Prom dresses come in a variety of styles and lengths, and it can be hard to choose the right length for you while still adhering to dress code requirements. If you are buying a prom dress for the first time, you might not know what length to go with, and navigating the many options in stores today can be overwhelming.
We give you our tips about how long you should expect your prom dress length to be and how to choose the best prom dress length for your personal style.
What Should My Prom Dress Length Be?
In general, prom dresses are formal gowns, as the prom is a formal event, which means that these dresses will be at least floor length. There are several variations on this length though, and some prom dresses may fall around the ankle or mid-calf – these dresses are still considered formal appropriate attire.
Alternatively, some prom dresses may fall around the mid-thigh area or end around the knees. These are considered cocktail-length dresses, and they may be appropriate for a formal prom event depending on the fabric they are made out of and the dress’s overall style.
It’s important to consult your school’s prom dress code requirements if you are concerned about your prom dress’s length. Following dress code requirements closely can tell you if there is an expected length, if you need to wear a floor-length gown, or if shorter dresses are appropriate for your event.
Can I Wear a Short Dress to Prom?
It may be possible to wear a short dress to prom depending on whether or not your school allows short dresses. Every prom event varies, and while these events are typically considered formal, you may not be required to wear a floor-length gown in every situation.
If you have found a cocktail-length dress for prom that you are in love with, you might be able to wear this after ensuring it meets all potential dress code requirements.
How Do I Choose a Prom Dress Length?
Thinking about your prom dress length is an important first step in deciding what you want your prom dress to look like overall.
To choose a prom dress length, keep in mind your body type and your height. Taller individuals may want to enhance their height with a floor-length gown and a pair of high heels, while petite individuals may want to embrace a floor-length gown with a slit or a shorter cocktail-length dress to show off their legs.
Individuals who have a less defined waist may want a prom dress that starts the skirt around the hips or even higher than the natural waistline, leading to a long dress that balances the figure. Those who have a more defined waist or bust area may want a dress that is tighter and can either be long or short to properly flatter their figure.
Of course, your personal preference for a prom dress length should also be kept in mind – if you are in love with the idea of a long and voluptuous ball gown, then you should try these dresses on to find the perfect style. On the other hand, if you want to wear a short, yet flowy, A-line prom dress, then you can browse stores until you find the perfect gown for you.
Where Can I Buy a Prom Dress?
There are plenty of places to buy a prom dress, and these gowns typically become available in January and February of each year. According to the pros at Sherri Hill, this is done to ensure that people shopping for prom dresses have plenty of time to find their dream gown before prom occurs in the early summer months of May and June.
You can look through stores at your local mall, department stores, and boutique stores that specialize in formal gowns and prom dresses to find your gown. You may also have luck in thrift stores, or you can make shopping easier by using an online website to filter the exact color, size, and style of gown you are looking for.
Finding Your Ideal Prom Dress
Finding your ideal prom dress takes some work, but this process is worth it when you find the perfect prom dress with the style, color, and length you desire. In general, prom dresses will be floor-length formal gowns, but you may be able to wear a shorter dress depending on dress code rules and your personal preferences.
Make sure you keep in mind what you want your prom dress to look like when shopping and any dress code requirements so you have an easier time finding your dream prom dress.