How to Find the Perfect Prom Dress for Your Body Type

We all want to look and feel amazing on prom night! Here’s how to find the perfect prom dress for your unique body type.

According to the New York Times, many young girls spend an average of $203 on their prom dress. After all, it’s one of the biggest nights of your high school career. You want to look your best.

But with this kind of monetary investment, you don’t want to blow it on a dress that won’t flatter your unique figure.

Every girl is an individual and there’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to the perfect prom dress. Which is why we’ve put together a simple guide for how to choose the perfect dress to fit your figure.

How to Choose the Perfect Prom Dress

Before you start shopping for prom dresses you must know one thing: your own body type.

You may have your heart set on a sleeveless empire waist, but if your body type doesn’t suit that style, you’ll feel more beautiful and confident in something that better flatters your lovely figure.

So, step one is to figure out what your body shape is. From there you can choose the perfect prom dress.

Tall

Are you above 5’6”? Lucky you, you’ve got a model’s height. Show off those beautiful legs with a knee-length party dress that’s flirty and flouncy.

Or, opt for the more regal look with a long, flowing skirt. Few women can pull these off as well as the vertically blessed. Go for a maxi dress or a flowing ball gown.

Petite

For our petite women out there, you too can pull off cocktail dresses that show a little leg. High-low skirts look great on petite frames, adding a little length in the back while emphasis your cute legs in front.

You can also add some length by pairing these gowns with the right heels.

Asymmetrical silhouettes, v-necks, pleats, and vertical lines all flatter a petite figure beautifully.

Apple

If your bust and shoulders measure wider than your hips, you’re in luck. The trumpet gown and mermaid look will stun if you get them fitted well around the bust.

These silhouettes add a nice flair to your lower half while to balance your silhouette. Look for a gown that’s got a full skirt and fitted top. You’ll love how you look.

Pear

For those with wider hips and slightly smaller busts, draw the eye upward with an embellished neckline. You’re lucky to look good in a timeless A-line or a  strapless dress that falls naturally over your waistline.

Match your sleeveless choice with a statement necklace and you’re gold.

Hourglass

Lucky you, you’ve got the coveted hourglass shape. Do it all the favors by emphasizing your tiny waist with fitted waist dresses. Choose one with a cinch, belt, or accented waistline.

An open neckline also works well with this figure.

Rectangle

Do you have about the same measurements for your waist, bust, and hips? Then you’re a rectangle shape. Define your beautiful shape with dresses that trumpet at the bottom, include a high slit, or one-shoulder neck.

With a rectangle shape, even Jane Austen would be jealous of your ability to pull off the perfect empire-waisted dress.

Accessorizing Your Prom Dress

Knowing your own body type and tastes will help you choose the perfect prom dress every time. Once you’ve selected the perfect dress, don’t forget the accessories!

Learn how to accessorize your prom look without overdoing it. Browse our accessories posts for fresh ideas.