How to choose the perfect prom dress for your body shape
One of the questions we're asked most at CityProm is simple: "What style of prom dress will actually suit me?" It's a fair question — with so many silhouettes, fabrics, and designer collections to choose from, it's easy to feel overwhelmed before you've even tried anything on. The good news? There genuinely is a prom dress for every body shape. Here's our stylists' honest guide to finding yours.
Curvy or Fuller Figures
For fuller figures, we love a fitted, boned bodice paired with stretch lace appliqué — a combination that enhances curves beautifully rather than fighting against them. Structured fabrics with a little built-in support tend to feel far more comfortable and confidence-boosting than clingy, unstructured jersey. Several of our Ellie Wilde styles are cut with exactly this kind of support in mind.
Hourglass Figures
If your waist is naturally defined, a fitted silhouette that nips in at the waist will show off your shape beautifully — think structured Mikado satin or a corseted bodice with a flowing skirt. Many of our Amarra Prom styles lean into this flattering, va-va-voom shape.
Petite Frames
Shorter in height doesn't mean fewer options — it just means silhouette matters more than ever. A-line skirts, higher leg splits, and dresses with a defined waistline all help elongate the frame, while heavily layered ballgown skirts can sometimes overwhelm a petite figure. Our stylist is always happy to suggest which of our in-store styles work best for shorter heights.
Tall Frames
Taller prom girls can carry almost any silhouette beautifully, but this is often where our most dramatic gowns really shine — think full ballgown skirts, dramatic trains, or bold, statement sleeves from collections like Tania Olsen Designs.
Apple Shapes
If you carry more weight around your middle, an empire line or a dress with strategic ruching at the waist can be wonderfully flattering, drawing the eye upward and creating a beautifully balanced shape. Flowing tulle and softly draped jersey both work well here.
Not sure which shape you are? That's completely normal
Here's the truth: most girls who come into CityProm don't arrive knowing exactly what "shape" they are, and that's absolutely fine — it's what your appointment is for. We'll gently guide you toward silhouettes that suit your body, hair, and skin tone, pulling gowns from the rail as we go and adjusting based on what you're naturally drawn to.
As we always say: there's a dress for every body shape — trust us — but it may not be the one you'd originally imagined. Staying open-minded during your appointment is often exactly how girls find the one.
Get personal styling advice at your CityProm appointment
Every CityProm appointment includes full 1-2-1 styling advice from our owner who's been doing this since 2008 — she’s genuinely seen every shape, size, and personality walk through our doors, and she loves helping each girl find what works for her.
Ready to find your perfect silhouette?
Book your private appointment or read our full FAQ page to find out exactly what to expect.