It’s never too early to think about your prom dress, especially now that it’s the holiday season!
Finding your perfect prom dress isn’t just about walking into a store and picking the first gown that catches your eye. In fact, there are three key phases to the process: before, during, and after dress shopping. Each one is equally important if you want to have the best dress shopping experience. At TBC Occasions, we know how exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) prom dress shopping in Colorado can be. That’s why we’ve put together seven tips to guide you through the process. With a little planning and a lot of fun, your perfect prom look is within reach!
PRE-SHOPPING FOR YOUR PROM DRESS
Tip #1: Research Styles
Although many prom styles are similar from year to year, each prom season brings fresh takes and exciting trends. When researching different styles, there are three questions to ask yourself: what is my prom’s theme, does it compliment me, and what is my preference?
Many proms have themes, such as “Hollywood Glam,” “Under the Sea,” or “Enchanted Garden,” which can serve as inspiration for your dress choice! While you don’t have to match the theme exactly, choosing a gown that nods to it can make your outfit feel extra special and cohesive with the night’s vibe.
When we say “compliment” as something to keep in mind, we mean choosing a dress that compliments your unique beauty! There are different styles that will compliment your figure, colors that will compliment your skin, and embellishments that will compliment your personality.
In the end, research what you think you’ll like, or your preference. If you want to wear a ballgown to prom, there are plenty of beautiful ballgowns for your princess dreams; if you want to have a slit so you can strut, there are dresses just waiting for your runway moment. Prom is about feeling confident, comfortable, and beautiful, and wearing a dress that you love will help you shine!
TBC Tip: Check out our 2026 Prom Trends blog for this upcoming season’s biggest trends leaked straight from the designers’ runways!
Courtesy of AMARRA
Tip #2: Create a Mood Board
There are so many ways to discover looks you’ll love and endless prom content to inspire you. The easiest way to make a mood board is on Pinterest, since it’s simple to search and easy to organize. You can create different boards for dress styles, makeup ideas, and accessories, or keep everything in one place so you can easily see what’s catching your eye.
Another way to make a mood board is to save screenshots to your camera roll and create a photo album. That way, when you’re scrolling through Instagram, TikTok, or your favorite fashion websites and see something you love, you can quickly save it and have your inspiration ready to revisit later. These will help prepare and guide your search as you head to the store to try on dresses.
TBC Tip: There are lots of videos on Instagram and TikTok for prom dresses. Make sure you use keywords such as “Hollywood Theme,” “A-line,” or “Baby Blue” to help you find specific inspiration.
Courtesy of Sherri Hill
While Shopping for Your Prom Dress
Tip #3: Wear the Essentials
When trying on prom dresses, it’s important to wear clothes and shoes that you can easily change in and out of. Consider wearing leggings or athletic shorts and a loose top, so you don’t have to worry about feeling rushed to change (more time to try on dresses!). This is a practical tip that will make your life easier. After all, shopping for your prom dress should feel exciting, not exhausting.
Another must know shopping tip when shopping for your prom dress in Denver is to bring the exact “essentials” you plan to wear on prom night. Wear the shoes you plan to wear during prom so that you can see where the dress falls with your height. The same goes for undergarments: wearing a strapless bra, shapewear, or any other pieces you’re planning to use for prom will help you get a realistic view of how the dress will look and fit. These little details will help you clearly see your prom vision.
TBC Tip: If you’re not sure what shoes you will wear on prom night, wear classic 2-3 inch heels as a baseline. Shoes, no matter the style, change the look and feel of the dress. A simple pair of heels will give you a standard height to work with, so even if you decide to switch shoes later, the overall fit and length of your dress will still work well.
Courtesy of La Femme
Tip #4: Try on Multiple Dresses
Even if you fall head over heels with the first dress you try on, it’s worth trying on more. That first dress might feel like a perfect 10 in the moment, but once you see yourself in other styles, colors, or silhouettes, you might realize it’s more of a 9 and there’s an actual 10 waiting for you. Prom dress shopping is all about exploring your options and you’ll never know what else is out there if you stop at the first “yes”.
