Planning the perfect prom

April marks the beginning of a very important time of year—prom season. Prom is one of those nights that we all look forward to for years, and feeling confident is the most important accessory for a wonderful night. From the prettiest dress to the best bow tie, here are some tips and resources for a perfect prom night.

When searching for your dress, the first question to ask yourself is: long or short? The length of your dress depends on your preference, and there are beautiful options for both. A long dress will give you a real “Cinderella” moment, making your evening a little more glamorous. Long, flowing dresses, in fabrics like chiffon and jersey, are light and ideal for a night full of dancing. This BCBG “Amber” evening gown is a gorgeous option for a fairy tale evening with its purple hue. For a shorter dress, try a vintage-inspired look, like this stunner from Betsy Adams. The lace detailing and silhouette keeps the dress flirty and fun while keeping the look classic with a black and white color scheme.

Long vs. Short

Once you’ve decided on the length of the dress you’re looking for, the next choice is the perfect color. One way to help narrow your options is to consider with whom you’ll be going to prom. If you’re going with a date, you may want to check with him or her to make sure your plans coincide—unless you’re into the mismatched look. Otherwise, if a big group of friends is the plan, check with the others to see which hues they’re leaning towards. Sometimes it’s fun for groups to come up with themes (rainbow colors for photos, sequin dresses, etc.), so determine whether that is something that would interest your friends.

2013 color trends on the runway and the racks are bright and summery. Rich reds, magentas and yellows are some of the hottest colors for gowns this year, popping up in various silhouettes and styles. If you’re hoping to make a glamorous statement, opt for a gorgeous sequined or embellished dress with light accessories. If bright and bold choices seem a little daunting, try a softer look with a pastel hue, like pretty blush or peach, which are also trending this spring. Whichever color you choose, make sure you’re confident with your decision—if you feel beautiful, you will be positively radiant!

Red or Embellished

For the guys, prom is the night to feel confident and look your best. There are many choices guys have to make when finding the perfect outfit for prom. First, make sure that you find a tux or suit that fits correctly. The color and details are important, but if your suit doesn’t fit well, you will be uncomfortable throughout the evening. When deciding where to buy your suit or tux, make sure it is custom-fitted first. Although it’s tempting to shop impulsively, knowing the exact size and measurements you’re looking for will make your shopping experience much more enjoyable—and a lot quicker.

Once you’ve found the perfect suit, it’s essential to coordinate with your date, but don’t be afraid to leave a little room for creativity. Prom night is the ideal occasion to stand out from your peers and make a statement; a dash of creativity is key for an unexpected twist on tradition. Be bold and play with complementary colors that pair well with your date’s outfit. You can also choose a less prominent color in the print of your date’s dress to incorporate into your outfit as well.

Another choice rests on the details for the evening. Ties are one of those elements that can be based on your personality and preference. If you like to break with tradition, try a fun bow tie in a variety of patterns and materials, like polka dot or velvet. Another trendy option is the ever-popular skinny tie for an unconventional twist. Otherwise, a conventional tie is also a fabulous choice, but feel free to add your own flair with a tie clip or tack if you want a little something extra.

Finishing Details—Bow Ties and Pocket Squares

Remember, prom is all about having fun on your special night, so whatever makes you comfortable and confident will always be the best choice. We hope you all have a fun and memorable prom this year!