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Getting ready for your school PROM
Year 11 at school is an important and special time for every pupil preparing for exams and the excitement of their school prom. When looking for the perfect dress, a design that flatters every bit of you and in a colour that suits you perfectly you need to try different styles on. A dress fitting appointment is recommended where all options and possibilities are discussed with a professional, not just a shop assistant, but someone with a wealth of knowledge in fittings, including style, design, alterations, looking after your dress, how to get in your dress, stand, walk, pose and more!
As a parent what are your options?
Mums, dads and guardians will be considering what the budget is to either buy or hire the dress. There is also the possibility of alteration costs. Most dresses are made one length and may need the length shortened. Other tweaks to straps and design adjustments may be required too. Pre-worn or pre-loved prom dresses are also a great option, both financially and echo friendly. All can be discussed and alterations suggested and arranged during your fitting.
We cover the bases and discuss things you would not have thought to ensure a very happy and stress-free prom experience for all.
What happens after the school prom?
You have a delightful, very impressive prom gown that may NOT be worn again, so what can you do with it? Firstly, look after your prom dress to help keep its value if you wish to resell it and get as much of your hard earned money back. Advice on cleaning, storing and looking after your dress is important and will be discussed in your dress fitting appointment. Every dress will have a re-sale value if it’s of current season (still a sought-after fabric & style) and has been looked after beautifully.
What we can do for you
At Walk in Wardrobe we take in pre-loved & pre-worn current style prom dresses and re-sell them for you. We take in dresses bought from us or other boutiques with labels such as Tiffany, Angels Forever, Gurbani, Mora Lee, To the Nines, Red Carpet Ready, Gino Cerruti & Mascara to name a few.
Contact Katherine, proprietor, for all your prom questions and to make a dress fitting appointment.
Head turning long black glittery corset gown with feathers
Prom Dress Trends
Prom is upon us and we have been busy at the boutique helping prom girls from all across Sussex and beyond get ready for their big day. There are some amazing trends in elegant sleek dresses to sensational tulle bodice gowns. We’ve picked out some real wow factor trends so you can shimmer the night away at prom this year – which will you choose?
Illusion prom dress
Illusion prom dresses
We’ve always been big fans of illusion prom dresses, especially if the illusion panel has a bit of dazzle on it! Illusion panels are usually made out of tulle fabric and have sparkly gems attached to them. These tulle panels are usually on the neckline, on the back, or on the waist area of the dress. Great for any prom girl who wants to be elegant and classy.
Floaty chiffon prom dress
Floaty chiffon prom dresses
This style is a staple when it comes to prom dresses, and it is a firm favourite again this year. Made from floaty chiffons and flowing lightweight silky fabrics, their elegant floaty skirts are very popular with girls who want that fairy tale look for their prom. If in doubt when choosing your floaty dress, just ask yourself ‘what would Elsa from Frozen do?’
Long lace prom dress
Lace prom dresses
Lace is always on trend for prom. Lace dresses are timeless classics with their exquisite pretty details.
Mermaid prom dress
Mermaid prom dresses
Often seen on the red carpet, the mermaid dress has been another staple when it comes to prom fashion, and it shows no sign of going out of style any time soon! This type of dress is typically fitted down to the knee or the mid-thigh and comes out sharply from that point to emulate a mermaid’s shape.
Short prom dress
Short prom dresses
Cocktail dresses are perfect for fun loving prom girls who want to show off a fabulous pair of shoes! These dresses are super practical if you want to dance the night away.
Stay stylish prom girl!
Heat Wave Fashion
It appears that we are finally in a heat wave in the UK (touch wood!). To be frank, no matter how divine you are as a creature, that sweat is at some point going to emerge on your brow. Nevertheless, that chic, a la mode look is still attainable, even throughout this heat. Here are our top tips for keeping cool and classy throughout this summer:
Full length summer kaftan
Loose Clothing
Wearing as little clothing as possible doesn’t necessarily mean that you will feel cooler. The trick is to cover up a bit and wear loose clothing which will allow air to flow around your body. This extra layer will also protect your skin from the sun (big bonus if you are prone to sun burn!) as it will provide you with some shade as you waft about like a summer goddess. Kaftan tops are a gorgeous addition to any summer wardrobe, giving you the practical benefits of keeping cool whilst also looking amazing. If you are a lady who likes to hide her arms, kaftans are also a real boon!
