Prom Spot - Prom Dress Shopping Dos and Don'ts

Don't let finding the dress of your dreams become a total nightmare. Make the most of your gown-shopping experience by brushing up on some buying basics.

Do: Search online
Use the web as a resource to narrow down your favorite styles. If you know your size and find a dress you love, don't hesitate to click and buy (with Mom's approval, of course). Just be sure to check the online return policy: If they don't allow for returns or you don't have time to send your dress back if it doesn't fit, then hit the shops to do your purchasing.

Don't: Wait until the last minute
Shopping too close to the big night could mean missing some great deals or getting stuck with a style that's not your first choice. Plus, with a looming deadline, you'll be so much more stressed.

Do: Shop specialty stores
If you're big on personal attention (it's prom, you're allowed to be a little high maintenance), a specialty store is the perfect place for you: You'll get sized, fitted, and fussed over.

Don't: Go shopping solo
Bring a family member or friend. Not only will it make the whole shopping experience more fun, a second pair of eyes guarantees that you won't end up with a dress that's too short or too tight. Recruit your best friend, your mom, or your big sister (just not all three) to be your shopping buddy.

Do: Bring your accessories
The right jewelry and shoes can make or break a dress. If you have a favorite necklace or earrings, bring them so you can test them out with any prospective dresses. You should also take a pair of shoes in the heel height you plan to wear (just don't wear them all day -- serious shopping is a sneaker affair!).

Don't: Leave your bra at home
The right bra (whether it's strapless, racer back, or something even more complex) is a shopping trip essential. You might also want to consider stashing any extra undergarments in your purse, like Spanx or other body shapers.

Do: Bring a camera
You'll be zipping through dress after dress, and after a while, it'll be tough to remember what the dress you tried on hours ago looked like. So unless you've got a photographic memory, you'll need a camera to take snaps of your favorite frocks.

Don't: Settle for second best
Don't buy a dress you're not totally in love with, and don't let anyone talk you into getting a gown that's not right for you. Remember, it's your big night -- no one else's.

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-- Heather Levine