When deciding on your prom outfit, there are so many things to think about. You want to look amazing on the night, and want the photos to look amazing in years to come.
You want your prom dress to look flattering under flash, be comfortable all night, and look good from every angle.
Small details like your neckline shape, the fabric finish, structure and color undertone will all affect how your dress looks on camera, as well as your hair, makeup, accessories and venue lighting. Here are some tips on how to choose your perfect prom dress which will both look and feel beautiful.
Think About Fabric Finish And How It Reflects Light
The finish of your dress affects how the light will hit you in photos. Shinier fabrics like satin and sequins will reflect more light, and give a more luminous look. Matte fabrics like chiffon or crepe absorb the light, and create softer and more even skin tones.
Shiny dress finishes will highlight your curves and catch camera flashes, which makes details pop, but it’ll show up wrinkles or texture more clearly. If you go for a glittery fabric, expect strong highlights and bright reflections in photos.
Matte fabrics will hide small imperfections and reduce glare. They work will in natural light and on camera because they keep shadows gentle.
Select Colors That Complement Your Skin Tone
Start by checking your skin’s natural undertone; cool, warm or neutral. Cooler undertones will look best in blues, purples and emeralds. Warm undertones glow in golds, peaches and warm reds. Whilst neutral tones can wear both cool and warm shades equally well.
Jewel tone prom dresses are a beautiful safe, photogenic choice for many skin tones. Colors like sapphire, ruby and emerald pop in photos without overpowering your face, and they give a nice amount of depth on camera.
If you have pale skin, try mid-tone colors that add some contrast like deep navy, teal or a rich burgundy. Try and avoid colors that match your natural skintone too closely, as they can wash you out in pictures.
For medium skintones, most prom dress colors will flatter you. Jewel tones and warm shades photograph nicely, but you can try a bright cobalt, ruby red or warm bronze to enhance your natural glow.
Darker skin tones look amazing in bright, saturated and jewel tones for prom dresses, especially bold blues, vivis magentas and deep winetones for a stunning contrast.
Consider The Back Of The Dress Since Cameras Will Too
The back of your prom dress will be visible in your prom photos, so it’s just as important as the front. Choose a dress with a back design that’s going to flatter your posture, and complement the front of your dress – simple details make a big difference.
If your dress has a low back or cutouts, think about your bra choices, and how you’ll skin will look on camera. You can go for a clear strap or strapless bra, or choose a dress that’s going to give you built-in structure.
Dress embellishments like lace, buttons or a dramatic train will look beautiful in both posed photos, and candid shots, as they create movement when you walk or turn.
Pay attention to the fit of your dress at the shoulders and waist, as the camera captures these lines clearly. Choosing a dress with a well-tailored back will keep your posture strong, and give you a clean silhouette in your prom photos.
Pay Attention To Structure Support And Fit
The structure of your dress is what is going to make it look amazing in photos. Look for built-in support like cups, boning or a corset bodice, to keep the lines smooth, and prevent shifting during moving and dancing.
Make sure you try on several prom dresses to test the fit for your body type. Empire waist dresses will lift your silhouette and suit many figures, while an a-line prom dress will flatter hips and balance your body’s proportions.
Think about your comfort with your dress choice. Mermaid prom gowns photograph beautifully, but they limit movement, so pick something that will let you walk and pose naturally.
You can do simple tests when trying on dresses, like raising your arms, sitting and turning. Check the seams all stay in place without gaping at the neckline or back.
Always bring your shoes with you when trying on prom dresses, as they affect the length and how the dress hangs in photos.