What Prom Dress Color is Right for You?

Ok, it’s almost time for prom — and here at #bespellbound we are constantly surrounded by gorgeous dresses (so we know your struggle with regards to choosing JUST ONE!). When picking your perfect prom look, be sure to go with the style that fits your body and color pallet best. This has everything to do with color as it does with cut. Also think about what overall look you’re going for: are you going for a glam or edgy prom dress? Maybe you’re more floral prom dress type of girl? Now, the real question: how do you sort through the endless array of colors that are available?

Anyone can wear any color they want, don’t let anyone tell you that you “can’t” wear something. That said, some colors are simply easier to pull off than others. There is a high chance that there will be one color that will not do anything for you, but fortunately there will be a few colors that will look absolutely fantastic; all depending on your personal color pallet, overall desired look, and preference. We have a few SpellBound prom tips that may help narrow down which colors complement, you, specifically.

Understanding Color

As we perceive them, colors elicit a range of emotions and visual effects from us. Red excites, while blue calms. These divergent effects can be attributed to these colors having different “temperatures”. The color wheel is divided into warm hues and cool hues. Generally, warm colors are reds, oranges and yellows which generate energy, and are associated with sunlight and heat. Cool colors are greens, blues, and purples which prompt serenity, and are associated with water and colder temperatures. Depending on how they are mixed or paired, colors relate to each other in different ways which have an even greater range of effects on the viewer.  Analogous colors, on the other hand, are next to each other on the color wheel.  They typically have the same temperature and produce harmony easily. This color coordination can be very pleasing to the eye if there is enough differentiation between the colors. Complementary colors are opposite from each other on the color wheel; one is warm and one is cool and therefore produce the highest contrast. If theses colors are balanced well in controlled amounts then the effect will be vibrant.

Perception is everything.  Too many similar colors will be perceived as too bland and boring. Unbalanced contrasting colors will be perceived as too chaotic and overwhelming. The most visually appealing color combinations are those that balance between warm and cool.

Go With “Your” Color

With color theory in mind, it is time to consider your personal color palette.

Skin tone plays a huge role in how a color looks on you. Rule of thumb; you shouldn’t go with the color that is the same as your undertone pigment but you should go with colors that have a similar temperature as your undertone. For example my skin has a yellowish undertone pigment cool undertone temperature so I shy away from most yellows or champagnes. However, I look great in cool jewel tones like sapphire and emerald.

Have Fun With It!

Ask yourself what color do you like best, which colors do your eyes naturally gravitate towards first?  More important than the color you choose to wear is how you feel in the dress that you pick. If you love how you look in red but this simple guide says you should wear cool tones just disregard it! If you feel like a million bucks you don’t need me to tell you what you should wear! Look for a dress that’s red carpet worthy and does you justice. A great tip for prom dresses: You wear the dress, the dress shouldn’t wear you!

Helpful Hint:  If you’re caught between two colors and you just can’t decide which one you like better, try the “3rd Party Test”. Show a friend or relative (who you know will give you a straight forward answer) your two color options and ask them which one they think would look best on you. Make sure not to ask which color they like better because their personal preference may affect the results of the test. If you feel a slight twinge of disappointed with his or her response, then you have your answer- it’s gotta be the other color! 

Still thinking about what overall look you’re going to go with for prom? Check back often for more awesome fashion tips for prom from your favorite SpellBound team. We hope you found these prom tips on picking the best color helpful! Let us know what you think and what colors you love by tagging us on @b_spellbound