Tips for Shopping for a Plus Size Prom Dress
Shopping in general as a plus-size girl can be a stressful experience. So when it comes to finding a dress as important as your prom dress, you want the experience to be as easy as possible. At Red Carpet Ready, we can cater to anything you need, with the UK’s biggest and best choice of dresses ranging from a UK size 0 to a UK size 32. Whatever you’re worried about going into your Prom Dress Appointment, here are our tips for how to make your shopping experience easy and fun, guaranteeing you’ll find your perfect dress.
Do your Research!
This is good advice for anyone starting their Prom Dress search, but it can take a lot of the stress out of shopping before your appointment! Understanding your body type and the styles that make you feel confident is key to finding a dress that makes you feel gorgeous and comfortable.
Browse websites like Red Carpet Ready’s, scroll Instagram and TikTok, and take screenshots of what you like to show your stylist at your appointment! Have a look at how your favorite dresses fit on different models and where they might be more flared or fitted. This can help you better understand what might work for you.
It might be worth making a list of the styles and trends that stand out to you and what colours and styles are going to help you feel your best on prom night. And have a look in your wardrobe to see what size your favorite dress is as a guide to bring to your stylist before your booking!
By doing your homework beforehand, you can streamline your shopping experience and ensure you’re not overwhelmed by too many options when it’s time to try on dresses. So get your cyber detective skills out to find out everything about your favourite dresses: what sizes they come in, the material, and what colours are avalible are good places to start!
Get To Know your Body Shape and Style
Your body type doesn’t dictate what styles you should or shouldn’t wear for prom. But understanding what features and fits make you feel confident and comfortable and what definitely doesn’t can save you a lot of stress the day of your appointment.
Understanding your body shape and personal style is essential when shopping for a plus-size prom dress. Take the time to identify your unique shape—whether you’re pear-shaped, hourglass, apple-shaped, or athletic—as this can guide you toward dresses that highlight your best features. For example, an A-line dress can balance proportions, while a mermaid silhouette may enhance curves. Knowing your body shape helps narrow down styles that will flatter your figure and provide a comfortable fit.
Equally important is getting to know your personal style. Think about what colours, fabrics, and silhouettes make you feel most confident. Are you drawn to bold, glamorous designs or prefer something more simple and elegant? Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, but always choose a dress that aligns with your personality. When you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing, you’ll shine with confidence on prom night.
Tell your stylist your big no’s when it comes to styles you don’t feel comfortable in so they can focus on making sure you don’t only look but feel your best on your big day.
Dress Comfy for your Appointment
When driving up to your appointment, comfort is the most important thing! The last thing you want to be worrying about on the day of your dress fitting is tight jeans or uncomfortable shoes. After all, you’ll be changing out of them to try on all your dresses, so wear something comfortable that you can put on and off between trying on different dresses. Choose an outfit that’s easy to change in and out of, like a t-shirt and leggings or your tracksuit. This will make slipping into different dresses easier without hassle, ensuring a smoother fitting experience. Avoid wearing overly complicated layers or tight clothing, as it could make trying on dresses more uncomfortable. Comfortable shoes are a must as well, especially if you plan to walk around or stand for long periods while trying on dresses. Being at ease during your appointment will help you focus on the dresses and the Red Carpet Ready Experience.
Don't Let a Number Scare you!
Dress sizes are a lot different than shopping for a t-shirt or a pair of jeans. Dress sizes are made to fit your whole body, so don’t freak out if your stylist recommends going a size or two bigger! It’s easy to get caught up in the number on the tag, but remember that dress sizes can vary greatly between designers and brands. A size 14 from one brand might fit very differently from a size 14 from another. The most important factor when choosing a prom dress is how it fits your body, not the number printed inside. Don’t be discouraged if you need to size up or if you find that the dress size you thought you’d wear doesn’t fit properly. Designers often build in extra fabric to account for alterations, so a dress that’s a little large can easily be tailored to fit you perfectly. Focus on how the dress makes you feel and how it flatters your shape rather than stressing over the size label. Confidence comes from how you wear the dress, not the size it says on the tag.
Trust your Stylist and Ask Questions!
Remember that your stylist is your friend! Their job is to help you find your perfect dress and help you through your appointment, whatever you need. When shopping for your plus-size prom dress, don’t hesitate to communicate with your stylist about any concerns or preferences you have. Whether you’re worried about a dress not fitting properly, want advice on which styles are most flattering for your body type, or have specific questions about fabric or alterations, your stylist is there to help. Be open about what you want, and don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations based on your concerns.
Need a bigger or more private changing room? No problem! At Red Carpet Ready, our expert stylists can offer valuable insights and even pull options that you might not have considered. They can also help you navigate sizing or suggest alterations that will make a dress fit perfectly. Remember, their goal is to help you find a dress that you’ll love and feel great in, so being honest about your worries ensures you’ll get the best assistance throughout your shopping experience.
Do you feel ready to first step towards finding your perfect dress? Call our booking line at 01522 793777 to secure your appointment with us at Red Carpet Ready for Prom 2025!