Prom Dresses Guide - Find the Prom Dress that Flatters Your Silhouette

By Chris Robertson

Prom time is almost here and choosing from so many styles and shapes of prom dresses isn't easy. It takes time and patience to try on all those prom dresses, hoping to find just the right dress for your special evening. You should first find a prom dress that flatters your body type, or silhouette. Use the guide below to find out what type of body shape you have and which prom dress will best complement your shape.

Determining Your Body Shape

It's important to determine your body shape before you start shopping for prom gowns. Once you know which types of prom dresses will best suit you, you won't waist time trying on those that won't.

Are you Thin and Tall?

Here's a way to tell: Your body is straight and slender, has few or no curves, and your bust is average in size. Your height is 5' 6" or taller. If you meet these criteria, you'll want to buy a prom dress style that adds curves, shows off your long legs, flows gracefully to reveal your slim silhouette, and adds fullness to your chest.

Try on dresses with several different neckline styles including v-neck or an open neckline to see which looks best. Also, dare to try a dress with a cutout back. Some prom dress styles to consider are empire, sheath, ball gown, and a-line.

Are you Petite?

If you are 5' 3" or shorter with a small build and an average sized bust, you'll want a dress to complement the petite such as an empire, sheath or a-line prom gown. With a slit, you can make your legs appear longer. Or, you can look much taller by wearing a dress with a short hemline. The hemline might be ruffled, handkerchief, hi/low, or asymmetrical - whichever best suits you. There are also a-line and empire styles to take emphasis off your waistline if you are short-waisted. Your neckline could be sweetheart, halter, or v-shape.

Do you have an Hourglass, Pear, or Apple Shape?

With an hourglass shape, you are curvy with a medium-to-large sized bust. Your bottom is rounded and you have curvy hips. You can show off the curves with a sheath dress or de-emphasize them somewhat with a ball gown or a-line dress. To place more emphasis on the upper portion of your body, choose a dress with an embellished neckline.

With a pear shape, you are probably bottom-heavy, meaning your hips, thighs, and bottom are larger than the upper portion of your body. Choose prom dresses that flatter the upper half of your body such as a-line, empire, or ball gown dresses with a circular halter neckline. Or, a strapless dress might do the trick.

If your body is apple-shaped, your mid-section is probably heavier or thicker than other parts of your body. Maybe your tummy is larger than you would like. Choose dresses that take the emphasis away from your mid-section. An empire gown might work best with this type of figure. An a-line dress can work well too if you have a bodice with boning to give it a slimming effect.

Are you Athletic? Do you have a Large Build?

If you are muscular, have broad shoulders, or a large bust, choose a prom dress that will give you a feminine shape such as a ball gown or empire style dress. The full skirt will immediately add shape at your waistline. With broad shoulders, you might find that trying to cover them with wide straps or sleeves will make them look even wider. Try on a few strapless prom gowns first. You might be pleasantly surprised!

If you have a large bust, be sure your prom dress offers proper support. Choose v-necks or halters and either an a-line or ball gown. To draw attention away from your chest, wear a prom dress that has eye-catching details at its hemline.

With a full figure, there are more styles today than ever in plus size prom dresses. Don't feel uncomfortable on your prom night by trying to squeeze into a smaller gown. Find a dress that fits your body size and flatters your figure.

More "Accentuating" Prom Dress Ideas

There are even more ways you can accentuate certain areas of your body. Prom dresses can also come with stylish features such as beaded panels, a fully beaded bodice, accordion pleating, a jeweled beltline, embroidery designs, sheer overlays, trains, and removable skirts.

Use these tips to get an idea of what style will work best for your body type before you start shopping. Check online to look at various styles and colors. Most online stores carry a variety of dresses including prom dresses, evening dresses, and bridesmaid dresses, so you'll have no problem finding just the right dress.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Prom Dresses - Silhouette Tips or Majon's Clothing for Women directory.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson

Designer Prom Dress Tips

by Robin OBrien

A designer prom dress isn't cheap so you need to be confident that the gown will show you off at your best. However, just buying an expensive designer label isn't going to guarantee that you'll look beautiful for Prom; in fact the opposite can be true. Here are some tips to help make sure you get one that's best for you.

Whether buying a cheap department store gown or a beautiful designer prom dress a girl can find it difficult to find one that flatters her. She maybe a confident teenager who has no problems buying the latest trendy jeans and tops, but buying a formal gown leaves her at a loss. This isn't surprising as most girls will have never worn one before. However, by following certain guidelines, much of the stress and confusion can be eliminated, so buying the gown and accessories can actually be fun.

Like wedding gowns, prom dresses run at least one size smaller so pick dresses a size larger and you'll get a perfect fit. Also, if shopping online, many websites have a measurement guide for the designer gowns they sell. By following these carefully, you can be sure it'll fit perfectly.

Don't set your heart on one particular style of dress. Different styles of dresses complement different body shapes. So, keep an open mind. Try out different styles to find the one that best flatters your figure. Girls are often amazed that they look fabulous in a dress that they had previously dismissed.

When you visit the boutique, don't be shy. Try the dress on; after all it's your money, your time and your big day. Besides, a dress looks more beautiful when worn than on a hanger.

Seek the opinions of friends and family. After all, they know you best and will offer you honest advice on what styles and colors best suit you. But remember, it's your day so the final decision is yours.

The sales person in the boutique will be very knowledgeable about the designer prom dresses they stock. They also understand just how difficult it can be for a girl to find that perfect dress. Talk to them and ask for their advice.

For many, there's nothing worse than going to Prom only to find someone else wearing exactly the same gown. Buying a designer prom dress helps, as they're more unique, but your best bet is to talk to your friends and let them know which dress you're buying; that way they'll look for something different.

To have the largest selection you need to start shopping earlier in either January or February.

Buy the dress a couple of months before hand so you can make any alterations that are need. Just about all gowns will require some minor alteration; remember; Prom time is a very busy time for alteration services.

Try to buy your accessories at the same time you buy your dress. Many boutiques and online retailers will have a selection of accessories that will complement the dress.

Finally, set a budget and stick to it. If you spend more than you had originally planned to on that beautiful designer prom dress then you should reduce the amount you spend on the accessories.


About the Author
Follow the links for designer prom dresses like the Flirt prom dress and the Jovani prom dress as well as many others.