Graphic created by Madi Paluczak

Even though May seems far away, prom preparation is in full swing as OHS students are gearing up and searching for the perfect dress to wear. With having a wide variety of stores to choose from, it can be difficult to figure out where to go based on your preferences or price range. Instead of spending hours scrolling through websites, some students have already found their dream dresses and have some advice along with a list of local prom stores that can save time and effort for the prom shopping process.

“Originally I did not have any idea of what I was looking for the first time I went dress shopping. Before I went to Mid-Rivers Mall and got my dress, my mom and I had looked at West County Mall and tried on a few dresses there,” Cora Gulden-Re (12) said. “They didn’t have a huge selection, but being able to try them on helped narrow my idea on what style and color dress I wanted.”

Choosing the perfect prom dress can feel overwhelming, but sometimes the search can turn into your own exciting adventure by branching out with your style.

“…Try on every style and color of dress you can to find what you really like and even if you find a dress you really like, continue to try other options to see if that’s the one you really want in the end,” Jenna Voyles (12) said. “The most difficult part is finding heels that match the exact color of my dress…”

Variety is just one crucial step in finding the perfect dress, but as the shopping experience goes on it may be hard to stray away and try new options if you have a solidified idea of what style you are looking for.

“The most difficult part of the experience is having to keep an open mind on what you want,” Gulden-Re said. “Of course you’re going to go in with a specific idea in your head, but realistically finding it might be difficult, and just overall makes the whole shopping experience difficult.”

One factor that may cause prom shopping to be more difficult is price. Setting a realistic and attainable budget before starting the search may help narrow down options that won’t break the bank.

“Some advice I would give to others shopping for prom dresses is definitely only try on dresses that are in your budget,” Austyn Schnur (12) said. “…Also, try on a bunch of different ones that you normally wouldn’t try. This is your chance to go all out.”

Finding what style makes you look and feel the best while having fun getting ready for prom is what can make the shopping experience worthwhile, so many students advised that you don’t get too caught up in the pressure of finding your dream dress.

“…Don’t stress it (shopping) that much,” Brooke Fagyal (12) said, “because in the end prom is just one day.”