Trying on multiple dresses will ultimately give you certainty in your choice! While every prom dress is beautiful, it’s about finding the one that makes you feel beautiful. By experimenting with a range of styles, you’ll gain confidence in your final choice, knowing you’ve compared your options and picked the one that makes you feel your absolute best.
TBC Tip: When choosing which dresses to try on, grab some that you don’t think you would usually grab, whether that’s a different style, color, or fabric. Sometimes we end up loving the dress we least expect!
Tip #5: Take Pictures in Each Dress
This might just be the most helpful tip in this blog, since it comes right before the big decision.
Now, you might be thinking: why should I take pictures in each dress if I can see myself in a mirror? You’re going to take lots of pictures at prom, so it’s important to like how the dress looks in pictures. A gown that looks stunning in person can sometimes read differently in photos: lighting, angles, and proportions can all change how a dress appears. By snapping pictures in each option, you’ll get a more accurate idea of how you’ll look on prom night.
This is also a great strategy if you’re feeling indecisive. It helps to see the dresses side by side as you swipe through pictures. Plus, you can send photos to friends or family with good fashion sense for second (or third) opinions! If you feel torn between multiple dresses, it’s helpful to get a fresh perspective from someone else.
Once you’ve reviewed your photos, gathered feedback, and thought about which dress makes you feel your most confident, it’s time to make your final choice!
TBC Tip: Mirror pictures can be helpful, but it’s best to have someone take pictures of you in your dress from the front and the back. That way, you can see what you look like in the dress from multiple angles to see if you really love it.
Courtesy of Sherri Hill
After Shopping for Your Prom Dress
Tip #6: Accessorize
Now that you’ve picked your dress (yay!), you can complete the look! When accessorizing, consider shoes, jewelry, a purse, makeup and hair. Shoes should balance style and comfort and always keep in mind how much you want to dance. Since shoes are a more practical accessory, jewelry is where you get to let loose and shine. If your dress has lots of embellishments, choose delicate pieces like stud earrings or a simple bracelet. For simpler gowns, bold statement earrings, a layered necklace, or sparkly cuffs can add drama.
A small purse or clutch is essential to carry your phone, lipstick, and any wallet or ticket you may need. Makeup and hair are great ways to accent your dress, whether you want your look to be softened by romantic hues and curls, or boldened by dramatic eyeshadow and a high updo. When you thoughtfully coordinate your accessories with your dress, you’ll create a look that feels uniquely you.
TBC Tip: When choosing your jewelry, stick with the same type of crystal that is on your prom dress! Some dresses have regular rhinestones and some have Aurora Borealis (or “AB”) rhinestones. Mixing these is never a good look, so make sure you pick one and stick with it!
Courtesy of AMARRA
Tip #7: Take Care of Your Dress
It’s important to keep your dress in a safe place until it’s time to show it off at prom. You’ve invested time, money and energy into this dress, so it deserves some extra care before its debut. We recommend hanging it to prevent any unwanted wrinkles. If your dress has a long train or skirt, consider gently tucking the bottom into the bag or draping it carefully over the hanger to keep it off the floor.
For further protection from wrinkles, snags, and stains, keep it in a garment bag while it hangs in your closet. This is a protective shield for both your dress and your wallet because it can be expensive if something happens to the dress! When the big day arrives, your gown will look just as flawless as the day you brought it home, ready to help you shine.
TBC Tip: If your dress is too heavy for a hanger, find a safe space to lay it flat. This will also prevent it from getting wrinkled!
Courtesy of La Femme
Choosing your prom dress doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With these seven tips, you’ll walk into our Centennial, Colorado store feeling confident, prepared, and ready to enjoy the process. From research and moodboards, to trying on various styles, to styling and storing your look, every step takes you closer to your perfect prom dress. No matter your style, TBC Occasions is ready to help you say “yes” to your dream prom dress!
Why Choose TBC Occasions?
At TBC Occasions, we understand how important prom is. Our experienced stylists are also here to help you find a gown that matches your vision and fits like a dream.
Browse our website or stop by our store, just south of Denver, to explore our stunning lineup! Whether your dream look is timeless elegance or trendsetting flair, TBC Occasions has the dress for you.