This stunning full length kaftan to the right fuses bold, bright summer colours with an exotic print. As it is 100% silk, it is a natural fiber which is perfect for the hot summer months due to the fact that it is super breathable and helps you to maintain a natural temperature.
Capri pants
Capri pants
Capri pants (aka cropped trousers) are fabulous if you want to stay cool but not show off too much leg. Try to make sure that you get capri pants which finish in between the knee and ankle (a good length is pictured left). Tight fitting capri pants are best for a modern look.
Pictured left are our capri style pants which look great with loose fitting boho tunic tops for a contemporary, modern look. Our capri pants come in a gorgeous array of colours such as fuchsia, navy blue, black, white and dove grey.
Printed summer jumpsuit
Jumpsuits
Sleeveless jumpsuits are very much in fashion for summer . Pictured right is a fabulous style we have at the boutique and is a relaxed yet classy jumpsuit with a fabulous print. What I particularly love about this style is it’s versatility. It can be dressed down for the day time, coupled with a belt or just wear it as is, and for the evening time, jazz it up with a few blingy accessories for a classy and sophisticated look. You can even add a cropped jacket if you are going to a more formal evening party to make it look a bit smarter.
Prom Trends over the years
We are delighted to show you prom dress trends over the years. Prom season is about having a fabulous time helping the prom girls pick out their prom dresses and accessories for their big night. As ever, we like to do our best to be helpful.
Red Backless Prom Dress
Backless prom dresses
Backless dresses have always been particularly popular on the red carpet, and over the years this style has trickled down to prom. The back of dresses have been dipping low, low, low at prom. If you want to keep an elegant air about you when you wear a backless dress, make sure that you have a high neckline, and you don’t over do it with the accessories; remember that the back is the key feature of this dress, so don’t make your back compete for attention. This particular style lends itself easily to the classic up-do hairstyle as it keeps the back clear and draws attention to the hair. The key issue with backless dresses is to make sure that you don’t have your bra on show. If you are not confident enough to go braless, go for a stick on bra which will give you support whilst giving you the ability to wear your backless dress with confidence.
This elegant red backless prom dress has a classically high neckline and a low, dipped back with gorgeous sparkles encrusted at the base of the back, neckline and straps. The train offers that little bit extra so you can feel like a Hollywood starlet when you go to prom.
Crystal Encrusted Gold Prom Dress
Eye-catching crystals and sequins
Whether it is all encrusted or a light scattering of crystals, bling is big for spring! Bling bling dresses have gained almost iconic status on the red carpets, and again, you can expect to see dresses twinkling and shining at Prom. Dresses with crystals and sequins look and feel glamorous and are a super way of grabbing attention for that ‘all eyes on you’ grand entrance. If you are going to be wearing a dress with fully encrusted crystals, be mindful not to go OTT with the accessories or you may run the risk of ‘over-bling’. Instead opt for subtle pieces of jewellery which compliment the dress, not compete with it. If you are going for a light scattering of sparkles, you can wear slightly heavier jewellery to bring out the shimmer and shine of the dress. As with all accessories, go for the same shade of shine as the crystals or sequins to accent the dress.
This truly enchanting, blingy fishtail gold princess dress (pictured left) is the epitome of ‘look at me’ glamour, wear this dress with simple drop earrings and a simple and elegant bracelet, let the dress to the rest of the talking!
Sheer Mesh Fishtail Prom Dress
Sheer mesh
These dresses are daring, yet safe, see through, but kinda not! In short, these dresses add a touch of the risqué whilst remaining oh-so-elegant and sophisticated. The beauty of these dresses is that they tend to utilise that special illusion panel well and you will usually find that these dresses are embellished with embroidery or sparkle on the see through tulle. These embellishments give people the illusion of a decorated second skin and allows you to stay modest with a peep of skin.
This stunning taffeta mermaid sheer mesh prom dress pictured to the right has the most beautiful embroidery creeping up the back with sparkles. This is ideal for those prom queens who want to do those much sought after ‘over the shoulder’ photographs for prom.
