Guide for Finding the Perfect Prom Dress

Prom night is one of those unforgettable milestone moments: the music, the photos, the excitement of celebrating the end of a chapter with the people you’ve grown up with. But before the big night arrives, there’s a universal question everyone faces:  

‘What the hell am I going to wear?’  

If you’ve found yourself scrolling endlessly, saving images or feeling overwhelmed by the jump from school uniform to formalwear, you’re not on your own. Prom dress shopping can feel daunting at first but it should also be fun, creative and ultimately empowering.  At Lily’s Boutique, we believe the perfect prom dress isn’t about trends, rules or what everyone else is wearing - it’s about choosing something that makes you feel incredible.  

This guide walks you through everything you need to think about, from style and comfort to colour, length and body confidence.  Let’s making finding your prom dress just as memorable as the night you wear it! 

Start with YOUR style  

Before we get anywhere near silhouettes or colour palettes, take a moment to consider the most important factor of all:  What makes you feel like the best version of yourself?  

Some people feel amazing in bold, sparkly designs.  Others love subtle elegance, soft fabrics or clean, classic lines.  Maybe you’re drawn to quirky details, unusual textures or something that feels completely different to anything you’ve worn before.  All of those instincts are helpful.  A good guiding question is:  

‘If I walked into a room wearing this, would I feel like me, just turned up a bit?’ 

Also think about the vibe of your prom.  Some schools go full formal, while others keep things more relaxed.  Matching your dress to the tone of the evening can help narrow down your choices without limiting your creativity.   

And of course, comfort matters almost more than anything else.  If you’re planning to dance all night, you’ll want something that moves with you rather than holding you back.  If structure and shaping make you feel secure, that’s equally valid.  The point is: the more at ease you feel, the more confident you’ll look.  

Dress shapes: celebrate your favourite features 

There’s no such thing as the ‘right’ body for prom - your body is already perfect just as it is.  But different cuts and silhouettes can highlight the features you love most.  

If you love your waist… 

Styles that nip in or define the middle can create a beautiful, balanced shape.  

If you love your legs… 

Shorter dresses or high-low hems can feel playful and confident.  

If you love your shoulders or collarbone… 

Off-shoulder, halter and asymmetric necklines can draw the eye upwards beautifully.  

If you want something softly flattering all over… 

A-line styles are famously comfortable and suit almost everyone, offering movement without feeling too loose or too restrictive.  

If you want to try something new… 

Go for it! Prom is the perfect time to explore a silhouette you wouldn’t normally pick, you might surprise yourself.  

The best dress is the one you never want to take off.  

Choosing the right prom dress colour 

Ok, NOW we’re ready to talk colour.  The shade of your dress can influence the entire tone of your look but it doesn’t need to be over-complicated.  We often start with the undertone of the skin - warm, cool or neutral BUT the most important thing is choosing a shade that makes you feel good.  

Feeling a bit stuck?  

• Cool undertones (pinkish skin, blue-ish veins) often glow in jewel shades.  

• Warm undertones (golden skin, greenish veins) often shine in earthy or warm colours.   

• Neutral undertones can pick from any palette. 

But these really are just guidelines, not hard and fast rules.   

If you love a colour - even one you ‘shouldn’t’ wear according to the science - try it anyway.  Personal taste always wins.   

And if all else fails? A classic neutral is timeless for a reason.  

Finding the perfect fit for your body type 

There’s no big secret here: every body type has endless options to choose from.  What matters is going for something that supports you where you want support and highlights the parts of yourself you already love.  

If you’ve got bigger boobs... 

Look for good structural support. A secure neckline or built-in shaping can help you feel confident all night long.  

If you’re petite… 

Shorter styles or dresses with clever proportions can stop you feeling swamped in fabric.  

If you’re rocking some curves… 

Soft draping, defined waists or styles with gentle shaping can enhance your natural figure beautifully.  

But again, these are just suggestions, not rules.  Your confidence determines how the dress looks, not the other way around.  

There’s only ONE rule for prom dress shopping: Feel fabulous 

No-one can tell you exactly what your prom dress ‘should’ be and that’s the best part!  Prom style is all about self-expression, celebration and feeling incredible in your own skin.  Bold, minimalist, dramatic or understated, the perfect dress is the one that makes you light up when you look in the mirror.   

When you’re ready to start looking, we’re here to help! Book an appointment here.