Chic prom looks to help inspire your outfit this year…
Buckle up, you’re in for a long one!
All items are linked to shop, just click on the photo!
We have both been there and done that… & made mistakes!
We want to give you our best tips and tricks for navigating prom this year.
2018- The dress is still eating though (Free People)
Primarily the getting ready part, also known as the best part!
We wish we could have seen this post when we were in high school because mistakes were made.
You can’t tell as well in this photo but my tan was sooo bad. Tips on this to come!
Truly no matter what, you are going to have a fun time. It’s mostly about getting ready with your girlfriends and having a sleepover after anyways, so try not to stress!
Now Before the Fun Stuff
Tips & Tricks
Tanning/ spray tans
TEST YOUR TAN A FEW WEEKS PRIOR. Personally I have not spray tanned, but I am well versed in self tanner (now).
Less is more around the fingers, wrists, elbows, and ankles and be sure to MOISTURIZE before applying your tan. Self tanner will rest in dry spots and end up looking much darker than anywhere else. I use a lighter self tanner on my face that I KNOW won’t streak or look to dark. Jergens instant glow foaming tanner is my go to. I apply it the night before, rinse in the morning and then I apply another thin layer right before my makeup. Simply apply your daily moisturizer, apply the tan with a makeup brush, and do your makeup per usual.
I use a darker tan on the rest of my body the night before and then again rinse it off in the morning. It is going to look insane when you first apply it but A LOT will come off in the shower.
If you are not well versed in self tanning try out a few different ones before going all in the night before prom. The same goes for spray tanning. Spray tans can look AMAZING, but from what my girlfriends say there are some tricks to the trade. Test out the spray tan you think you want at least two weeks before prom, this way you can get a fresh one a day or two before.
don’t wear sneakers
People always end up taking their shoes off anyways so don’t stress about the comfort factor. If you’re worried about being taller than your date, then go for a flat or a kitten heel. (recommendations below;))
your date is not that big of a deal
Realistically, you don’t spend all of that much time with your actual date. Yes, you will take pictures together and walk down grand march together but once it gets to the dance/after party you will most likely be spending the majority of that time with your girlfriends. So basically, don’t stress over finding ‘the best date’, make sure your date a nice guy with manners who is not going not ruin your night, & always remember.. you don’t have to have a date! If I could turn back time (hey Cher) I would totally just go with my girlfriends.
take pictures BEFORE you get there
The longer the day drags on the more your hair is gong to fall and mascara is going to smudge. Taking pictures early in the day is key. Plus, gym lighting is atrocious!
YOU ARE GOING TO BE SO SICK OF TAKING PHOTOS. Even if you love to take pictures: your mom, your dates mom, your friends mom, your whoever is going to make you take corny photos that you don’t even like. These are the photos that inevitably end up on facebook. Please take those photos because your family loves them, and they are great to look back on. But that being said, the key is to take photos before you’re with a group of however many people, that way you can focus on the group photos, and be done afterwords.
For my prom a small group of us went downtown a few hours before grand march/dinner/party bus and took photos how WE wanted to. These are the photos that turned out amazing and the whole thing ended up being very stress free. On top of it our parents were relieved that they didn’t have to worry about individual/date photos once the festivities had already started, because they were already done!
SIDE NOTE: Looking back through, it was struggle to find photo’s outside of group photos and date photos. Make sure to take pictures of yourself. Especially the dress! Obviously making sure to highlight all of its best features;))
don’t spend a bunch of $ on a dress you won’t wear again
Alright ladies, listen up.
If you take one thing away from this post, let it be this. DO NOT SPEND HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS ON A PROM DRESS YOU WILL NEVER WEAR AGAIN. At least try to look online/at affordable stores. If you are gong to spend $$$ on the dress, make it one you will wear again.
There are a bunch of affordable stores out there that have amazing every day options that are still elevated and elegant. Look below for a list of store recommendations. If there’s not an in person store near you, look online. You can always order 2-3, do a try on/fashion show at home with your family or friends, & return the one’s you don’t like.
