media by Claire Yeater

A visual depicts a tuxedo surrounded by the words “Step-by-Step for the Special Night” to introduce part one of the three-part Prom series.

“Best places to eat on prom night.” 

“Prom dress trends 2024.” 

“Scenic photo spots near me.”

Perhaps this is what the search history looks like with prom season right around the corner. 

The planning process can be tedious and stressful, but fret no more — we have your back!

If you have been assigned as the prom group’s designated planner and it’s stressing you out, this series will offer ideas on simplifying your arrangements for the big night.

In part one of this series, we will be going over outfit planning. There is so much to consider when purchasing attire. Where you buy it, the top trends and staying within your budget are all significant factors. 

Tip #1: It’s important to set a budget first, as Prom attire has a wide range of prices. 

A poll conducted by @rcrockmedia on Instagram revealed that out of six students, their Prom dresses ranged between $40.00 and $550.00. Set your budget to whatever amount you’re most comfortable with.

Depending on the website, the shipping process can sometimes take a while. Therefore, you’re better safe than sorry by ordering your attire weeks prior to the event.

Tip #2: Schedule an alteration appointment right after buying your clothing.

This can be a busy time for tailors. According to the Nextdoor app, some of the most recommended tailors in the Highlands Ranch/Castle Pines area include:

• The Magic Tailor – 11000 East Yale Avenue
• Alterations by Hemali – 7391 South Quince Street
• Hems & Hers by Marcia – 10626 Clearview Lane 
• The Magic Needle – 3624 E Highlands Ranch Pkwy
• Nordstrom – 8465 Park Meadows Center Dr

Obviously, you want to find what looks best for YOU, alongside what you feel most comfortable in. 

Tip #3: Consider taking this quiz by quizexpo.com that explains what color palette will suit you the most.

If you also want to keep up with the trends, we have gathered some of the most frequent choices for this prom season and narrowed them down to our top three favorite dress trends for this year’s Prom season: 

1. Ruffled/Tiered

According to Prom Girl and News Channel Nebraska Central, ruffles are a common pick this school year. Tiered tulle adds a fun and charming touch to your look. 

“My dress is a bright pink strapless dress with a poof and ruffle bottom, and a tighter top,” Madeline Buckman ‘25 said. “I got it from White Oak Boutique and it was about $500.”

Here are my favorites for ruffled dresses, ranging from lowest price to highest:

• Amazon – $69.99-$77.99 (varies depending on size)
• Amazon – $76.99
• Lulus – $118 (Use code HAPPYSIDE1908SG for 15% off)
• Lulus – $128

2. Sparkles

In my opinion, sequins and glitter are timeless styles that are guaranteed to make you shimmer and shine out on the dance floor.

Just remember that although the dress may be stunning, it might not be the most comfortable option. From my experience, sequins are prone to be itchy and scratchy, but again, go with whatever you feel most comfortable in.

Here are my top picks for sparkly dresses:

• Amazon – $49.98
• Nordstrom – $69.00
• Lucy in the Sky – $75.00

3. Floral

Last but not least, floral dresses are another design that I don’t think will ever get old. Floral print is a classic that I think has been consistently popular over the years, with different silhouettes and necklines every year.

An example that I have seen this year is picnic dresses. Are they my cup of tea? Not really. In my personal opinion, they are a bit too easygoing for my liking, specifically for a school dance. If you are looking for something more casual, however, that style might be for you! 

“[I have a] white ruffled dress with blue flowers all over it, and a corset top with kind of thin strands,” Shwithi Velpuri ‘24 said. “The price was cheap and it was pretty. I bought it from an Australian boutique so shipping was extra. You can either rent or buy [on the website], and I bought it.”

Here are my picks for floral styles this season:

• Beginning Boutique – $74.99
• Amazon – $75.99-$87.99 (price varies depending on size)
• Lulus – $98.00

Tip #4: Renting is generally a cheaper option, however, with purchasing, you will save money when formal attire is needed in the future.

Some places to consider purchasing or renting a tux or suit from include:

• Macy’s 
• David’s Bridal
• Men’s Wearhouse
• JCPenney

“I haven’t gotten [my tux] yet, but I was going to get it suited this weekend at Men’s Wearhouse,” Hayden Baker ‘25 said.

Now, for those who do plan to sport a suit or tuxedo, a classic black and white will always do the job. However, I have also seen a lot of navy and gray this prom season. Whatever floats your boat! 

“I don’t have [my suit] picked out [yet]. I want to go with some sort of floral suit,” Brennan Lanam ‘24 said. 

If you’re on a budget or want to go for a more relaxed look, you can follow in senior Bodey Sherill’s footsteps.

“I am going for something more casual. I’m wearing khakis and a button-up,” Sherill said.

If you plan on going with a date, there are many creative ways to match from the traditional tie-matching to matching pants or shoes to the dress. Don’t be afraid to go crazy with it and be unique amongst your classmates!

Tip #5: After pictures, ditch the formal look’s shoes for a casual pair of sneakers that will guarantee a more comfortable night for you!

In terms of shoes, you can never go wrong with neutral-colored heels or dress shoes. Nude, black or white shoes will look good with anything. My top pick for heels are:

• Target – $43.99

On the other hand, here is my top pick for dress shoes:

• Target – available in both tan and black – $49.99

Voila! Hopefully, this article pointed you in the direction of what you might want to wear for Prom.

Don’t forget to purchase your ticket for the big night on MySchoolBucks for $40.00, as well as your After Prom ticket, $15.00 for seniors and $20.00 for juniors/guests.

Stay tuned for the next part of our series, where we will be going over our suggestions for where to eat on Prom night. Happy shopping!