The last time anyone saw you wearing any color but black was at your two-year-old birthday party. With prom coming up, your family may be pushing for a return of color to your world, at least for one night. But honestly, do you think you could comfortably dance the night away in pink tulle? If goth is your look, why not go all the way and buy a gothic prom dress?

What Does a Gothic Prom Dress Look Like?

Gothic prom dresses come in all different shapes and styles. Some are long, slinky, and black (think Morticia Addams). Others are dark purples or reds, and have more of a Renaissance look about them. Some of the more daring gothic prom dresses combine a splash of bright red on a primarily black gown.

Where Does One Find a Gothic Prom Dress?

Online is probably the best place to start looking for your gothic prom dress. Possible sites to check out include FairyGothMother.com (A UK site that offers an amazing selection of gowns in the goth tradition. One word to the wise: skip the corsets. They aren't healthy and they certainly aren't comfortable.) Another UK site to try is www.daregothic.uk.com.

You might also haunt vintage clothing shops and even thrift stores. Online auction sites, too, may yield some unexpected treasures.

Completing Your Gothic Prom Dress Head to Toe

A gothic prom dress is commonly seen with a corset-type waist, which is not unusual since the style arose in Victorian times when women were expected to buckle themselves into organ-damaging corsets to be considered beautiful. Be good to yourself and leave the corset off. You'll have more energy and more fun.

While styles vary, a gothic prom dress is frequently worn with combat boots or lace-up boots; a major contradiction to the typical classic heel. Many people powder their face a pale white color and apply black or dark red makeup on the eyes, lips and fingernails for contrast.

Instead of the typical prom accessories such as jewels and sparkly gems, a girl wearing a gothic prom dress may use spiked collars or chains to accentuate the dramatic look. The hair is often black and straight, or occasionally piled on top of the head in a disheveled manner.

By wearing a gothic prom dress, you'll always be able to treasure the memory that you went to prom in your own unique style.