Free People – Anthropologie – Princess Polly – Nordstrom – For Love & Lemons – Asos – Windsor
seriously do not stress/over analyze things
Right now it may feel like the end of the world and like everything needs to be absolutely perfect but when you look back on it.. the little details will be forgotten. You don’t want to look back and only remember how stressed out and analytical you were. The whole point is to feel good about yourself and have fun.
So.. What’s Fresh for Prom This Year?
We’re going to run through all the major aspects of your look and give you some hot options for prom this season.
The Dress
Strapless
Strapless maxi dresses are eternally chic. Strapless dresses allow other aspects of your look to shine. For instance: hair, necklaces, makeup, and earrings.
Meshki $115
I actually own this blue strapless dress, and it is great quality for the price. Plus it’s a low back and has grips on the top so it doesn’t fall down!
Amazon $50
Lulus $87
This black ruffle dress is a personal favorite, stunning! This would also look amazing on vacation (great re-wear dress)!
All of these dresses would pair perfectly with slicked back hair, but we’ll get to that later.
Shimmer
Great if you’re looking for something that stands out, without doing too much!
Nordstrom $85
Meshki $145
Show Me Your MUMU $198
A few advantages of these dresses, they will photograph beautifully, and you can go really simple with jewelry!
Ruffles
Nordstrom – $285
I love the placement of the ruffles draped across the low back and across the hips. This would be an incredibly flattering dress on somebody with an hourglass figure.
Ruffles are a very playful texture but can easily be made chic and sexy based on their placement.
Saks Fifth Ave – $186
Anthropologie – $370
Midi Dresses
Midi dresses are perfect for the girls who are on the taller side & struggle to find a formal dress that is long enough.
With the shortened length, they’re also the perfect opportunity for a funky eye catching pattern.
Anthropologie – $298
One of my favorite attributes of this dress is the adjustable straps.
If you live in a hot weather state, this type of dress with a mesh/sheer breathable fabric would be clutch.
Hello Molly – $99
Anthropologie -$278
Cannot put into words how much I love this dress. The cheetah print, corset top, and ruffling are stunning.
Timeless Dresses
Feathers, rose embellishments and basque waists have been around for ages. They have always been and will continue to always be effortlessly chic.
Nordstrom – $155
Nordstrom – $299
Rosedress – $80
The Shoes
Flats
Jeffery Campbell from Anthropology $130
I know what you’re thinking, these are expensive, and you would be correct. Target sometimes has more affordable sandals with this same vibe.
On the other hand these are shoes you WILL wear again. Dressy sandals come in handy more than you think.
Betsey Johnson $89
I love Betsey Johnson’s girly eclectic style. If that sounds like your jam you might be able to find your whole outfit from Betsey Johnson!
Sam Edelman $79
Jeffrey Campbell from Nordstrom $69
These flats are incredibly chic, be sure to match your jewelry to gold accents!
Heels
Before diving into this section I do want to reiterate that majority of people end of taking their shoes off at the dance and everyone changes completely for the after prom. So don’t panic if your shoes are uncomfortable, you won’t have them on for long.
Just make sure you can walk in them!
Kitten
I can see kitten heels being popular this year for prom. The gold accents on this pair from JW PEI elevate them enough for a formal event.
If being taller than your date is something you are worried about, a kitten heel is a safer bet.
Tony Bianco $160
Ego Shoes $37
Standard Height
Steve Madden $79
So classy and beautiful, I love these.
Charles & Kieth $33
Statement Heels
These are specifically here for the midi dresses.
If your dress already has an aye catching texture, color, or shape you might want to stray away from adding a statement heel… let the dress have its moment.
I have always loved the look of a wrap up strap when wearing a midi dress or a dress with a slit down the leg.
These are on sale right now at For Love & Lemons for $112. That is actually quite a steal for For Love & Lemons but if you have no interest in spending that kind of money on prom shoes you can find similar styles on Amazon or at Target.
RUN DON’T WALK!!!
