PROM PREP: PICKING OUT THE PERFECT WHEELCHAIR FASHION

It’s that time of year again—prom season is upon us! To celebrate this momentous occasion, we’ll be sharing our best tips and tricks for an adaptive prom.

Now, when it comes to prom, question number one is probably, “Who am I going to go with?” But inevitably, especially for us girls, the second question is most definitely, “WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR?” Picking out a dress for prom can be a daunting task in itself, but going shopping for a dress in a wheelchair can seem even scarier. Here are some tips and tricks to make your experience the best it can be.

Call ahead. You should call a store ahead of time to let them know you are coming in a wheelchair to try items on. If you alert the store ahead of time, they may be able to spare an associate to help you throughout the time you are at the store. Also, they will be able to give you an idea of how accessible the dressing rooms are.

Look into alterations. There are plenty of DIY alterations that you can have someone help you with after you purchase a piece of clothing, such as replacing fasteners or zippers, or altering a hem to prevent it from getting caught in wheelchair wheels.

Don’t forget the details. Dresses that have too much fabric are also prone to get caught in wheels, brakes, etc. A two piece dress or a dress with an empire waist will allow you to look slim up top and show off your figure without swallowing you up in the fabric of your skirt.

Take somebody with you. This will make it easier to obtain items, fuss with buttons and zippers, and get an honest opinion of how something looks.

Order dresses online. This gives you the same ability to try things on at home. You can always send dresses back that do not work for you.

Have fun! Don’t let the stress of finding the perfect dress ruin your overall experience! Make sure you leave plenty of time to find everything you need and make the necessary alterations. In the end, you will be less worried about what you’re wearing, and focusing on having a good time!

ARTICLE BY Jillian Kenderish, MOTR/L., mageerehab.org (Magee Rehabilitation Hospital): http://blog.mageerehab.org/2013/04/17/prom-prep-picking-out-the-perfect-wheelchair-fashion/

For more tips and tricks for wheelchair fashion from prom to everyday;
check out Be Wheelchair FashionAble.
She has great advice on the types of clothes to look for when mall shopping, as well as tools to make the shopping a little easier.