Dressing for #Prom: Our Top 5 Styling Tips

Shopping for prom can be a stressful experience. Will the style you love suit you? Will someone else (horror!) have bought the same dress?  Is it flattering? What shoes should you wear? What colours are a no-no?? ARGH!

But don't panic! There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to buying a dress for prom, and we attempted to prove that by heading to the epic Beyond Retro Archive to try on vintage dress from days gone by and trying on LOTS of different shapes and styles to give you some guidance and inspiration.

1. Consider going vintage

There's only two sure-fire ways to avoid having the same dress as everyone else - either make one (and good for you if you have the skillzzz, but we sure don't), or go vintage. There's so much choice, and you don't have to feel weird about someone else owning the dress before - they probably had an amazing night wearing it and it's basically like borrowing a dress from a friend but you get to keep it after! Just make sure you try on everything before you buy and check for any damage... but if you make the effort it's very likely you could have one of the best dresses at your prom!

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2. Look out for unexpected details

Dresses don't have to be all front ya know... an amazing detail on the back, a sleeve or hemline can take a simple dress to the next level - and that includes any DIY changes you make yourself. Check Pinterest for some amazing ideas.

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3. Don't dismiss black

Sure, it's a warm weather event and most people will be wearing brights... but don't be scared to do different and go back to black. It can still look Summery, it all just depends on the style and the fabric. The dress Holly is wearing here is a perfect example - the strapless style and frothy fabric make it totally prom-tastic, and it means you can go wild of your choice of shoe colour.

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4. Prom dresses don't have to be full-length

Of course, if you're excited about really dressing up then go for it, but don't feel like it's expected. A short or knee length dress can look just as chic - but make sure it's special by looking for extra touches such as an interesting fabrics, embellishment and cut. This shorter-style prom dress worn by Theresa reminds us of the dress Kate Moss wore... and gives you way more freedom to dance! 

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6. Mix it up

For prom, you're probably thinking about a jacket or faux fur stole as a coverup - or even forgoing one altogether - however if you do, we reckon you're missing a styling opportunity. Mixing up dressy and casual can look amazing; Holly & Theresa went matchy-matchy in pink prom dresses and added old black biker jackets which tones down the whole look and adds an element of cool.