It's that time again—prom season. Sequins are on the ground and hairspray is in the air. For the past three years, I have worked at a local prom store. It is the best job ever. I love being able to work with beautiful dresses and girls looking for the perfect dress. I have learned a thing or two working there about prom and here are some tips I want to give to those starting to shop!

1. Try stuff on!

Everything looks better on than on the hanger, trust me. Even if you don't love the dress, it's fun to play dress up sometimes. When else are you going to get to try on formal dresses?!

2. Don't zip yourself up.

Always, always, always get someone else to zip you up. Whether it's your mom or an employee, don't do it yourself. You can actually rip the zipper out of the dress or tear the fabric. You never know how the owner will react, so take the safe option and let someone help you.

3. It's OK to look on Pintrest but...

Sometimes dresses from previous years that can't be ordered will show up on Pinterest and Google, leading to disappointment. The best option when going online to look is go straight to a designers website or looking at going to look in a catalogue at a store.

4. Ordering online isn't always the cheapest and best option.

I have heard many horror stories about ordering a dress online. Now there are some good websites like Promgirls who are reliable and will actually send you a dress. This woman who came into the store told me a story about how she ordered a fully beaded Jovani dress online for $200. When she got the box in the mail, it was a bag of sequins, fabric and a sewing pattern. Unless you're a contestant on Project Runway, I don't think you can make your own prom dress. Be careful when ordering online!

5. Hang up the dresses after you try them on.

I can't tell you how many expensive dress I have seen crumbled up on the floor inside the dressing room. Please don't do this. It breaks my heart. Hand the dress to an employee or your mom or friend because the dress can get seriously damaged when it's crumbled up and it'll get dirty. It makes me cringe just thinking about it.

6. Make sure your curtain is closed.

I have seen it all. I have seen girls keep the door wide open while they are changing in the dressing room. I have seen it so many times it doesn't even phase me anymore. Not everyone is like a prom employee and probably are not used to seeing a girl changing out in the open. Sometimes, dads come shopping too. You don't want some strangers dad seeing you change so make sure you close the door/curtain.

7. Wear undergarments.

This isn't even a tip, its an order. Please do not take your panties off to try a dress on. It's normal to leave your bra on, that's okay. But please do not take your panties off unless you have bought a dress and that dress is yours and no one else's. Please do everyone a favor and leave it on. You can leave your pants on for all I care. Just leave something on, I beg you.

8. Sometimes we can order.

As the year progresses and it gets closer to April, dress companies start to run out of stock. We can't always order the size you might need and that is not our fault. Some people think that there are dresses hidden in the back or we have a dress in every size. We don't sadly and if we could order it for you we would! Be aware though, some stores might not even order your size at all.

9. Everything fits differently.

Dresses do not run like regular clothes; we have dresses at the store that fit 10 different sized girls perfectly. Depending on fabric and style, you might be able to fit into a dress that sized two sizes bigger of what you've been trying on. It's crazy I know, and its confusing. Always try stuff on, like I said. Who knows your dream dress might be hiding behind a misleading number.

10. Set a price range.

Dresses increase in price every year. We have dresses at the store that are $100 to dresses that are $800. It's almost heart stopping to think of paying for a dress that's $800, but some can do it and trust me an $800 dress is something beautiful. Stick to a realistic price range. Most dresses run from $300- $500. Ask about layaway too!

11. Let the employees help you.

I know it sucks talking to people sometimes, trust me. But even when you have no idea what you want to wear, let the employees help you! They know the inventory, they know what looks good, and they know the tricks of the trade. We also love picking out accessories.

12. Finally, find a dress you love.

You should never have to settle on a dress and as a prom employee, I truly want you to leave with a smile on your face. I love being able to help girls find a dress they feel beautiful in. That's what prom is all about, spending time with your friends and getting all dolled up. We want you to look and feel beautiful too. Don't ever make a split second decison and always be true to your heart and to your dress.