What better way to prepare for prom season than to start shopping for your long prom dress? Choosing a long prom dress is all about finding a design that looks amazing on you, because then you’ll feel just as fabulous too! The best way to go about achieving this fashion high is to consider the length, fit, and style of your long prom dress. Following the tips in this guide, you’ll be able to narrow down your options and choose a long prom dress that flatters you and keeps you comfortable throughout your entire formal event. Let’s get started with length!
How to Choose a Long Prom Dress by Length
You might be thinking a long prom dress is a long prom dress, so why worry about length? Funny story though…not all prom dress designers necessarily craft their styles at a standard length! Additionally, the way a long prom dress fits your unique figure can also pull up or tug down fabric in ways that makes the dress fit longer or shorter on you compared to a friend. But don’t be discouraged! Finding the right length for your long prom dress doesn’t have to be tricky. Check out the frequently asked questions below to learn more about finding a long prom dress that’s the right length for you.
How Long Should Your Prom Dress Be?
The length of your long prom dress should be determined by two things: the event dress code and your personal comfort level. Most school dress codes require long prom dresses that are slightly above the floor so that the hem doesn’t drag or cause a tripping hazard. This does give you a little wiggle room to explore! If right at the floor is just a bit too long for your comfort, an ankle-length long prom dress could be the solution for you. On the other hand, if standard lengths just aren’t making enough of a fashion statement for you, you could always look for long prom dress styles that feature high-low skirts (shorter in the front, floor-length in back) or a dramatic train in back. Just consider how each long prom dress length will affect your comfort for the entire evening. Here are a few tests to do when you try on styles to see if they’ll suit you all night long:
Prom Dress Length Tests:
- Move Around: Can you sit comfortably in the long prom dress style without the hem or slit riding too high? Can you walk smoothly or bust your favorite dance moves? How will it feel getting into or out of your ride? Does turning around cause you to stumble on the hem? How do you feel about draping a train over your arm as you dance? As you complete each movement test in your long prom dress, remember that your event will likely be several hours long. Decide if you’ll still be happy with the results by the time you’re ready to leave.
- Try on Long Prom Dresses with Your Chosen Shoes: If you know you’ll be wearing heels, bring them along with you when you try on styles so you can see just where the hem will fall and how it feels to move about in the combo. If you’re not sure which shoes you’ll want to wear, try bringing flats, wedges, and heels with you to experiment and do those movement tests with too. Higher heels might mean you don’t need alterations to adjust the hemline, but what happens when you decide to kick off those prom heels halfway through the evening and make your way to the dance floor? You’ll be stuck hitching up your long prom dress as you dance. Be deliberate and thoughtful about your shoe choice so that you can be comfortable all night long in your prom dress. Since the goal is to make sure your long prom dress never completely covers your shoes, finding the right flat, wedge, or heel that’s comfortable enough to wear for the whole dance is key.
Just because a long prom dress feels too long for you does not mean you need to give up completely on that style (especially if you love it in all other aspects). It just might mean you’ll need to look into having your long prom dress hemmed. And of course, after all those tests you just ran, you’ll have a good idea of whether or not you’d want it hemmed to floor length or ankle length by the time you get to a seamstress for alterations!
Is It Okay to Wear a Short Prom Dress?
Of course you can wear a short formal dress to prom! Well, as long as the dress code allows for it (and many do!). Wearing a short prom dress is a great way to avoid worrying about alterations. Short prom dresses also free you up for lots of easy, comfortable movement. And, finally, short prom dresses are a great way to step outside of the typical prom fashion box, so if you want to stand out in a gorgeous mini formal style, then go for it! For short styles, fingertip length is usually the school dress code standard, so keep that in mind as you try on a variety of styles so you can try to find the right length for your body height.
How to Choose a Long Prom Dress by Fit
Another important factor to consider when choosing a long prom dress is the way it fits. A properly fitted prom dress will provide you with a flattering look and comfortable style, holding its shape and appearance throughout your whole event. You don’t want to feel as though your bodice is pinching you with every shift or your skirt is restricting your steps. That will get old so fast! Let’s take a look at a few things to keep in mind about the fit of your long prom dress.
- Waistline Placement: Empire-waist long prom dresses are perfect for petite teens, as the higher waistline placement can create a visually lengthening effect that is ultra flattering. On the other hand, girls with long legs might benefit from a stunning drop-waist long prom dress that visually elongates the torso for a balanced look. Explore lots of long prom dresses with different waistline placements to discover which ones provide your figure with the best fit.
