The Outfit

Finding the perfect outfit to feel and look your best at prom is essential to having a great night. For girls, there are tons of different styles, colors, and shapes of dresses available. There is definitely something out there for everyone. For guys, there are basic tuxedos, patterned tuxedos, or nice outfits that aren’t even tuxedos if that’s not your style. Some of the best places for formal dresses include:

• Lex’s of Carytown
• Reflections Prom & Pageant
• David’s Bridal
• A department store such as Nordstrom, Macy’s, Dillard’s, JcPenney, or Belk

Stores that sell suits, tuxedos, and khaki pants (if you’re feeling casual):

• Men’s Wearhouse
• Any department store: Nordstrom, Macy’s, Dillard’s, JcPenney, or Belk
• Beecroft & Bull

If you are taking an unconventional approach to prom this year, Goodwill might have something out of the box and super cheap. You can also upcycle something already in your wardrobe. One idea is that you could cut the sleeves off of an old homecoming dress and wear an unconventional short dress to prom.

Online shopping for prom attire can be a positive experience and a way to find different sales. But, it is also important to be careful where you order from and what you’re ordering. In the realm of formal wear, higher quality items are going to have higher price tags and the dresses or suits with lower price tags may be lower quality. Online prom shopping can also be risky because each company sizes their clothing differently and you won’t know until your package arrives if your dress will look good on you or if your jacket sleeves are the right length

No matter what, when shopping for a prom outfit it is important that you feel good and comfortable in what you choose to wear.

You might spend so much time choosing what to wear and getting ready that you forget about spending some time in a salon chair. Maybe check out one of K.T.R.’s faves, Glo-Out Glamour Bar on Preston Avenue.

Dinner

The place you choose for your prom night dinner is not the most important part of the night, but it should be something to remember. The Charlottesville area offers tons of different types of dining options.

Some of the best fancy restaurants:

• Aberdeen Barn
• Fleurie Restaurant
• Burtons Grill
• Maya
• C & O

Still nice restaurants that are $$ instead of $$$$:

• Lampo
• Continental Divide
• Fig
• Brazo’s
• Citizen Burger

After prom snacks or maybe you really love these places:

• Raising Cane’s
• Taco Bell
• Five Guys
• Insomnia Cookies
• Cookout

The most important thing to remember about prom is that it is just one night. If something goes wrong, it is not the end of the world. It is also a new experience, so have fun!