The halter prom dress looks similar to a halter top

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 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 and is narrow near the waist. It forms an "a" shape as it fits to your body from top to pink lace dress bottom.

High-Low, Lace-Covered, and yellow lace dress 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 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.

The Prefect Evening Dreses Or Prom Dress For You.

Prom events is made famous by the Americans cultures which are shown here on UK television, it has become an evening which means a lot to young female. Many of the students in the UK see this event as a fairytale ball and a time for them to make precious and memorable moments with their pals before leaving for college.

Like the bride and her bridesmaids whom tend to be very demanding in what they must look like, everything has to be perfect.

Choosing dresses for solving body problems.

A top heavy black mermaid dress figure can be balanced by opting for dresses with flattering necklines such as v or square necks. Choose fabric that drop and flows well but aren't clinging or stiff.

A bottom-heavy figure can be balanced by dresses that skim over the lower half of the body. Fuller skirts are good at disguise heavy hips whiles making the waist seem smaller. A fitted halter or strapless silhouette dress should accent a trim upper body which is very flattering.

Plus Size girls are gifted with curves, this is not a body problem at all so be proud and show your curves off. I see many in fitted dresses and they look great. Just make sure you don't wear anything too tight as it can make you look bigger. Buy from a plus size dresses designer.

Bodies with no curves should wear dresses which have extra details such as puff sleeves, ruched waist or ruffles. Dresses which bottom half has many layers, netting of is a puff style will add shape.

Small busted bodies should wear dresses which add volume to the upper body. Dresses with hidden padded bra cups are good. Choosing dresses with ruffles or lace trim on the bust will give you a more fullness look. Dresses that define your waist will flatter the upper body.

Flabby under arms can be hidden with the help of a loose sleeve shrug or bolero. Choose one which will show a lot of your neck so you can wear a nice choker to draw attention away from your arms.

Unattractive legs can be hidden with mid calf or full length dresses. Wide shoulders can look smaller with a one shoulder/asymmetrical neckline dress. Choose one which also has a lower waist line to balance out your wide shoulders.

Thick waist can be helped to look smaller by either rising, lowering or eliminating the waistline, doing this you are avoiding defining your waist. Go for an empire black and gold dresses waist or drop waist dress.

Black or white is an easy colour choice because both are flattening colours. Black will make you look thinner. White can make you look like a goddess. Both colour dresses tend to never fails and are safe colour choices.

Choosing a dress colour should be as easy as doing your make up. You should already know what colours suit your skin and I would recommend going for dresses in these same colours.

Make sure it is a dress you feel most comfortable in, because like our bedroom, we style it with comfort and create an atmosphere which is perfect to be yourself in.

If you are not comfortable showing your legs, bust or arms try to avoid showing them. Don't be forcing yourselves to wear short dresses. Even if everyone is wearing short dresses or all your friends are saying it looks really good on you. Don't be wearing a dress you feel is too revelling for you because all the other girls are doing it. If you don't feel good it in chances is high that your discomfort will show and you won't be able to enjoy yourself.

If you are buying for your bridesmaid then make sure you consider all your bridesmaids and if possible choose a style which will suit all of them.

There are all sorts of body types and the most beautiful of dresses may not be the best dress for you. Look at all types of dresses such as prom dresses, evening gowns, cocktail and bridesmaid dresses from classic to couture styles. It might be a dress you would never consider but at the same time wearing the right dress for your evening can shape, flatter and dazzle you.