Prom night is one of the most important and anticipated events of high school. Prom photos, friends, dinner plans, and dancing are all exciting parts, but for many teens, deciding what to wear to prom feels like the biggest decision of all. With TikTok trends, friends, parents, and a school dress code all influencing the decision, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but there isn’t a “right” look for prom.
When choosing what to wear to prom, don’t think of it as something that has to fit into a specific category. Instead, prioritize comfort, confidence, and what makes you feel like the best version of yourself on prom night.
What Is Prom?
Prom is a dance planned toward the end of the school year for upperclassmen, or juniors and seniors in 11th and 12th grades. They dress their best and dance the night away, making memories they’ll never forget. Much like the senior sunrise, prom is an exciting part of the final years of high school, when you start to feel the changes of getting older and want to cherish each moment with the people you’ve grown with. It’s also an exciting but emotional time for parents, as they watch their teens experience these teenage milestones.
Check Your School’s Prom Dress Code
When choosing an outfit, keep the prom dress code in mind to avoid last-minute stress, disappointment, or not being allowed to enter. You’ll want to know if it’s a formal, semi-formal, or casual prom, a themed night, or if there are any requirements you must meet, like a certain dress length or neckline. Rules vary by school so you’ll want to find accurate details for yours.
If the prom dress code isn’t on the flyer, invitation, or ticket info, check the school website, social media accounts, or event page. It might also be in the student handbook, or you can ask a teacher, administrator, or the counseling office.
What Kind of Dress Should You Wear to Prom?
Formal dresses are typically long gowns, while semi-formal includes short dresses, but you can pick from any prom dress idea that you love. Choose a style that you’re comfortable in and reflects your personal style – popular prom dress styles include open backs, ruffles, high slits, cutouts, beading, and A-lined silhouettes.
Comfort matters for letting loose and having the most fun. Do a prom dress test, where you make sure you can move, sit, and dance in it.
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What Should Guys Wear to Prom? Suit or Tux?
Suits and tuxedos are popular for prom. Tuxes are typically more formal and commonly rented for the night, while a suit is more casual and can be worn again for other events. Traditionally, teens choose dark-colored suits and tuxes, like black, navy, or gray, but you can choose a lighter-colored option with a black shirt underneath it, instead.
You’ll want the suit or tux to fit properly – that’s more important than anything else. Then, add shirts, ties or bow ties, and dress shoes for personality. If you have a date, it’s common to match the shirt and accessory colors to your date’s dress or outfit, but it’s optional.
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What Can You Wear to Prom Besides a Dress or Suit?
You don’t have to wear a traditional prom outfit. Other options include jumpsuits, rompers, matching sets, mixing styles, or anything else you feel your best in. The goal is for your prom outfit to fit your personality and be comfortable. As long as it fits the school’s dress code and you love it, it’s a valid prom look.
Don’t forget to choose an outfit you can move freely in so you can enjoy the night. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows, and that’s the best accessory you can have for prom.
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What Shoes Should You Wear to Prom?
You can wear any dress code-approved shoe you want to prom, but consider something comfortable. Popular options include heels, flats, sneakers, loafers, or other dress shoes, but it’s really up to you.
Dress shoes can be uncomfortable, so break in your shoes before prom night if you can. Another option is to bring backup shoes for dancing in case your feet start to hurt. There’s also the option of buying shoes with a removable heel so you can switch to flats if necessary.
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What Accessories Do You Need for Prom?
Prom accessories can pull a look together, but keeping it simple is often the best choice. Simple jewelry, a small bag or clutch, a watch, or a boutonniere or corsage can help complete your outfit without feeling overwhelming or giving you too much to keep track of throughout the night. Some teens like to get their nails done for prom, too, and it’s a fun way to add personality.
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How Should You Do Your Hair and Makeup for Prom?
Wear your hair however you like it best. You can choose natural, glamorous, or something in between. Some teens book professional appointments while others style their hair themselves or get together with friends and help one another.
Doing a trial run of your hairstyle before prom can help avoid stress or disappointment. Popular prom hairstyles include updos, loose waves, sleek ponytails with curls, and half-up looks.
Makeup should fit the teen’s personality while being enhanced for the occasion. Some prefer a full skincare routine before a full face of makeup, and others feel best with something simpler.
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How to Find a Prom Outfit on a Budget
Prom can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Consider renting a prom outfit, borrowing from friends and family, or shopping at resale or thrift stores.
Another idea is to pick the one part of the look that’s most important to you and focus your spending on that part. Then, find lower-cost options for the other pieces. Focus on feeling good and having the best time – your budget doesn’t affect how memorable prom is.
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Final Tips for What to Wear to Prom
When deciding what to wear to prom, remember that there is no “right” look – confidence matters more than following trends. Prom is about the experience, so choosing something comfortable and expressing your personality through your outfit can help you feel your best while making lifelong memories with friends.
Other Prom Questions
What is a Promposal?
Promposals are a common way to ask someone to be your date and often involve over-the-top things, like creating posters, decorating a car, or making a balloon drop. There are many low-budget promposal ideas to choose from, and you can tweak them for customization. Helping a teen plan and prepare for a promposal is a great way for teens and parents to bond over the excitement.
What Do Teens Do After Prom?
Planning things for teens to do after prom gives them a safe and fun option to keep the celebration going. Consider a parent-supervised party, going to a late-night diner, making a time capsule, or any other exciting idea you can come up with.
Do Online Schools Have Proms?
Online schools often have proms, but if yours doesn’t, you can plan your own! You can also look into events with other homeschool families in your area to see if they have something in place already.
What if Your Teen Doesn’t Want to Go to Prom?
It’s okay if your teen doesn’t want to go to prom. It’s not for everyone, and while it’s an exciting time for many teens, not all feel that way.
What is the Best Prom Advice for Parents?
Prom time for teens doesn’t have to be a stressful time for parents, and the best advice is to be open with your teen and clarify expectations before prom night. This involves every aspect of the event, including budgets, curfew, and after-prom expectations.