Q&A for How to Dress for Prom

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What are some mistakes I should avoid when I'm dressing for prom?

Katie Quinn
Image Consultant
Katie Quinn is an Image Consultant, Personal Wardrobe Stylist and the Founder of Q the Stylist, an image consulting service based in New York City helping men and women understand their specific goals, improve their wardrobe, performance, and life. She has over 11 years of image consulting experience and has worked as a stylist for Trunk Club, Modewalk, and Moda Operandi. Her work has been featured in Vogue, InStyle, Martha Stewart Weddings, Sheridan Road, Slate, Newsy, Rue, and Thrillist.

Katie Quinn

Image Consultant

Expert Answer

Don't feel pressured to dress really sexy for your prom. You want to look like yourself, not a 30-year-old on the red carpet at the VMAs. Instead of showing a lot of skin, focus on expressing your own personal style!

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Question

Can girls wear suits to prom?

Community Answer

Girls can wear whatever they feel the most comfortable and beautiful in. Keep in mind that some conservative schools may prohibit women from wearing suits to the prom. If this is the case, contact the school before the dance and let them know that you intend to wear a suit that's appropriate for the formality of the occasion.

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Question

I have a very light pink formal dress for prom, and around the band there are pearls. Should I wear a white flat shoe or a light beige flat?

Community Answer

Try on 1 of each shoe and look in the mirror to see which 1 looks best. Then walk around in the shoes and the dress to determine which is the most comfortable.

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Question

As a girl, what can I wear to prom that's not as masculine as a suit but also not as girly as a dress?

Community Answer

You can get fitted jackets and trousers for girls; the jacket should compliment your figure. The trousers could flair out or they could be slim fit. If you wear a bright blouse underneath and/or heels, you'll find the outfit stays androgynous. Also, consider 80's looks. Power suits for women were, and still are, very popular.

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Question

What if I wear maroon jacket with black in the buttons and black pants? Is that okay if that is not the same?

Community Answer

Absolutely! The black will compliment the maroon jacket instead of compete with it.

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Question

What would happen if I wore a t-shirt and shorts to prom?

Community Answer

Depending on your school, you may not be allowed in if your outfit does not fit the dress code, and that includes formality. If possible, it's best to wear something that looks formal, otherwise you will be severely under-dressed and might not feel comfortable.

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Question

Is it okay to wear a red tie with a black color suit?

Community Answer

Yes! A statement tie can look fantastic with a solid black suit. Just make sure you don't have any other colors in your outfit (more of the same red is fine), and you'll look great!

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Question

Can I wear gold sandal heels?

Community Answer

Yes, gold sandal heels would be perfectly appropriate. Just make sure the shoes match your dress/suit and your accessories, and you'll rock them!

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Question

Is a white dress shirt and black trousers good enough to dress in for prom as a male?

Community Answer

Most likely, everyone else will be wearing a tuxedo, but it's really up to you. I'd recommend you at least wear a blazer if you're going to wear a dress shirt and pants.

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Question

Can I wear a turtleneck with a suit when dressing for prom?

Community Answer

Turtlenecks with suits have recently become very trendy. A turtleneck can add a classy, yet casual touch to a dapper suit. Do as you please, but keep in mind that you may get sweaty if the turtleneck is thick.

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Question

Do I have to wear a suit or blazer to prom?

Community Answer

Blazers tend to be more casual. See if the dress code for your prom is formal or semi-formal, and go from there.

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Question

Can I wear a black vest and white dress shirt with black pants without a jacket to prom?

Community Answer

Certainly, but a jacket is recommended, especially if you live in a cold area. And you'll look smarter with it.

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Question

Can a boy wear a dress to prom? Like I'm a guy and I thought about wearing a dress.

Community Answer

If it isn't against your dress code, yes you can. However, you'll need to own it or you may get people making jokes or unkind comments. Maybe try a kilt or another cultural skirt-for-men style.

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Question

How do I know whether a girl would like me to wear a blue or black tuxedo to prom?

Community Answer

Ask her! If you don't want to ask her directly what you should wear, ask her what she's wearing and try to determine which tuxedo would look better with her dress. Generally speaking, though, black goes with everything.

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Question

What type of heels, jewelry, and bag can I wear with my prom outfit?

Community Answer

It all depends on your outfit. Try accessories that have the same colors and styles. If you have a short dress, for example, carry a purse that has the same color with stud earrings, a small necklace, and whatever bracelets or rings go with the outfit. Just wear what you think looks good with your outfit, and ask a friend or parent to let you know what they think.

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Question

Can I wear a short dress to my junior prom?

Community Answer

Sure, as long as it's not against the dress code. Most girls wear long dresses to prom, but it's certainly not a rule that you have to.

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Question

I have three dress options and prom is tomorrow. I'm short with light skin and dark hair. There's a long red flashy gold one, an emerald green boat neck or a long burgundy v-neck. Which should I wear, and how?

Community Answer

Wear the red dress! Red is the color of power and everyone will see your powerful personality. Pair it with gold flats or small heels. Add some small earrings and necklaces.

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