Deciding whether to wear a short or long dress to prom is an exciting part of planning for the big night. The length of your prom dress can affect how comfortable you feel and how well you’re able to dance the night away. As you shop for prom dresses, consider your own style, prom venue, and the formality of the event when choosing between a short or long gown.
Quick Answers
Here are quick answers to common questions about wearing short and long prom dresses:
- A short dress hits above the knee, while a long dress goes to the floor.
- Long dresses are usually more formal, while short dresses can be flirty and fun.
- Consider the formality of your prom – black tie proms typically call for long gowns.
- Make sure your dress meets any length requirements if your school has a dress code.
- Look for a short dress with tulle underlays or a long skirt if you want to twirl and dance.
- Floor length dresses can get dirty or stepped on while dancing.
- Short dresses show off your legs and may be more comfortable on a hot dance floor.
- Long dresses can hide heels and are great for a grand entrance.
Factors to Consider
Weigh the following factors as you decide between short and long prom dresses:
Your style
First and foremost, pick a prom dress that fits your own personal style. Do you feel confident and sexy in short styles? Or do you love the drama of a floor-length ballgown? There are no right or wrong options – go with the length that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
Comfort
Shorter dresses are less prone to tripping hazards and may be more comfortable in warmer weather. If you plan on dancing all night, a short style allows you to move more freely. But a long skirt can still be comfortable with the right fabric, and long slits or layers give you room to move.
Formality
Long prom dresses tend to have a more formal, elegant look. If you have a black tie optional or black tie required prom, floor length gowns are likely the way to go. For less formal proms, short dresses are perfectly appropriate. Ask your date for their input on the formality of the event if you’re unsure.
Venue
Consider the venue when choosing dress length. An outdoor prom may call for a shorter style that won’t drag on the ground. A hotel ballroom or banquet hall provides the perfect space to rock a floor length gown. Visit the venue in advance if possible to visualize how a long or short dress will work there.
Shoes
Do you have your heart set on a specific pair of heels? A long dress lets you hide embellished or colorful shoes under its skirt. Meanwhile, short prom dresses put your leg-lengthening heels on display. Go with the length that best shows off the shoes you adore.
Dancing
If your prom agenda is filled with dancing, opt for a short dress that will give you room to move. Long skirts can get tangled around your heels while you’re busting moves on the dance floor. But a long prom dress with a slit or removable overskirt can allow for plenty of dancing potential.
School dress code
Many schools have dress code guidelines for prom attire. Be sure to check if your school has any rules about dress length to avoid any issues. Some require dresses to be a certain length, like fingertip length or mid-thigh. Stick to a long dress if you’re unsure whether a short style meets the requirements.
Short Prom Dresses
Styles
From mini to knee length, short prom dresses make a fun and flirty statement. Here are popular short length styles:
- Mini dress – Hitting mid-thigh or higher, mini dresses are sexy and dance-ready.
- Knee length – Knee length is the most versatile short length that suits many body types.
- High low – With a shorter front and longer back, high low dresses are great for showing some leg while still having a bit of a train.
- Cocktail – Typically just above or below the knee, cocktail dresses work for semi-formal proms.
Benefits
Here are some of the best things about wearing a short dress to prom:
- Cooler when dancing and less prone to overheating
- Show off shoes and legs
- Easier movement for walking and especially dancing
- Lightweight and fun for an energetic night out
- Flirty and youthful vibe
Considerations
Keep the following in mind if you opt for a short prom dress:
- May show underwear lines – wear minimizing shapewear
- Less coverage if you want to hide problem areas
- Can ride up when dancing – choose non-clingy fabrics
- May be too informal depending on the event
- More prone to showing off spilled drinks or food
Long Prom Dresses
Styles
Long prom dresses make a lasting impression. Popular floor length styles include:
- Ballgown – Fitted bodice with a wide, full skirt perfect for spinning across the dance floor
- Mermaid – Fitted throughout the hips and thighs, flaring below the knees
- A-line – Fitted bodice with a billowy skirt flaring out at the natural waist
- Trumpet – Fitted silhouette that flares below the hips
- Sheath – Straight, slim silhouette falling straight from neck to floor
Benefits
A long prom dress offers these perks:
- Dramatic and elegant
- Conceal shoes and feet if desired
- Option to have a train for photos
- Skirt can hide chair when sitting
- More coverage over problem areas
- Lots of fabric and shape options
Considerations
Keep in mind:
- Can get dirty dragging on floor
- Easy to trip over hem
- Harder to dance in
- Can feel heavy and hot
- Difficulty showing off shoes
- May be too formal depending on event
How to Choose Between Short and Long
If you’re torn between short and long dresses, here are some tips for deciding:
- Go with your gut instinct – which makes you feel more yourself?
- Pick the one you can’t stop envisioning yourself in
- Try on both lengths to see which flatters you more
- Consider your prom’s formality and dress code
- Factor in your comfort level – do you want freedom or coverage?
- Think about photos – which shows your style best?
- Match the venue – outdoor or indoor?
- Plan your shoes first if those are a priority
- Ask friends and family to weigh in and be honest
Conclusion
The length of your prom dress is ultimately a personal choice. A short style makes a flirty statement for a dance-filled night, while long gowns have an elegant, formal vibe. Consider the style you love most, your comfort, and prom details like the venue, shoes and formality. Most importantly, pick the length that makes you feel confident, beautiful and excited to make memories. With so many gorgeous styles, you can’t go wrong with either short or long prom dresses.
| Short Dress Pros | Short Dress Cons | Long Dress Pros | Long Dress Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooler for dancing | May show underwear lines | Dramatic and elegant | Can get dirty on floor |
| Show off legs and shoes | Less coverage over problem areas | Conceal feet and shoes if desired | Easy to trip over hem |
| Easier movement for dancing | Can ride up while dancing | Option to have a train | Harder to dance in |
| Lightweight and fun | May be too informal | Skirt can hide chair when sitting | Can feel heavy and hot |
| Flirty vibe | More prone to spills showing | More coverage over problem areas | Difficulty showing off shoes |