While choosing your prom dress can be less complicated, pairing it with the accessories that highlight your features and the gown can be difficult. Jewelry can complete the outfit and compliment your skin tone, while hair accessories can add something special to your locks.
Let’s not forget about the shoes, one of the most important accessories whose comfort is essential for prom, where you’ll be moving around and dancing the whole night. You may have noticed that many spectacular shoes are a nightmare to walk in, so opting for basic but ergonomic shoes is best.
You will also need a clutch to keep a few necessities, so it needs to be sized just right for a smartphone and other items. Finally, all these accessories must match your dress and personality, so here’s a brief guide on balancing everything.
What kind of jewelry goes with my dress?
First, it would be ideal to identify your skin undertone to select the jewelry color that best matches it, and there are three categories:
- The cool undertone goes well with silver, white gold, and platinum accessories;
- The warm undertone looks best with yellow gold, rose gold, and copper adornments;
- The neutral undertone asks for a mix of silver, gold, or rose gold jewelry;
When it comes to the prom dress you choose, here’s what pairs are most appreciated:
- Strapless or off-the-shoulder gowns leave out a lot of empty space for your chest, so you need a statement necklace with simple stud earrings to complete the look;
- V-neck dresses elongate the neck, but to avoid enhancing it, choose pendants or dainty layered necklaces;
- High-neck or halter dresses don’t need any necklaces but rather a pair of drop earrings that add that extra detail;
- Embellished dresses ask for minimalist pieces, such as a thin bracelet in addition to simple studs;
What type of shoes should I wear?
The main thing you should focus on when buying prom shoes is comfort. If you’re not used to wearing heels, it’s best not to shoot for sky-high stilettos, thin-strapped heels, or narrow-pointed heels. Shoes with a contoured footbed, smaller heels, and cushioned padding are great for prom.
Usually, you should consider certain types of shoes for:
- Long dresses might need an open-toe heel or a closed pointed-toe pump;
- Shorter dresses look best with ballet flats or kitten shoes;
- Medium-length dresses are best with block heels for balance;
- A cocktail dress goes well with strappy sandals;
The shoes could match the dress color, but that’s not always necessary. A nude or black pump is usually a safe choice for most dresses. However, if you want to turn your colleagues’ heads, you could opt for a shoe color that complements the dress through an analogous color scheme (blue and green, violet and red, or yellow and blue).
How should I accessorize my hair?
Based on your overall outfit, you should choose hair accessories that don’t weigh too much. For example, if the dress is embellished, but the jewelry is simple, try not to wear something big on the hair as well.
However, if you feel your overall fit is too simple, it’s time to go wild with the hairstyle and accessories, such as:
- A headband looks amazing with a hairstyle that frames your face, such as a side bun or ponytail;
- Hair pins are great for a halo braid look, especially when dotted all around the head;
- A floral crown adds a romantic element to your outfit and looks best with wavy hair;
- Ribbons in the dress color are the cutest accessory in a plaited bun;
- Hair clips are an elegant option for bigger curls;
- Hair rings are best for rebellious personalities and look fabulous in braids;
- Floral vines are best for boho outfits;
What’s the best clutch for me?
While the clutch is not necessarily that important for the overall outfit, you should still consider it as an element that should blend with everything you’re wearing. Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing it:
- Test a few different-sized clutches and choose the one that can fit your necessities but is neither too small nor too big;
- You could match the clutch color with your dress or choose between gold and silver as a contrasting tone;
- A simple clutch is more than enough for a sophisticated look, but an artful one should be an interesting touch to a simple outfit;
- Your clutch shouldn’t be too expensive, but if you’re sure you’ll need it for future events, you can invest in a sturdier one;
What about makeup and nails?
The final touch should be your makeup and nails, which should blend everything in. Depending on prom customs from different regions, you can approach heavier makeup, but it’s best to keep it minimal so you won’t need to re-apply makeup throughout the night.
If you need help with undertone colors, it’s best to have someone professional do your makeup. However, you can do your makeup at home if you exfoliate, moisturize, and prime accordingly. This will create the base from which you can design delicate makeup to enhance your features.
When it comes to nails, they could match the outfit or have intricate details that make everything special. Be wary of the preferred nail length because prom night can expose you to mistakenly breaking a nail. French tips are common options for events, but there’s so much to choose between statement nails, gradient nails, or nail art designs.
Are you excited about prom?
Prom will be an unforgettable event for the rest of your life, so you wouldn’t want to ruin it with an uncomfortable dress or shoes that don’t match. If you’ve decided on the outfit, remember to consider accessories as crucial because they can harmonize the final look. Choose jewelry in accordance with the dress neckline and embellishments, and opt for shoes that will surely sustain a night of dancing. Your hair could also receive some love with sophisticated clips or hair rings, while the makeup and nails will make you feel more confident in your beauty.