These feather beauties normally retail for $160 but they are currently on sale for $75.
If these don’t fancy the feathers don’t worry.. Sam Edelman is the KING of statement shoes. I guarantee you will find a pair you love on his website.
The Accessories
Handbags
Olives $65
You think you don’t want to carry around a purse, but trust me it is a lot harder to carry around a phone, lip gloss, money, exedra without one.
Amazon $60
Black
If you’re looking for a safe bet, black is the way to go. It’s going to go with everything, including your prom dress and just about every other outfit.
Amazon $32
Amazon $50
ZARA $50
Statement Handbags
I have two options in here from Charles and Kieth, but they also have amazing staple bags. Their site is definitely worth browsing if you’re in need of a new purse in general.
Coach $56
This bag is currently on sale, for fifty six dollars which is an absolute steal from Coach!
Madewell $88
Charles & Keith $66
Charles & Keith $66
Jewelry
I could sit here and recommend jewelry alllllllll day long but instead, I’ll just put a couple of my favorite pieces below. When looking for prom jewelry, I highly recommend searching through Anthropologie, especially their sales rack. They can be a bit on the pricey side but they truly are worth it. Anthro creates genuinely great quality & unique pieces. I do not feel right steering you in any other direction.
Obviously you can get your jewelry from other places for a cheaper price point such as Target, Amazon, ect. but they won’t last as long or be able to be worn again as many times.
earrings
Your earrings are going to depend on what you do with your hair. If you go with an updo, you’re going to want to do a drop or dangle earring. If your hair is going to cover your ears, go with a huggie or hoop!
DROP/DANGLE
Anthropologie – $44
Anthropologie – $38
HOOP/HUGGIE
Anthropologie – $20
A simple set like this would be perfect if you have multiple earring holes.
necklaces
Your necklace is going to depend on the type of neckline your dress has. If you have a deep V, I recommend a layered necklace like this. Again, the jewelry tone and shape will all depend on the look of your dress.
Anthropologie – $48
For a straight cut neckline, I love the look of a chain -whether that’s chunky or simple.
Anthropologie – $68
(PS. theres a matching bracelet in the sales section for $24)
Anthropologie – $48
Hair and Makeup
Up
SLICKED
VOLUMINOUS
Down
SLICKED
VOLUMINOUS
Natural
Natural make up is often times referred to as “barely there” makeup . This is going to be for the girls who aren’t used to wearing make up but want to look a little elevated for their special night. Think light coverage including BB cream, mascara, brushing out the eyebrows, light applications of bronzer/blush, a light dusting of neutral eyeshadow, & lip gloss.
Somewhere in the middle aka soft glam
This is for the girls who want to look like they are wearing makeup but don’t want to feel it on their skin. Soft glam is going to give off the dewy/shimmery look. Think lightweight foundation with contour, blush, shaping the eyebrows with product, mascara, neutral lipstick with a light gloss overtop & shimmery eyeshadow.
Full Glam
Glam makeup style is going to be completely full coverage – very bold, extravagant and dramatic. Think full on foundation, contour, eye shadow, eyeliner, false eye lashes and bold lipstick. Basically what you think of when you think of the Kardashians.
There are plethora of different types of glam make up styles. Below are 3 trends we are currently seeing. If you are gong to completely step out of the box, I recommend doing a trial before prom day to make sure you like the way it looks on you! <3
90’s/Grunge Glam
Powdery blue eyeshadow all the way up to your eyebrows, thin eye brows, thick eyeliner, dark lip liner with a neutral lipstick & gloss.
Heavy Waterline Eyeliner
This one is pretty self explanatory. Basically just thick eyeliner all the way around the eye. You could pair this with a cat eye liner as seen in the second photo to make it more chic.
Champagne Glam
Focuses on a bold warm shimmery eyeshadow & false eyelashes.
Nails
My go to nail has always been a french tip. It goes with everything and it almost never turns out bad. Same goes for the toes!
When in doubt… french out;))
Nude/baby pink is another easy route to go that won’t take away from your dress!
