How To Choose a Prom Dress

Choosing a perfect prom dress  does not have to involve tears and hours in a dressing room. In smaller towns there are only a handful of stores to purchase prom dresses, causing fits of anger when you show up to prom and ten other girls are wearing the exact same dress. Try buying your prom dress online to ensure originality, and to get better deals. No more spilling punch on that classmate wearing the same frilly pink number. Here's a guide to choosing the perfect prom dress.

Popular Styles for Spring '10

Popular Dress Styles
Strapless Floor-Length Ball Gown	A-line Evening Dress	Sweetheart Ankle-Length Chiffon Evening Dress	Strapless Floor-Length Column Dress	Satin Floor-Length Halter Evening Dress

Be An Early Bird

Never, ever wait until the last minute to pick your prom dress. Not only will it be a huge headache, but you are likely to be stuck with a nightmare dress that wasn't fashionable in any decade. It is important to pick your prom dress early because you will need to choose accessories (shoes, purses, hair clips, makeup, etc.) that compliment your dress. You should start looking at prom dresses at least three to four months before the big day, whether you have a date or not. It is also best to think about prom in advance so you can start saving money. Prom dresses can be quite expensive (usually between $200 to $800), so start saving up early (and don't forget to save money for accessories).

Find Your Style

Not sure what you like? Try watching red carpet events such as the Oscars. See what gown styles strike your fancy and which ones you wouldn't be caught dead in. Picking up the special edition prom issues of magazines like Seventeen and Cosmo Girl will give you an idea to what is currently in style, but don't be afraid to think out of the box! It is more important to find a dress that you actually like than one that is in style.

Prom Dresses by Body Type

Everyone can look like a star on prom night. Short or thin, round or tall, here is your guide to dressing your body right.

Dress Your Body the Right Way
Athletic Strapless sheath style dresses  or a dress with a simple strap. A fitted body will show off your curves, and a slit in the front will complement your legs.	Hourglass/Curvy Strapless sheath style dress  or halter top dress . A fitted skirt will show off your narrow waist.	Round Waisted with Narrow Hips Look for lower necklines or sweetheart necklines  and empire cuts . A drop waist will lengthen your torso. The waist should be fitted to give you shape. High, empire waists will also give you a nice form, while flared skirts will balance out your silhouette.	Straight-Formed An A-Line dress will give the illusion of curves. An empire waist  will lengthen your body. Bare shoulders and a flared skirt can also help give you a curvier appearance. Avoid super clingy dresses.

Pear-Shaped An A-line dress with a flared skirt  will make you look slimmer. The top should be fitted.	Apple-Shaped Look for a full skirt and an empire waisted dress .V-necks  prevent a round shape. Try a shorter dress if you want to show off shapely legs!	Petite Go for a shorter skirt  to show off your legs or a dress with an asymmetrical hemline . Avoid floor-length gowns.	Tall Try a longer sheath-style dress . Look for smooth fabrics to give you a more delicate look.

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