Updated: October 16, 2020

Prom 2021 season is here! If you haven't thought about your plus size prom dress style, now is the time! Take these steps to help the experience seem less crazy. Make it fun and enjoyable!

There are so many prom styling options out there. However, you can start narrowing down your choices by simply deciding what you do and don’t want for the big night. Let your taste and personal style guide you.

Set a Budget

We don't want you to go broke on one night but Prom is a special night. Be sure to consider everything involved when setting your budget. What is your comfort level? Save yourself some stress and set a limit as you are considering all things prom but especially your gown. Remember that you will have other things to pay for on prom night.  

Determine Your Body Type

While this may seem fairly obvious, what you like and see on Pinterest may not be what works best for your body. Think about your favorite casual dresses and stick with that style. You want to feel confident and comfortable on prom night. Get some help with our glamour guide to give you an edge up before shopping.  However, if you want to try on a dress with a different silhouette or one you have not tried before, do it! It is important to see if you like the style lines and if they provide your Prom Night vision. It will take some trial and error!

Plan Ahead

Make sure that you have enough time for all of your research and shopping. Prom season comes quick and gowns fly out the door pretty early. With everything else going on When starting your prom dress shopping, make sure you have enough time. This is especially important if your gown will need alterations as many do to fit you perfectly. Most tailors and seamstresses need at least 4 weeks, if not more, to work their magic. You may require more than one fitting so having extra time is essential to minimize added stress. Check out our monthly checklist to help you get ahead of the game. 

Start Looking for a Prom Dress

Start by browsing online. Look at Pinterest, Instagram and various websites. By doing this research, you can find styles, colors and features that you want which will help you while shopping. Think about what grabs your attention or even what doesn't. Be sure to save them on your phone or board so you can show them to a store.   While shopping on the couch is great, it is much more difficult to find an authentic and reputable website that offers true designer gowns. It has become significantly easier to shop for plus size prom gowns with just the click of a button.  Use the internet as source of information. Get ahead of the game by finding out which styles are coming in for Prom 2021. Be the trend setter who finds the perfect accessories to match her gown. Find Authorized Retailers near you who carry the brands that spoke the most to you. 

Accessorize and Personalize

It is true, accessories make an outfit. Once you have found your perfect dress, you can tailor it to your own style and vision for Prom Night. Many retailers offer special discounts if you purchase your gown and accessories at the same store.  Consider everything when accessorizing. Think about the list below to help complete your perfect head-to-toe look:

• Crown or headpiece
• Earrings
• Necklace
• Bracelet
• Flowers
• Rings
• Nails
• Purse or GirlyGoGarter
• Shoes
• Undergarments
• Coverups - jackets, shawl, etc...

Make sure that you accessorize with a purpose. Sometimes less is more but sometimes more makes your look picture perfect.   

A corsage and boutineer are important component of your Prom prep. Opt for the non-traditional flower option with paper flowers or a trinket of your choice. Just don't eat your flowers as your meal!

                 

 

You could go for the French manicure or a neutral color - boring!  We say Go Prom Crazy with detailed designs to match your makeup or dress.  Your nails are just as important as everything else!

        

Beauty Tips

Consider how you want to style your hair, makeup and nails for. Again, do some research on Instagram or Pinterest to find some inspiration. There are so many options that you can do on your own or you can schedule an appointment with professionals. Check out our Prom Crazy Beauty tips for more details and ideas. 

Match Your Date

Talk to your date and decide if you want to coordinate your look for prom. Discuss if you want to wear the same color theme or just have parts of your look that match. Matching is best done when you match the boldest color or feature of your outfit and after you have picked your prom gown. 

Remember that you are both showing off your stuff at prom together and pictures will be around for a lifetime. Make sure that both you and your date are comfortable with the decision and, best advice, communicate.