- Bodice Support: There are lots of ways that the bodice of your long prom dress can support and flatter you, including the type of sleeves or straps, lacing or zippers, and corset boning. For example, if you’ll be wearing a strapless long prom gown or one with a plunging neckline, corset boning can go a long way to keeping your bodice up and in place. Decide what type of coverage and bodice support suits you best as you explore your long prom dress options.
- Skirt Movement: Maybe you’ve always dreamed of wearing a poofy ball gown prom dress or a snug, sexy mermaid prom dress. Both skirts will fit completely differently, and there are so many fit variations in between those two extremes to consider too. So, when it comes right down to it, you should think about how that skirt movement will affect you during your long event. Are you able to comfortably sit, stand, walk, and dance in your chosen long prom dress? Moving around is probably much easier in the ball gown style, but it will certainly be a lot more weight to carry around all night. Classic mermaid skirts that flare out at the knees might be too snug for taking full strides, but a fit-and-flare long prom dress (which starts to flow out around mid-thigh) might be the perfect compromise. Explore all of the different skirt styles to figure out which ones fit best and move right for you.
When you’re attending a formal event that’s sure to last several hours, getting a long prom dress with a fit that flatters and supports you is of the utmost importance. Additionally, you’ll also want to look for styles that make the most of your favorite features. More on that next!
How to Choose a Long Prom Dress by Style
Once you’ve got a feel for the length and fit you’ll want for your long prom dress, it’s time to consider how the style can provide you with the best look. While there are so many different designs to consider (sparkly and glamorous to modern and simple, for example), we’ll focus on long prom dress styles that could have an impact on the fit and length of your gown.
- Sleeves or No Sleeves: Getting a long prom dress with sleeves not only provides modest coverage, but also offers support that can keep your prom gown from slipping or sliding down. Sounds like a great way to avoid wardrobe malfunctions or your skirt length dropping lower and becoming a tripping hazard, right? On the other hand, if you choose to skip sleeves or straps entirely, you can still get a secure fit in your long prom dress by focusing on other style features. Go for long prom dresses with corsets or structured bodices that will support the strapless neckline.
- Adjustable Designs: Want a long prom dress style that you can customize for a comfortable fit? Look for styles with designs that can be adjusted to suit you. For example, a long prom dress with a lace-up back can be tightened or loosened to suit your body. You can also look for long prom dresses with removable features, like straps, sleeves, modesty panels, or overskirts. These sorts of features make it possible to skip alterations and adjust the long prom dress style to suit you.
- Slits or No Slits: If the dress code allows for long prom dresses with slits, be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules on the length of the slits. Next, test the slit functionality and your comfort with it by walking, sitting, and dancing in the long prom dress. This is the best way to decide whether you’re Team Slit or Team No-Slit when it comes to long prom dresses!
- A-Line or Fitted: Similar to the ball gown vs. mermaid example we already covered, choosing a style with a flowy a-line skirt will fit you very differently than if you choose a curve-hugging tight style of long prom dress. Universally flattering, a-line prom gowns flare out below the waistline, offering you comfortable movement and a graceful, airy vibe. Sultry by design, fitted long prom dresses tend to hug the figure from the neckline through the hips, so this style is perfect for anyone who wants to show off their natural curves. Movement is a bit more restricted in this kind of style, so explore different kinds of tight prom dresses to find out which designs offer you the right balance between comfort and fit.
- Fabric Varieties: Last, but not least, don’t forget to check out many different kinds of long prom dresses in stylish formal fabrics. Each fabric type has its own weight, stretch, and texture, so finding one that suits you in both look and feel is key. For example, long lace prom dresses have a naturally classy, vintage vibe, and they’re usually pretty lightweight, but unless it’s listed as “stretch lace,” it will fit as is without wiggle room. Satin prom dresses offer a gorgeous shine and drape beautifully for unique designs, but they are definitely suited to cooler weather because of the heavy weight of the fabric. Try on a range of long prom dresses in different fabrics to find out which ones feel the most comfortable and flattering as you move.
Now you’re fully prepared to start shopping for long prom dresses! Go to fittings with your prom shoes in hand, or try on gorgeous long prom dresses you ordered online from the comfort of your own home. However you decide to shop, be sure to check out Amarra’s latest, trendy designs in this collection of long prom dresses . Once you’ve found a style you love, you can find out where to buy your Amarra long prom dress by using the store locator tool to find a local shop or safe online retailer that sells authentic Amarra designs.
