| m is the first occasion for most teenage girls to | | | | two pieces for girls who aren't the same size top and |
| wear a formal dress and get their first taste of | | | | bottom. |
| elegance. It will be an evening to remember with | | | | Shop Early and Online |
| flowers, dancing and dinner. Prom dresses need to be | | | | The best selection is available for girls who don't wait |
| fashionable, stylish and comfortable. A gorgeous | | | | until the last minute to shop. Go online to get ideas |
| dress that fits well is figure flattering and priced right | | | | about current fashions, colors and styles. Some |
| can turn prom night into magic. | | | | retailers that focus on formal wear have websites |
| Fit Is Important | | | | that allow you to virtually see how dresses will look |
| Prom night is full of activities from riding in the limo, | | | | on your figure type. You can change colors and add |
| dinner at an upscale restaurant, dancing, and | | | | accessories to personalize the look before you buy. |
| after-prom parties. When trying on dresses sit and | | | | Buying a prom dress second hand from an auction |
| stand, bend over and dance a few steps to see how | | | | site is risky. There is rarely a return policy and you |
| the dress moves and how you feel in it. Some styles | | | | won't know what you're really getting until the dress |
| may look fabulous when you stand but be | | | | is received. It may be a different color than the |
| uncomfortably binding when you sit. A slim skirt looks | | | | online photo, be torn or have stains. The size may be |
| great when you're not moving but may feel | | | | misstated. Beads, lace, or other embellishments may |
| awkward when you dance. | | | | be missing. |
| Stay with the size that's comfortable. It may be | | | | Bridesmaids dresses have gotten the reputation of |
| tempting to buy a size smaller with the idea that | | | | being the type of dress that would never be worn |
| you'll lose weight to fit into the dress in a few | | | | anywhere except to a wedding. That's not |
| weeks. That doesn't work. Dresses are much more | | | | necessarily true. Many bridesmaid dresses are fun and |
| difficult to let out than to take in. Some dresses can't | | | | flirty and perfect for prom night. |
| be let out because there isn't enough excess material | | | | Visit brick and mortar stores to try on dresses. No |
| in the seams. If your heart is set on being a size | | | | matter how detailed a photograph, you won't really |
| smaller, buy the dress that fits you now and have it | | | | know how the dress looks on you until you try it on. |
| taken in a week or so before the prom. | | | | Shopping in a store that has several locations is a |
| Plus size figures can be just as edgy and fashionable | | | | good idea because if you find the perfect dress but |
| as smaller sizes. For example: how about a strapless | | | | it's not in your size it can often be shipped in from |
| bodice, fitted at the waist with a ruffled pick up skirt | | | | another location. |
| and contrasting sash. It's fun and flirty and available | | | | Fashion Accessories |
| up to size 26. Or a floor length gown made of jersey | | | | The prom dress is just the start of your look for |
| draped to resemble a Grecian goddess, again available | | | | prom night. Finish the look with shoes, jewelry, purse |
| from size 2 to 26. | | | | and hair accessories. Shoes dyed to match the gown |
| Emphasize the Positive and Hide the Negative | | | | elongate the line from top to toe because there's no |
| No one's body is perfect. However, the perfect prom | | | | break in the color. Metallics are popular as well. Some |
| dress is one that shows off your best attribute such | | | | shoes are accented with crystals or beading on the |
| as a tiny waist, elegant back or trim shoulders and | | | | straps or across the toe. Ankle straps, sandals, mules |
| camouflages hips that are bigger than you'd like for | | | | and flats are all good choices. Try on shoes later in |
| example. A line styles that are narrowest at the | | | | the day. Most people's feet are a bit bigger in the |
| shoulders and are wider at the hemline are the most | | | | late afternoon. Since proms are at night, a pair of |
| forgiving. Strapless is a hot trend right now and can | | | | shoes tried on in the morning may need to be a half |
| be worn by most girls. If your bust is ample, choose | | | | size larger to be comfortable in the evening. Finding |
| a strapless style that has plenty of support with | | | | your signature look for prom night can be fun. |
| gathering and seams. Some gowns even come in | | | | |