PARTY QUEEN / Apr 13, 2022

WHAT TO WEAR TO PROM: FASHION ADVICE FROM A PROM QUEEN

Prom is coming up and you're probably wondering what to wear to prom. There are so many choices—where do you begin?!

While we all attend prom, the experience is unique for everyone. Thanks to prom themes and prom dresses, we'll all come away with different memories, photos, and signature dance moves. (Nobody can do the sprinkler like me!)

If you're still unsure what to wear to your prom, no worries! That's why I'm here—I'm sharing tips I gathered from my prom night so you can find the look that's right for you.

From one prom queen to another, here are six pieces of advice to help you decide what to wear to prom.

1. Choose a comfortable fit 

On prom night, you'll want to dress to impress. But from my own experience, I recommend choosing a dress that's also comfortable. Trust me, you can have both!

If you're looking for a dress that lets you get loose on the dance floor, choose a fit like the A-line silhouette. It's fitted at the bodice and flows from the waist. It's super flattering—and more importantly—super comfy.

If you want to choose a sexier silhouette, like a mermaid-style gown, you can also find something that's not skin-tight, like this mermaid dress.

I rocked an A-line prom dress with a high slit to add some spice to my prom look. If you do the same, don't forget to wear a cute pair of heels. Pro tip: wear a pair of nude heels to elongate your legs!

2. Pick a prom dress with straps

When considering what dress to wear to prom, I can't overstate the need for straps. My friend wore a strapless dress and had to adjust it all night—how annoying! If you plan on dancing the night away, you'll want to feel secure—and a prom dress with straps will do just that.

Now that doesn't mean you have to wear full sleeves. You can still show off your shoulders with barely-there spaghetti straps or off-the-shoulder sleeves. Both of these options are very on-trend right now.

If you're set on wearing a strapless prom dress, that's okay! Just make sure the bodice fits you well, so you don't need to pull it up continually. A sewist can help you out with that!

3. Wear more sparkle

One of my biggest regrets on prom night is not wearing enough sparkle. It's one of the few days when you can totally glam it up. So if you're wondering what to wear to prom, one of my best pieces of advice is to embrace the sparkle!

Sparkle comes in many forms: glitter, jewels, embroidery, sequins, and other embellishments. You can choose a dress covered in them. Or, they can decorate parts of your dress, like the bodice and skirt.

Don't forget your accessories. Complete your look with some shimmering earrings or a dazzling necklace. Channel your inner prom queen, ladies!

4. Accentuate the waistline

Every girl wants to feel beautiful on prom night. What can you wear to prom to make you feel oh-so-confident? Find a dress that accentuates the waistline.

An accentuated waistline will give you an hourglass figure no matter your size or shape. It's time to embrace your curves!

How can you accentuate your waist? Some dresses will come with a thin belt or ruching to cinch the waist. But even embellishments, detailing, or cutouts can create this effect.

To further enhance your curves, choose a dress that flares out from the waist or knees. A-line dresses, ball gowns, and mermaid-style dresses can help you achieve this look!

5. Try a bold trend

Prom is the event of the year. It's not a night to blend in with the crowd. So what do you wear to prom to stand out?

I recommend wearing something different and eye-catching—like a two-piece dress. At my prom, one girl wore a two-piece dress and got so many compliments because it was so unique.

If you want a little more coverage, you can find illusion two-piece dresses, which add a little coverage at the waist with sheer material, like mesh.

Another bold trend you could try is a prom dress with patterns. Most girls will opt for a solid color—but prints and embroidery will set you apart from the rest.

6. Don’t overlook your accessories

Ladies—I know the dress is the main event, but when you consider what to wear to prom, don't forget your accessories. I was scrambling last minute to find a cute clutch to match my look. Rookie mistake!

Here's a little accessories checklist so you can prepare for your prom night:

• - Hairpiece or tiara
• - Jewelry, like a necklace or earrings 
• - Clutch or purse
• - Scarf or wrap
• - Coat
• - Heels

And don't forget a boutonniere for your date. (It might be worth reminding your date to get your corsage too. Boys can be forgettable—sigh.)

Looking for prom dress inspo?

Hopefully, these six tips will help you know what to wear to prom. If you'd like some more prom dress inspo, these blogs feature on-trend dresses you'll love:

• • Stylish Dress Ideas for Every Prom Theme
• • Hollywood-Themed Prom Dresses: Walk the Red Carpet Like an A-Lister
• • How to Nail the Retro Look for a Vintage-Themed Prom