A prom dress is a fancy dress worn during prom night, a social gathering in high school or college. Prom dresses vary depending on the prom theme. The traditional themes are either formal or semi-formal. But some people would like to make their prom unique and thus they hold a costume-party theme.

Finding the right prom dress is one of the most important things that a teenager considers in planning for his/her prom night. Teenagers are very meticulous in choosing their prom dress because it is a special event that only happens once or twice in a lifetime. It is an occasion where they can look glamorous and socialize with their classmates and friends, so it is important for them to look their best.

There are many styles of prom dress but the basics of a traditional prom dress consist of tuxedo or long-sleeved polo, black trousers and patent black leather shoes for gentlemen, while ladies usually wear either cocktail dress, ball gown or evening gown. In the early years, the trend for ladies were puffy ball gowns but through the years, the trend of prom dresses have evolved to sleeker and more elegant styles.

Popular Prom Dress Styles

• a–line/princess cut – seamless waist, form fitting at the top and slightly flaring from waist down; good for bottom heavy figures

• ball gown – seamed waist, form fitting at top and full skirt from waist down, for average to tall figures

• empire cut – high waistline starting beneath bust and long full skirt from waist down, good for camouflaging large hips and thick waist, also gives an illusion of height for petite figures

• high-low – low-hemmed at the back and above the knee at front, good for showing off long legs and hourglass figure

• sheath – body hugging all throughout, good for tall, for slim figures

• tea length – knee-length, shows a more casual or relaxed side, ideal for tall, thin figure

• tulle skirt/bouffant gown – form fitting at top with a stiff, puffy skirt at bottom, for bottom heavy figures

Tips in choosing the right prom dress:

• Browse the latest prom catalogs or teen magazines for the latest styles of prom dresses. It is usually featured on January or February issue of the magazine. Aside from getting expert fashion advice, you can also find make-up and styling tips as well.

• You can also search the web to get ideas for your prom dress design.

• If you’re planning to have your prom dress tailored, a good time to do it would be a month or two before the actual event. That way, you will have ample time for dress alterations if necessary.

• You should not try hard to fit into your dress; the dress should fit you. Do not follow the trend if it doesn’t complement your body shape. And don’t squeeze yourself to a dress that is a size smaller than yours. Wear a dress that is comfortable, something you would be confident wearing in. And wear something that will best feature your assets. After all, it’s your time to shine girl!

• If you’re planning to have a date with you, discuss how you would coordinate your dresses. His tie should match your dress color. Otherwise, he may go for a black tie.

• Pick a dress which goes well with your skin complexion. Cool colors (blue, pink, green, violet) complement fair skin tones while warm colors (yellow, orange, Choose a dress color that will enhance your youthful beauty, such as pastel colors.

Other dress:

1. Mini dress
2. Wedding Dress
3. Evening Dress
4. Maxi Dress
5. Bridesmaid Dress