Answers to Common Questions About Prom Dresses

Posted by admin On January - 25 - 2012ADD COMMENTS

There are few occasions that are as nerve-wracking as prom night. This is because, aside from the anxiety provoking “what ifs” the night of the prom, you have to avoid all of the potential pitfalls leading up to the prom. Whether you’re going with the date of your dreams or you’re planning to attend the prom with a group of girlfriends, there’s no getting around the issue of prom dresses. Finding the right eveningwear such a formal occasion can seem like an impossible challenge. Here, then, are answers to common questions that relate to prom dresses, homecoming dresses, and quinceanera dresses.

1. I’m short and want to look taller for my prom. What should I do?

There are three elements that can help you appear taller on your special night: the right heels, the right prom dress, and the right hairstyle. First, plan on wearing high heels. Whether you add one inch or three with high heels, it’s important that you look for prom dresses that will accommodate the heels. You might want to go with a cocktail length dress, but a floor length dress will add length to your body – and an illusion of height. Look for floor length prom dresses that have side slits for better maneuverability. Finally, take care in selecting your hairstyle. Go with an updo to add height – even if you need to add extensions or a hairpiece.

2. I’m a senior in high school, but I look like an eighth grader. How do I look older for prom?

When it comes to maturity, keep two things in mind: bearing and appearance. Body language is important, in that how you move your body, how you tilt your head, the timber of your voice, and the way you walk all speak volumes about your perceived age. While you definitely don’t want to pretend you’re someone you’re not, this might be a good opportunity to practice skills that will help you evolve into the person you want to be. Practice walking in your prom shoes, watch your facial expressions in the mirror, record your voice to hear how it sounds, and so forth. Make any adjustments (and practice) so that your mannerisms reflect what you feel inside.
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Are you bewildered when it comes to shopping for prom dresses? With all the types of formal gowns and dresses available, there are also many terms that describe the length, design, neckline, and style of a prom dress. You might feel overwhelmed when speaking with a sales clerk at a formal wear shop or even while shopping online for prom dresses. Below we’ve put together some helpful terms and definitions to help you be an informed shopper for prom dresses and other prom-related items of women’s interests.

Prom Dress Styles

Some of the prom dress styles you might see include the ball gown, A-line (princess), sheath, lace-covered, high-low, baby doll, chiffon, one-shoulder, empire, golden glamour, modest, and halter.

Ballroom Gowns and A-Line Prom Dresses

A ballroom gown has a very large skirt that billows out from the waist to the mid-calf or ankles. It might have a fitted waist and top or a corset type top. The A-line or princess dress flares out to the hemline and is narrow near the waist. It forms an “a” shape as it fits to your body from top to bottom.

High-Low, Lace-Covered, and Chiffon Prom Dresses

The high-low dress zigzags vertically at the hemline so it is short in some spots and long in others. The sheath prom dress is one that clings to the body and hides nothing concerning your figure. The lace-covered dress can be a satin or satin-like material underneath with lace as a top layer. Chiffon dresses look similar to a fancy night robe worn by the women of Rome or Greece. With a high empire waist, the dress is long and flows from the hips down to the ankles. It is great for almost any figure.

Baby Doll, One-Shoulder, and Sleeveless Gowns

The baby doll prom dress is typically very short and cute. It usually fits at the top and flows at the bottom with a high waistline in between. Baby doll dresses usually come with a tied ribbon or belt around the stomach area to give the “baby dress” look. One-shoulder prom dresses have only one shoulder strap, of course, with the other side being sleeveless. These are usually long and elegant gowns. There are also completely strapless formal gowns and prom dresses. These can be worn with or without a jacket or wrap.

Halter, Golden Glamour, and Modest Prom Dresses

The halter prom dress looks similar to a halter top at the sleeves and then flows toward the knees. It is usually no longer than just below the knees and may look similar to a high-low dress at the hemline. The golden glamour dress is usually shiny gold to appear like “Hollywood” style apparel. The modest prom dress is beautiful, simple, and modest. It covers everything while still giving the wearer a touch of glamour and elegance.

Types of Sleeves

Cap sleeves are short and cover only the upper arms and shoulders. Juliet sleeves are puffy at the shoulders and taper all the way to the wrist. Some sleeves start below the shoulders or appear to “hang off” the shoulders. Also, spaghetti straps are thin straps with no sleeves.

Necklines

Necklines are also important when choosing a prom dress. The empire neckline scoops out and then connects with a very high waistline. A sweetheart neckline looks like the top of a heart. A jewel neckline is simple and round, located just above the collarbone. The boat neckline (Bandeau) comes around to each collarbone, similar to a sailor’s suit.
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There’s no doubt that prom night is one of the most special nights in your life, and one that you’ll remember for years to come. Arguably, prom night is even bigger than homecoming or your quinceanera. Here are some tips that will ensure your prom night is memorable – for all the right reasons!

Preparation is Key

There are so many elements to prom night that it’s easy to forget something important. It’s best to start with a list that has everything you need to do, and thing check items off as you go along.

Shopping for Prom Dresses

It’s crucial to start shopping for prom dresses early. Remember that your formal eveningwear can take up to eight weeks to arrive, so start looking for prom fashion well before then. When considering your choices, find a style that fits your body type, is well made, and that has a fabrication and color that flatters your figure and your complexion.

When it comes to prom dresses – or other formal clothing – the fit is rarely perfect. Don’t fret if you have to have your dress altered, but do make sure that you have enough time to do so.
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Teens are often avid shoppers when it comes to everyday clothes, but when it comes to buying a prom dress, they’re often lost. Prom dresses are so different than other types of clothing that unless one has experience, they can easily buy the wrong dress and feel miserable for the entire prom evening. We’ve put together some great tips on buying prom dresses and other formal dresses to help you avoid common mistakes.

What’s the Formal Occasion?

Consider the occasion before buying a formal dress. There are many occasions that might require formal wear such as the prom or other formal dance, wedding, Quinceanera, homecoming, cocktail party, Oscar award event, and so forth. Each occasion is unique. Consider what you will be doing during the evening out. Will you dance, dine, walk, sit, move around a lot, give a speech, sing? Consider how flexible your prom dress or formal gown should be before buying.

Styles of Prom Dresses and Formal Wear

Do research online to view all the styles of prom dresses before you shop. There are many different styles, colors, hem lengths, and shapes of prom dresses that you can easily find the one that will look great on you. Some of the styles you’ll find include A-line (slimming with vertical seams and flared skirt), ball gown (natural waist line and full skirt), mermaid (fits tight to the body and flares at knees), and sheath (no defined waistline and horizontal line, great for shorter people).

Prom dresses come with different types of necklines such as jewel, halter, and spaghetti straps.

To find the latest fashions and styles, check out all of the major prom dress or formal wear designers such as Jovani, Flip, Tiffany, Scala, Jessica McClintock, Alyce, and Interlude. Each year, designers are finding new unique ways to design prom dresses and make prom girls shine on their special night.
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