Do contact us with any questions about your prom.
What should ladies wear to a black tie event?
Gorgeous fishtail satin peacock gown a great dress which adheres to that all important black tie event dress code!
From now to December the social calendar is awash with black tie events, and many of our first time customers come to us having just received a black tie invitation and are in a panic as to what to wear. The black tie dress code has been modernized over time, but one thing has stayed the same: black tie events are gorgeously sumptuous, important social events! So, before you dip into your wardrobe, just make sure that you are aware that black tie means formal event and you will be expected to dress appropriately. However, don’t feel daunted by this concept; instead, see it as your big opportunity to show yourself off in a stunning gown and some statement pieces of jewellery.
Compared to men, women have to go through a much more complicated process when choosing their black tie outfits, but the staff at Walk in Wardrobe are here to help. Outlined below are a few tips and tricks to help you shine at your black tie event.
Can I wear a cocktail dress to a black tie event?
Black tie events usually mean that you will need to wear a full length gown, but as time has gone on, there has been some relaxation to this rule and some women prefer to opt for a knee length dress. However, caution must be exercised if you decide to go for a short black tie dress as cocktail dresses can be considered semiformal and you may feel underdressed in a short dress. If you do go for a short dress, make sure it’s as glitzy and glamorous as possible, and do not go for a minidress. Do remember though that it’s not every day you get to wear a floor length gown – so if I were you, I would take full advantage!
Do I have to dress conservatively for a black tie event?
Do not limit yourself to a conservative dress, try to keep modern and sexy whilst maintaining a touch of class. A plunging neckline or a backless dress can definitely be styles which are appropriate, but try to steer clear of anything too revealing, e.g. a backless dress with a plunging neckline and a thigh high slit, remember, it’s all about looking classy!
What colour dress can I wear to a black tie event?
There are no limitations for colour when it comes to choosing your black tie dress, so you can be pretty daring when it comes to the colour you pick, so be confident and play with colour, bold colours can be really attention grabbing!
What accessories should I wear to a black tie event?
At black tie events you can really show off your jewellery, but it’s really important not to go overboard and to accessorise well. Choose a necklace and a pair of earrings which go with the outfit or a complimentary colour. If you are unable to find a good match, go for a nice neutral colour for your jewellery, for example, clear sparkles or silver or gold jewellery. Choose a clutch bag which matches any embellishments your dress may have or matches your jewellery, but try to stay away from an exact match to the dress as it can blend in too much with your outfit. A stole to go around your shoulders works fantastically for a winter event, giving you that touch of Hollywood glamour whilst keeping you warm.
Our team at Walk in Wardrobe are very well versed in what to wear for a black tie event, if you have any other questions just leave it in the comments box below!
What to Wear to Henley Royal Regatta
Henley Royal Regatta is undoubtedly one of the biggest events of the summer sporting calendar. Over time, it has become the most internationally renowned regatta with thousands of spectators travelling miles and miles to attend. Although the raison d’être for this event is the rowing, the fashion is undoubtedly a huge part of the event, so you really do need to make sure that you look the part! Whilst planning your outfit for such an event is (and should be) good fun, it’s also really important to adhere to their dress code (especially if you are in the Stewards’ Enclosure), if you don’t, you are running the risk of being refused entry (how embarrassing!). Here are a few tips on the Henley dress code to ensure that this does not happen to you:
Floral pencil dress
1. Dress length
If you are lucky enough to be in the Stewards’ Enclosure, make sure that the hem of your dress is below the knee as knee flashing is a definite no-no! Likewise, make sure that you are not wearing divided skirts, culottes or trousers.
This figure flattering floral pencil dress pictured on the left is an excellent example of a great dress for Henley Regatta. This style of dress looks fabulous on many different body shapes including curvy, hour-glass and tall and willowy. The gorgeous floral pattern adds vivid splashes of colours to ensure that you will stand out from the crowd. This dress looks great with black shoes and a bright fascinator or hat to match the print. Check out that length too – not a flash of knee in sight for the Stewards Enclosure!
