2027 Prom Dress Shopping Timeline: When to Start Looking

    Posted by Herman Pahwa on September 15, 2026

    Prom season feels far away in the fall, but the best gowns — especially in popular colors and smaller sizes — sell out months before spring dances actually happen. Here's when to actually start shopping.

    September – November: Browse and get inspired

    This is the window to start following new arrivals, saving favorites, and getting a feel for silhouettes and colors you're drawn to. No pressure to decide yet.

    December – January: Shop and buy

    New prom collections are in full swing and sizing is at its widest. This is the ideal window to visit a Lara showroom (NYC or Mineola) and buy your dress.

    February – March: Alterations window

    Once you've bought your dress, book alterations early. Custom fitting takes time, especially during peak prom season, and both our NYC and Mineola showrooms offer full alterations service.

    April – May: Final fitting and accessories

    Last fitting, shoes, and accessories. If you're shopping this late, call ahead — we can help you find in-stock styles that don't require a long alterations timeline.

    The bottom line

    The earlier you start, the more selection you'll have. If prom is more than a few months away, it's not too early to start browsing.

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