Episode 2: A Guide To Prom Dresses For Your Daughter

guide-to-prom-dresses-for-your-daughter

It feels like only last week she was playing dress up in princess gowns, and now she’s looking for a real-life prom dress. She’s all grown up, or at least she thinks she is. But time to stop reminiscing and focus on the job at hand. There’s a dress that needs finding, and she might need some help – even if she’ll never admit it.

Our Guide To Prom Dress Shopping With Your Daughter

The chances are this will be the first time your daughter will be wearing any sort of formal attire. Which is why she may need some sort of help. So, we’re here to give you guidance on showing her what she may not know. If she’s read our guide on how to find the perfect prom dress and still seems stuck, then it’s your time to shine. Disclaimer: reading this guide will not mean your daughter will listen to your advice, no matter how helpful it may be.

Are Long Or Short Prom Dresses Better?

So you may have envisioned your little girl wearing a full-length evening gown fit for royalty. However, she may have different ideas. Traditionally, a formal dress is full-length, but that’s not to say there aren’t some equally amazing shorter length styles.

For a longer silhouette, we love this one-shoulder ruched style. It’s a dress that has all the classic glamour you’ve been envisioning, with an asymmetric cut and ruched details to give it an on-trend update for her.

Two models wear the same one shoulder ruched maxi dress, one wearing blue and the other in light grey
Angelina One Shoulder Dress

If there’s no way you’re getting her into a floor-length number, then we love this Satin Wrap shorter style. Accessorize with a whole lot of compromise, a beaded pearl bag, and matching headband.

Model wears a satin style mini wrap dress in dark nevy with heels and pearl headband on patio
Silky Navy Wrap Dress

If you have your heart set on a long gown, but your daughter is all for the short look, why not meet in the middle with a midi? Something like this Pink Sheering dress is feminine, flattering and chic. The dress to make the impossible possible, of finding a style that you both love.

Model wears a bright pink midi sheering dress with frill hem and cami straps in the middle of oxford street with a black bag
Luiza Sheering Cami Dress

What Colour Prom Dress Should She Choose?

One of the main issues with prom dresses is that there are just so many to choose from. With the dress code being dressed up, but still relaxed enough to show personality, it can be nearly impossible to narrow it down.

When it comes to choosing a prom dress colour, opting for shades that work best with the skin tone of whoever is wearing the dress is a good place to start.

If your daughter has a rosy undertone with blue-tinted veins, she’s a cool complexion. If she has a golden undertone with green-tinted veins, then she has a warm complexion. Jewel shades like emerald, deep blue or purples work better for those with a cooler skin tone, like this cowl neck cami dress. A warmer skin tone looks especially good in reds, oranges and earthy tones, like this pleated metallic style.

Two models in wear a green cowl neck satin cami midi dress and a high neck pleated metallic midi dress in a hotel room
Cowl Neck Midi & Pleated Metallic Dress

Does A Prom Dress Have To Be Plain?

When it comes to prom, it is technically a formal affair, but there are a lot fewer rules than a black-tie event. If the shape of the prom dress is fancier than a daytime style, then it can work. It really depends on the dress. We say prints and sparkles are the perfect remedies for a future prom queen who wants to stand out from the crowd. She’s sure to get noticed in the Marilyn sequin maxi.

Model wears a floor length silver sequin dress in a mirror selfie
Marilyn Sequin Maxi Dress

What If She Doesn’t Want To Wear A Dress?

If you’ve got a 16-year-old rebel on your hands, it might be the case she doesn’t want to wear a dress. Which may be more likely than you think. But fear not, dresses aren’t the only way to go formal. Jumpsuits are a great alternative because the most important thing is that your daughter feels the best she can on the big day.

Model wears a navy plunge jumpsuit with cape details with a gold bag and nude shoes
Plunge Cape Jumpsuit

A style like this plunge cape jumpsuit brings more drama than any dress could. It isn’t a dress but is just as feminine as any ball gown you could wish for.

Now you’re all set for the big day. Just make sure you pack some tissues because it’s set to be emotional. For you anyway. Cue the ‘OMG Mum you’re so embarrassing!’. 

Written By
More from Team SilkFred

6 Day Dresses We’re Loving This Spring

For me, nothing says ‘spring’ like an airy day dress in a...
Read More