• Find out the school's rules and restrictions pertaining to prom attire.

• Know your budget in advance to avoid unnecessary frustration and wasted time.

• When getting fitted for your dress, consider dancing and other activities on the night's agenda.

• Make sure your bra is the right kind for your dress.

• Don't overdo jewelry. Simple dresses generally can handle more bling.

• With detailed stone and beadwork at the necklines or straps, bold earrings look better than a necklace. And stacked bracelets look hot on bare arms.

• Coordinate hair and makeup with the dress. Consider an up 'do for a back-baring dress and longer locks for frocks in animal prints and bold designs.

• Don't wear shoes the exact color of your dress. That can look boring and costumey.

• Monitor weather forecasts to see if you'll need a wrap, sweater or shrug; be sure any such piece complements your dress and doesn't look like an afterthought.

• If you plan to attend an after-prom party, consider saving money by buying a cocktail dress that you can wear to the prom and then reaccessorize for the party.

• Don't select a tux or suit without taking a fabric swatch of your date's dress. There are many shades of turquoise and pink, and you want to complement rather than clash.

• Don't limit yourself to what you can see in a showroom. Stores have access to hundreds more styles, so ask questions and look at their catalogs.

• Don't wait too late to tux shop. Sizes and styles often run out.

• If you have time and your date is getting a dress custom made, see if you can buy enough of the fabric to have a matching vest, cummerbund, tie, pocket square, hat band, etc., made for you.

• Ask your date whether a wrist corsage or nosegay works better for her look. Or perhaps she'd prefer a small bouquet for home.

-- LaMont Jones