When shopping for a dress, be sure to allow a

Ideas For Prom Dresses Find That Perfect Fit For You

It's that time of year again - time to look around at all the drop-dead gorgeous prom dresses in stores or at online prom shops. But how do you know which style of dresses is right for you? How will you ever find a prom dress that fits your body figure and personality just right? Prom dresses by famous designers such as Faviana, Sherri Hill, Jovani, and others can look great on you once you find a suitable style.

The key to finding the right dress is to look for a fit that suits your own figure - not someone else's. Throw out the fashion magazines with 6' 4" tall (and ridiculously slender) prom dress models. In real life, many of the dresses worn by models just wouldn't look right on a young teenage girl. But the good news is there are some very beautiful dresses that will work well with your figure. You've just got to find them.

Consider Your Height

Some dresses will make you appear taller while others seem to shorten your height. If you're a petite size and want to look taller, consider a sheath or A-line prom dress. Keep the dress simple, as complex designs and frills will only take away from your height. Skip the big ball gowns - these will only make you look shorter.

Curves or vintage style evening dresses No Curves

Most teen girls would die for more curves, while some feel they already have way too much "curviness" in their figure. If you are one of those blessed with wide hips, opt for a ball gown prom dress style with a full skirt. This type of design draws the eye focus upward to take the emphasis off of your hips. The focus will turn to your slender waist. Some dress styles to avoid with larger hips are V-necks, which cause the eyes to move downward, and sheaths or similar styles.

If your body is lacking when it comes to curves, try a sheath fitted style, or maybe even an A-line dress if you want to appear a little more daring in your prom attire. Prom dresses with an A-line skirt will complement your slender figure while simultaneously giving the illusion of added curves. Some styles to avoid if you're on the skinnier side include halter style dresses and strapless dresses.

Hide the Tummy

For a plump mid-section, you can hide your tummy and give it a flattened appearance by wearing dresses with an empire style waist. These gowns will create a more slender and long look while also giving the illusion of a flattened tummy. Another style that works well is a dress with a corset-type bodice, which removes emphasis from the tummy and places it more on the bust area. Styles that can make your tummy show even more are princess style gowns, sheaths, and those with Basque waists, which emphasize the tummy area. Also avoid horizontal stripes and sashes.

Solutions for Heavy Arms

If your arms are on the heavier side, hide them with off-shoulder necklines or short sleeves. See-through lacey sleeves might also help to remove emphasis off the size of your arms. Sweetheart necklines can be helpful because these emphasize the bust area, not the arms. Styles to avoid with heavier arms include spaghetti straps, strapless, and sleeveless dresses. But even with these styles, there are some creative ways to cover up your arms - try a prom jacket or a wrap on for size!

Beautiful Plus Sizes

If you wear a plus size, don't worry. The days of not being able to find the right fit for a plus figure are long gone. Plus size prom dresses have come a long way in recent years, with styles to not only hide your large figure but to also enhance your good qualities. Try a full-skirted dress or a strapless ball gown to hide your backside. Or, go for a flared skirt to enhance your slim waistline. Opt for a fitted bodice such as a corset style to draw attention upward. Avoid sheath dresses or any style that tends to cling to your body.

When shopping for a dress, be sure to allow a friend or family member to take your correct body measurements. Also, use online prom dress shops to compare Jovani prom dresses and others such as Faviana and Sherri Hill to find the appropriate style for your body type. Many prom dress websites carry other elegant dresses as well such as cocktail dresses, evening gowns, homecoming dresses, bridesmaid dresses, etc. so you can easily find whatever type of formal wear you need.

Types And Styles Of Prom Dresses - Terms And Definitions

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 knee length dresses for women 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 lace open back wedding dress 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 turquoise evening dress 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.

Other Prom Terms to Know

There are also handbags, or small purses, and clutches that can match your prom dress. Clutches are small hand-held bags with no straps. Shawls and wraps are not jackets but fit around your shoulders loosely. You can wear them when outdoors during cold weather and easily remove them for dancing. A tiara is a princess-type hairpiece than can be worn with your hair up or down. There are elbow gloves and wrist gloves. Elbow gloves reach to your elbow, covering the bottom part of your arm while wrist gloves only cover the hands.

Before shopping for a prom dress, know what styles and accessories you are looking for so you can save time. Also, go online to view all the different styles available. You can even find great deals online on prom dresses by designers such as Mori Lee, Jovani, Clarisse, Niteline, Dave and Johny, Paris, Riva and Alyce Designs. There are often beautiful dresses online for the prom, homecoming, and other formal events that a local formal wear shop might not offer.