Vintage style feather fascinator
2. Hats
Hats are not a requirement at Henley, but they have stated that it is customary to wear one. If you are concerned that a hat may be too much, a fascinator is an excellent alternative that wont block the view of anyone who is behind you who wants to take in the rowing!
This stunning, handmade, vintage inspired fascinator is a delicate alternative to a hat with gorgeous feathers and subtle bling.
3. Shoes
Although there are no formal requirements for shoes, the right footwear can really make the outfit. However, be mindful that for much of the event you will be tottering about on grass, so make sure that your shoes are sensible, like a wedge or block heel, as well as fabulous!
Sparkly box bag
4. Bags
Don’t forget to finish off your outfit with a gorgeous bag. If you are wearing a patterned dress, pick out the secondary or tertiary colour to match the bag with, it’s a great way to accent the other colours. If your dress is one colour, match it to the colour of your shoes or hat to break up the colour. If you are having problems colour matching, go for a trusty bag with clear sparkles (like the one on the left) – they look gorgeous with anything!
So, if you are lucky enough to be a ticket holder for the regatta, have a fantastic time and enjoy a Pimms for me!
Prom dresses: High Street vs. Independent Boutiques
Long prom dress £89.99 – UNDER £100!
The high street stores are awash with cheap prom dresses galore, so you may be considering going to purchase one from one of the many that are out there. Your pull towards a high street store may be due to reasons including the big one; because they offer cheaper dresses than more exclusive, independent boutiques. This is a common misconception amongst many shoppers, at least in our case! Walk in Wardrobe HQ have been busily sourcing stunningly beautiful dresses for prom 2015, the majority of which either match or beat the high street stores in price!
Whilst high street chain stores do have their place in shopping for fast fashion, I would still not shop in one if I was going to attend a special event. There are several reasons for this, the main one being that I would want a dress for my special event which screams good quality as well as being unlike anything anyone else would wear. I wouldn’t settle for anything less, so why should you?! The dresses we provide are uniquely handpicked by our exceptional buying team who look for: excellent designs that are not mass-produced, good quality workmanship and good quality fabric. Our rule of only providing quality items means that if you look after your dress from Walk in Wardrobe well enough, it can last for years, meaning that you are getting true value for money and you will have a distinctive and unique dress which will really make you stand out from the crowd!
Prom dress by Forever Unique 65 RRP £345.
Secondly, as you are going to a special event, don’t you need special customer service? The customer service culture amongst high street chain stores is very different to the customer service you can expect from an independent boutique. We offer a fun, relaxed and friendly atmosphere where we can take the time to assess the individual customer’s needs and we like to get to know them personally so we can help them choose a dress which will reflect their personality for their special occasion.
Unlike the high street chain stores, we also offer a hiring service, which means that you can get that designer look for a fraction of the cost and it also means that you can save on space in the wardrobe! We also never release the same dress to the same function, so shopping with us also means that you will never be in that embarrassing situation where you turn up to a function and someone else is wearing the same dress as you!
Dresses and outfits for curvy ladies
Before I start this blog post I would like you to ask yourself one question: what exactly is it that YOU think makes a woman beautiful? Is it long legs? Is it a woman who is a size 6? Is it a tiny waist? I’m sure that if I asked 100 women I would get at least 50 different answers, which leads me to believe that what is beautiful is completely subjective to the individual. As I have not actually asked 100 women, the only thing I will be able to share with you is my own opinion of what makes a woman beautiful, which is confidence in how a woman carries herself. I have clocked up many years in the fashion industry and have fitted women of all different shapes and sizes. I have found that certain figures look good in everything, but there are very very few women who actually look GREAT in everything (big difference!). I remember many years ago fitting a lady who was very under confident about her body shape. She was a size 18, broad and nearly 6ft tall and felt most comfortable in loose fitting clothing as she wanted to hide her figure. When she came in to see me at the boutique the first thing she said to me was ‘I’m sure you don’t have anything which will fit me, but I just wanted to check as I have my friend’s wedding to attend and I don’t know what to wear’. When I produced a fitted dress she had a look of horror in her eyes and simply said ‘I couldn’t possibly wear that!’. I put the dress back on the rail and we selected a few more dresses she felt she would be more comfortable in. After trying them on with no joy I went back over to the rail and pulled ‘that dress’ out again and asked her to ‘just give it a go’. She begrudgingly agreed and lo and behold, it was as if an entirely different woman had just stepped out of the changing rooms! She looked fabulous and confident in her fitted dress which showed off the smallest part of her figure – her waist, and emphasised her fantastic hourglass shape. Ladies, we have to work with what we have been given, and if you are a curvy lady, don’t hide your figure in loose clothing, just find the right style of dresses and outfits to suit your unique shape.
