As prom approaches, your teenager may be begging for a dress for the special occasion. Guide them toward a successful shopping adventure by budgeting, planning, and browsing effectively.
Prom is a night of memories for all high schoolers, so dress up your teenager in a prom dress that fits their personality and style. When you're setting up fitting appointments and customizing the dress, avoid these common mistakes people make when prom dress shopping.
Not Planning Ahead
Many people wait to shop for a prom dress until weeks before the occasion. To get the most value and a better selection, start planning appointments early. This will offer you enough time to prepare for the night of the dance.
Why Early Planning Matters
Planning early gives you the opportunity to look through a large catalog of dresses. Explore different stores and watch your teen try on all kinds of dresses before settling on a design. If you have additional time, you can also plan for any alteration or fitting appointments.
Setting a Realistic Timeline
Set aside a timeline that works for both you and your child. During their senior year, they have a busy schedule full of extracurriculars, awards ceremonies, and other graduation plans. Work together to plan your dress shopping appointments to avoid any delays.
Avoiding the Last-Minute Rush
Many prom nights line up at the same time, and it could be a rush to find the perfect prom dress. This could mean limited stock on designs or sizes at in-person boutiques or delayed shipping on online orders. Avoid any last-minute shopping hassles by giving you and your teenager enough time to find a dress that suits them.
Forgetting to Budget
Never settle for a dress that's too cheap or outside of your budget. Set a price range for the dress, alterations, and any accessories to complement the outfit so you can save money.
Setting a Budget
As your teen browses through countless dresses, don't fall victim to the price tag! Establish a budget that both you and your teenager can abide by. This way, you can narrow down your selection beforehand and prevent overspending on a dress.
Exploring Affordable Options
If you're looking to save money while prom dress shopping, look for affordable options from retailers and boutiques. Some stores may have a sale or offer discounts on discontinued styles. Look through these selections first to see if you find the right fit at a portion of the price.
Understanding Hidden Costs
While many people create an affordable price range for the dress, they often forget about the extra embellishments. Prom shopping is all about the dress, but it also includes any alterations, accessories, and shoes that complete the look. Add these elements to your budget to account for any hidden costs.
Finding the Wrong Fit
Prom is a night full of movement, with walking, sitting, and dancing, and your teenager needs a dress that fits snugly for the entire event. Consider these common measurement mistakes people often make when prom dress shopping.
Importance of Knowing Your Measurements
Sizing can differ from brands, which makes it difficult for shoppers to find a consistent size. Whether you're shopping online or in person, knowing your teenager's measurements will make prom dress shopping easy. At home, measure your teenager's waist, hips, and bust and compare these measurements to the dress sizes provided.
Considering Alterations
Once your teenager chooses their perfect match, ask them if the dress needs any alterations to fit comfortably. This could include adjusting the hem, taking in the sides, or shortening straps. Cater their prom dress to their preferences so they can have a personalized look for their special day.
Trying Different Styles
Sometimes, it's not the size of the dress that's the problem—it's the style. Encourage your teenager to try on various styles and silhouettes so they can pick out the best fit. They may find a flattering fit in a color or style they have never tried before.
Falling for Online Shopping Pitfalls
Online shopping is convenient for most shoppers, but it's harder to find what you're looking for without seeing it in person. If you and your teenager are looking through online retailers, keep in mind these factors that could hinder your purchase.
Researching Reputable Retailers
Scroll through online boutiques and read any reviews left on their page. These previous customers are a valuable resource to determine whether a dress is a good fit for your teenager. Look through photos in the reviews and look for keywords like “tight fit” or “too long” to make a reliable purchase.
Understanding Return Policies
Before finalizing any purchases, read the retailer's return policy thoroughly. Some dresses are final sale, while you can return or exchange others within a certain time window. Look for a flexible return policy just in case the dress doesn't fit your teenager's expectations.
Double-Checking Sizing Charts
Refer to the online retailer's sizing charts and compare these numbers to your teenager's measurements. If you're in between sizes, size up rather than size down. This way, you can easily take in parts of the dress using safety pins or schedule an alteration appointment before prom night.
Choosing the Wrong Style
Many shoppers choose a style that doesn't fit their body type or is uncomfortable for them to wear. The best way to get the perfect dress is by discussing their preferences with a boutique specialist. Partner with a trusted seamstress to find out what dresses for prom match your teenager's body type and personality.
Understanding Their Body Type
There are many different dress styles that can make your teen's best features stand out. For example, a fitted mermaid gown accentuates the curves of a slimmer body type, while an A-line dress adds volume to the skirt. Choose a style that complements your teenager's tastes and what they want to achieve with their look.
Keeping Up With Trends
Many teens tend to bandwagon on the most recent fashion trends when they choose their prom dresses. As you shop for a design, remind your teenager that it's better to be confident in their style. Encourage them to showcase their true self with a prom dress that best represents their personality.
Balancing Style and Comfort
While it may look like a perfect fit, your teenager's prom dress could be difficult to move in. Ask your teenager to walk, spin, and even dance as they try on their prom dress to ensure it's a comfortable fit. They'll enjoy their night to the fullest without scratchy fabric or heavy drapes.
Plan for a special occasion for your teenager with a dress that matches them perfectly. Prom dress shopping is a wonderful bonding experience that helps you learn more about your teenager's style. Treat this experience with care and watch out for any problems that arise in the process.
