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Lights, Limos, Party! The Best-Fitting Prom Party Dresses
Prom is an opportunity to present your fabulous self with a look that reflects who you are -- or want to be for the night! Whether your mood calls for classic glamor, uber-trendy or bohemian chic, finding the perfect prom party dress can be a nail-biting experience. Prom-dressing for success means knowing which cuts, fits and lengths bring out the best in your figure.
Looking to vamp up a thin frame? Want to hide curvy hips? Use these simple stylist tips as your guide for creating mistake-proof ensembles for prom. Flattering prom party dresses begin with knowing figure type closest to your own:
Busty girls who maintain a small waist but have naturally rounded hips carry the shape of an Hourglass. This glamorous figure looks easy to dress, but be careful. A too-skimpy cut or tight fabric will bring out the worst in a prom party gown. Non-stretch satin and other structured fabrics skim over curves rather than cling. If you desire a full skirt, look for ballgown-style dresses (one or two-piece) designed with fitted waists. Tops that offer good coverage support a large bust while looking fabulous -- avoid beads or embellishment! Halter-style dresses and strapless corset tops paired with flouncy skirts also work beautifully -- switch the skirt to a shorter length for an after-prom party dress! These styles also work great for Pear-Shaped gals who are small on top with wide or curvy hips. Color plays an important part in this look. Go for deep jewel tones or dark-colored satin -- pastels reflect tons of light that accentuates even minimal curves. If pastel you must, choose an opaque fabric such as Poi de Soie; this shimmery version of polyester is commonly used in prom party dresses.
If you are less busty than an hourglass, with a thicker waist, A-line or empire-waist dresses are your best bet. Fun and super-chic, these styles hang loosely at the waist and hips and are available in strappy, halter or strapless. The longer lengths are elegant and red carpet-ready; a swinging, short style makes it perfect for an after-prom party dress. Shorter lengths with sleeves are great for masking arms.
Naturally slim ladies are often small on top and petite, getting lost in dresses with too much fabric. Look for skimpier cuts with shape. Strapless or wrap dresses in stretch fabrics, prints and jacquard make your prom party dress high-voltage, not girlish. Elongate (and show off!) a narrow frame with tight-fitting jersey and satins in a bold color or sexy black. Many stretchy prom party dresses feature slit skirts, perfect for accentuating slender legs. For an after-prom party dress, choose a babydoll or flouncy style just for fun.
Tall and thin girls often sport a rectangular shape that's neither top nor bottom heavy, but can handle more fabric than a petite frame. Work your height with Floor-skimming fishtails, cowl necks and low backs -- styles that don't work well if shortened. Get creative in bohemian-esque prints for after-prom.
Athletic figures with broad, columnlike shoulders are statuesque, and easy to dress! The key is to go up a size or two in order to get the fit you need; have the rest of the garment professionally altered to take away excess fabric. Asymmetrical (often one shoulder) necklines are stunning; opt for a slim skirt to keep the look balanced. A showstopping cocktail number with an asymmetrical shape will make you the queen of after-prom!
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Prom Party Dresses