At Walk in Wardrobe we have been working very hard on a line of outfits and dresses specifically to suit ladies with a curvy figure, I would like to share a selection of my personal favourites with you now:
I simply love this stretch denim dress on curvy ladies. The neckline is accommodating for a fuller bust without being too low cut, so you can feel chic and classy. The placement of the embroidery is extremely clever on this dress, following the flow of a woman’s figure vertically to visually break up the fabric. A few little sparkles scattered about here and there adds a touch of glitz to this fabulous day dress. The stretch denim of this dress hugs curves perfectly, and moulds to the contours of your figure, ensuring that the dress looks just as good from behind as it does from the front (a very important factor when purchasing a dress!). This dress looks great with a nice pair of oversized sunglasses and tan accessories.
If separates are more your thing, how about this gorgeous lace top and matching skirt (pictured right, also available in black)? Once again, this outfit is made from that very clever stretch fabric which moulds to the figure, showing off your curves. The asymmetric zip on the top adds a nice bit of detail to break up the white and the darling lace cut outs add a touch of femininity and interest as well as giving the top part of your arms a bit of coverage. The matching skirt (sold separately) has a feature zip back and matching lace trim. This outfit has scatterings of lovely little swarovski stones, making it a perfect day to evening outfit. None other than Kate Middleton was spotted in a white outfit with lace sleeves and trim, well, if it’s good enough for Kate, it’s certainly good enough for me!
I am aware that curvy girls can find it difficult to find a well fitting jacket, they tend to fit at the bust and be ill fitting at the waist or vice versa. Once again, we have identified this as a problem and have worked very hard to source jackets which are stretchy enough to accommodate ladies who have a different sized bust to their waists. Big success, they do actually exist! These fabulous jackets look modern, funky and flattering on curvy ladies, with none of that worry of an badly fitting bust or waist, simply zip up and go! Features of this jacket include zips going diagonally from waist to hips to enhance the shape of the smallest part of your body.
NB. The products above are by no means all we have in stock for the curvy lady, we have a full and fabulous range in our curvy section. If you have any queries regarding our curvy girl range or would like further information please leave a comment below or contact the boutique on 01273 775583, or email us at office@walk-in-wardrobe.co.uk
Curvy girls, you look fabulous, love the way dresses and outfits hug your curves and most importantly, don’t be shy about your figure!
Work experience at Walk in Wardrobe 2014 by Imogen
Going out to work for the first time can be very daunting for many young people, however my week in the hands of Katie and Leah from Walk in Wardrobe has demolished all those worries. My name is Imogen Smith, 15, from Longhill High school and I have been working at Walk in Wardrobe as part of my work experience. As I am interested in fashion and the world of retail I thought this would be the perfect place to spend a week off school.
I have learnt a lot in the past week; from how to sew on a hook and eye, to how to keep a business going in these tough times. However, the main thing Katie and Leah taught me was about customer service and how to give a personal shopping experience. With their warm personalities and expert knowledge of their industry, they are able to offer help and guidance for customers to find an entire outfit: dress and all accessories. At Walk in Wardrobe, Katie and Leah will be able to find the perfect outfit for you to go to the races, a wedding, prom etc. They have recently expanded their daywear section so they can also help you select the perfect outfit for the day.
You hear all sorts of rumours about work experience and how the employers restrict you from doing anything, but my employers were determined to make my experience the best possible. They have shown me the ways of a business and the importance of reputation in business, that making friendships with customers and clients can build up your customer base. They also found it was important to them to give me an opportunity, even when they didn’t have to; proving they go out of their way to do what they can to help.
