The Ultimate Prom Checklist: What to Buy and When

Prom (or debs, or formal) comes around fast, and the last thing you want is to be panic-buying the week before. This checklist breaks down what to sort and when, so you can enjoy the build-up as much as the night itself.

3 to 4 months before: find your dress

• Set your budget. Include the dress, shoes, accessories, hair, make-up, nails and tickets.
• Get inspired. Save looks you love and notice the colours, necklines and silhouettes you keep coming back to. Our prom dress trends for 2027 is a good place to start.
• Start shopping. Popular styles and sizes sell quickly in prom season, so the earlier the better. Browse our prom dresses.
• Know your shape. Not sure what will suit you? Read our guide on how to choose a prom dress for your body shape.
• Check for discounts. If you're a student, see our student discount.

2 to 3 months before: try on and finalise

• Try your dress on as soon as it arrives. Check the fit, length and comfort, and make sure you can sit, walk and dance in it.
• Sort any exchanges early. If you need a different size, you'll have plenty of time. Read our returns information so you know the deadlines.
• Book alterations if you need a hem taken up or straps adjusted. Bring the shoes you'll be wearing.

6 to 8 weeks before: shoes and accessories

• Shoes: choose your heel height before any alterations. Wear them around the house to break them in. Browse our shoes.
• Accessories: pick jewellery and a clutch that complement your dress. A heavily embellished dress needs very little else. See our accessories and hair accessories.
• Underwear: make sure you have the right bra or support for your neckline. Our bra solutions are made for backless and plunging styles.
• A cover-up: if your prom is in cooler weather, plan a jacket or wrap for arriving and leaving. See our jackets and coats.

4 to 6 weeks before: book your beauty

• Book hair, make-up, nails and tan appointments. The best artists get booked up early in prom season.
• Have a hair and make-up trial if you can, and bring a photo of your dress.
• Plan transport and photos with your group.

1 to 2 weeks before: the final touches

• Do a full outfit try-on with your shoes, underwear and accessories.
• Steam your dress and hang it somewhere safe, away from make-up and fake tan. Our guide on how to care for your formal dress has tips on steaming and storage.
• Book your tan for two to three days before, so it has time to settle.
• Confirm all your appointments and timings.

The night before

Pack a small emergency kit for your clutch:

• Safety pins and a mini sewing kit
• Fashion tape
• Blister plasters
• Lipstick and powder for touch-ups
• Hair grips
• Phone charger or power bank
• Some cash and your ticket

On the day

• Eat a proper meal before you get ready.
• Put your dress on after your make-up, and step into it rather than pulling it over your head.
• Take lots of photos and enjoy every minute.

Haven't found your dress yet? Shop the full debs and prom dresses collection, with corset, satin, sequin and A-line styles in every colour.