you’ve found it

If you happen to find luck in finding the perfect dress, buy it right away. Don’t postpone purchasing thinking that it will be there next week. Prom goers are voracious shoppers; they’ll buy multiple dresses if they have to. You can always return the dress if you find something else that you like. That’s always the best part. Have fun shopping around but also know when to call it quits. You’ll know when you find the right dress; you’re not going to want to take it off.