The boutique also has a beauty therapist, Louise, who works downstairs at Tranquilty. Not only does Walk in Wardrobe benefit from Louise bringing new customers to the boutique, but Louise also benefits from the boutique sending customers to her for beauty treatments. Fashion and beauty work very well together and brings a new, more personal touch to the business. Another aspect that I love about the boutique is that you can hire most items which allows customers to find new outfits for special occasions and not have the problem of not wearing them again and at the same time you won’t be breaking the bank!
Overall I feel that I have had a full experience of what the industry is like. I have found that hoovering and cleaning is only normal but also helping someone find their next new favourite is all part of the job; therefore I have experienced it all. I am extremely thankful to Katie for allowing me to help her (I hope) for the week, additionally Leah both for giving me such a happy, exciting and helpful week. But to conclude, over the past week I have found that I now know exactly where I shall be getting my prom dress and other outfits for all kinds of occasions, because why would I want to go anywhere else? Especially when I know I can get the best clothes at the best prices with the best quality and above all the best look!
What kind of maxi dress will suit me?
The versatile little gem also known as the maxi dress is simply a summer must if you are going on holiday, are out for the evening, or even if you’re going out shopping for the day. In short, you can wear your maxi dress to pretty much anything! So why are maxi dresses so popular? The answer is simply because they are low maintenance, comfortable, feminine, easy to accessorise and they can take you through right from day to night. For many years, I believed that my 5ft 2, petite frame would render it impossible for me to be able to pull off a maxi dress as I believed that they would swamp me and make me look even shorter. At the boutique we have dealt with many other ladies who also have the misconception that a maxi dress will only suit a lady who is tall, willowy and lean. Whilst this is true of certain styles, there is no reason why a petite lady or a fuller lady should fear the maxi dress, the trick is to just find ‘your’ maxi dress.
Maxi dresses for short women
If you have a a small, petite frame, it doesn’t mean that you have to avoid a maxi dress. It is true that maxi dresses with oodles of fabric will swamp a small frame and you do have to be a little careful if you are a petite lady and you are going out maxi dress hunting. I have found that an empire line can give the illusion of a longer leg and also a body con style maxi can look great on a petite lady as it gives the figure a bit of definition. A V-neck also elongates the figure, so small ladies should definitely opt for this style of neckline.
Maxi dresses for the fuller figure
Maxi dresses are great for slimming down the lower half of the body whilst still maintaining a much desired, curvy shape, so maxis can look fantastic on a fuller figure. As with petite women, curvy girls can go for a simple empire line dress (but make sure there is not too much embellishment on the bust line) like the one pictured on the left. An empire line has the benefit of having floaty fabrics around the waist line so it can hide any problem areas.
Maxi dresses for ladies with a big bust
If you are concerned about your bust area and/or are a bit top heavy, maxi dresses are particularly flattering for you as a loose dress hides smaller hips and balances you out. I have found that women with a fuller bust look fabulous in a dress with a v-neck, like this maxi pictured. It’s also fabulous because of the fact that you can comfortably wear a bra with it.
Maxi dresses for the pear shape
If you are a lady with fuller hips and a smaller bust, the trick is to find a maxi dress with an embellished top to draw attention to the top and keep the eyes away from the hips like the chiffon maxi pictured on the right. This particular maxi has a lot of definition around the bust, and falls gently to a softly flared skirt, which will glance over a larger hip.
Maxi dresses for ladies with a boyish figure
Ladies with a boyish figure are rather lucky when it comes to the maxi dress as the majority of styles will suit a lean, willowy frame. However, I have found that a cinch in the waist is very flattering on a boyish figure as it gives the illusion of a curvier shape.
Accessories to go with a maxi dress
Maxi dresses tend to speak for themselves, especially if they have a print on them, so don’t overload yourself with accessories. Personally, I love boho bangles, earrings and flat sandals with maxi dresses, and if you are going for a plain maxi dress, just add a necklace and you’re ready to go! If you are taking your maxi dress out on a night out, glam the look up with a few sparkly accessories.
If you have a specific question for a member of our styling team, why not tweet to us @walkinwardrobe with the hashtag #askwalkinwardrobe