Rite-of-passage may have evolved into a trite, dismissive statement, but it’s always applicable when prom is concerned. Whether your school has a junior prom, senior prom or a junior/senior prom, you want to be a part of it. Even if you are cynical, “emo” or death metal, it’s very likely you (even secretly) long to be part of prom.
And why shouldn’t you be? Prom may be a pinnacle of a formal dress to be rivaled only, perhaps, by your wedding. Luckily, you have many opportunities to find the perfect dress for such special event. Your instinct may be to run to the local mall or a chain bridal shop – but none of those stores are specifically geared for young women going to prom especially when you’re looking for the perfect 2018 prom dresses. This isn’t the time (unless you want it to be) to be staid and conservative. And really, one of the least attractive (and frankly lazy) prom looks is one where you look like a bridesmaid! You’ll have plenty of time to dress to the whim of the good friend in whose wedding you’ll be an attendant.
Instead, we recommend checking out the ideally, appropriately named Prom Dress Shop. You can choose from an array of colors, styles and sizes. Because, inevitably, if you go into a store, you may find a style you like, but in the wrong color and size – and the variations that come with shops that are trying to appeal to a too wide customer base.
High-Low
Bold? Try a statement dress, like a fabulous high-low prom dress. You can also find such styles at The Prom Shop. Simply stated, these are gowns which are shorter in the front, longer in the back. Designer high-low prom dresses could help make your legs look longer, show off your fancy shoes or pretty pedicure.
If you have the figure for it, you might want to consider the hottest styles for 2016 prom, which include the top three:
- Princess Ball Gowns
- Mermaid Dresses
- Two-Piece Dresses
Just because the style is “hot” doesn’t mean the dress will flatter you. Here’s a little intel on the aforementioned popular styles:
Princess Ball Gowns
This isn’t a style rocked only by Cinderella, Belle and Snow White. Of the three, this is the most versatile as it is a great option for girls of varying sizes. The dress features a fitted bodice and then opens into a full skirt from the waist down. So, if you’re “narrow” or built “more like a boy” then it will give you the illusion of curves. If you’re curvy, the skirt camouflages. Princess dresses are available in short, mid-calf and full-length options. The distinction between A-Line and this, the Princess, is that the latter features vertical panels from the neckline to hem.
Mermaid
Unlike the Princess dress, the Mermaid dress is ideal only for a certain type of girl: one confident in a figure-hugging dress, with a silhouette that leaves little to the imagination. A traditional Mermaid dress is fitted from the top of the dress (which can be strapless, sleeved or even with a mock turtle) to the knees, where the flared skirt begins. It really most flatters a slender figure but if you flaunt curves, this will work, too.
Two-Piece
Adorable. Many come in a mid-drift style top, and if you have a cute torso, this is how you show it off. Skirts can be any length. It’s the ideal time to start looking for a dress and getting ideas for what will best suit you!
Disclaimer: This article is contributed by Maria Sasa
Ickle Pickle says
Great post – my teen daughter has her first prom in June for leaving school. We are dress hunting at the moment. Kaz x
Miranda says
How awesome, hope she finds the dress she likes. Thanks
Jenni - Odd Socks and Lollipops says
I love the dress in the photo. We had a prom when I left sixth form, but I decided I didn’t want to go and used the money to buy myself some stuff and a laptop for uni! I am not a massive party person so I still feel like I made the right choice! haha. I know lots of people love their proms and I think they are a good thing for most people!
Miranda says
I am the same I skipped both of mine and chilled instead lol
Michaela Britton says
We had a school prom when I was leaving high school and it was so hard to find that right dress. I remember trying on about 20 different ones before settling for a lovely lilac one x
Miranda says
Awww bless I love lilac and I am sure it’s pretty
linda hobbis says
What beautiful dresses. Same as Mel (above) we only had a school disco. Mind you, as a parent, given the cost of dresses, nails, hair, tan and shoes I’m hoping my daughter just has a school disco too!
Miranda says
I can imagine and yes I prefer disco than promo less costly but these days it’s the trend
Mudpie Fridays says
I remember searching high and low for my prom dress with my mum when I was 16 – that was 20 years ago so online retailers didnt really exist then! However love this idea as it also means you are less likely to have that ‘OMG she’s got my dress on’ moment 🙂 x
Miranda says
That is true nothing worse than wearing same dress especially if not planned
Kara says
It is prom year for us this year but its my son’s turn this year so searching for the perfect suit
Miranda says
How awesome hope you find something he likes
Kizzy says
My eldest will be having his prom next year and he’s already talking about what suit he wants! Best get saving
Miranda says
Awww bless am sure he’s so excited
Kerry norris says
Gosh my prom seems so long ago now. I actually wore a two piece. Who knew I was so ahead of my time lol. Coast have had some lovely two pieces lately. I love mermaid style dresses x
Miranda says
Hahaha it does feel long go doesn’t it
Grant R says
My eldest has a prom in May. She’s been planning it since last August. Every second word she says is about her prom dress. It’s clearly a HUGE thing nowadays. She hasn’t mentioned dressing as a mermaid though.
Miranda says
Awww bless I can only imagine, the U.K. Has picked it up now as much as the Americans
Joanna says
One of my regrets is that I didn’t go to my schools prom. I love the beautiful dresses though that you can get for them.
Miranda says
I didn’t go to mine and have no regrets if I am honest but I do love the dresses
Baby Isabella says
My mummy did a prom in Ireland but it does still seem very American. We’d go full on and have a princess dress!
Miranda says
Yea it’s more American than a British thing
Melanie Chadd says
I am not sure how I feel about Proms. I left school before they were a “thing.” Personally I would rather have the money that would be spent on a gown, car, hair and make up for travelling but thats just me.
Miranda says
Hahahaha I know how you feel
Natasha Mairs says
They never did Proms when I was at school, but would have loved to gone to one. Love that dress, so pretty
Miranda says
Back home we did discos than proms but they seem nice enough
Emma White says
My eldest daughter had her prom last year and it cost a small fortune but was so worth it was a magical evening for her
Miranda says
Awww bless, I am sure it was worth it
mellissa williams says
The dress you have posted a picture for is beautiful. We didn’t have proms when I was in school – instead we had a disco!
Miranda says
I loved discos more than proms