Every prom season brings a new list of “must-have” styles. One year it is satin, the next it is dramatic corsets, minimalist silhouettes or a particular shade that suddenly seems to be everywhere. With social media constantly showing us what everyone else is wearing, it can be tempting to choose a dress simply because it is trending.
But prom is not an ordinary night out. It is one of those occasions that you will probably remember — and photograph — for years. That is exactly why the most fashionable choice is not always the best choice.
Trends can be fun, especially when they genuinely match your personal style. If you have always loved a certain silhouette and it happens to be popular this year, there is no reason not to embrace it. The problem starts when you choose something that does not really feel like you simply because you have seen it repeatedly online.
A beautiful prom dress should make you feel confident before you even leave the house. Think about the styles you naturally gravitate toward when you are not following a trend. Do you prefer clean and elegant lines? Romantic details? Dramatic volume? A fitted silhouette? Your answer may tell you much more about the right dress than a list of this season’s fashion predictions.
There is also something to be said for timelessness. Imagine looking at your prom photographs five or ten years from now. You may not remember which dress was considered the biggest trend that year, but you will remember how you felt wearing it. A classic silhouette in a color you genuinely love can look just as beautiful years later as it did on prom night.
That does not mean your look has to be boring. In fact, the easiest way to make a timeless dress feel personal is through the details. Interesting earrings, an elegant hairstyle, a statement shoe or a subtle sparkle can give a simple silhouette plenty of personality without making the entire outfit dependent on one particular trend.
Another advantage of choosing for yourself is that you are more likely to feel comfortable throughout the evening. Prom involves sitting, walking, dancing, taking photographs and spending hours with friends. A dress that looks impressive but makes you constantly adjust it is unlikely to become your favorite memory.
Ultimately, fashion trends are there to inspire you, not to make the decision for you. Browse them, save your favorite ideas and see what catches your attention — but then step back and ask yourself one simple question: “Would I still choose this if nobody told me it was fashionable?”
If the answer is yes, you may have found your perfect dress.
The images in this post are from ohprom, an online shop with a variety of dresses for prom and other special occasions.
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