Necklines are also important when choosing a prom dress. The

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 bottom.

High-Low, Lace-Covered, and 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, long bridesmaid dresses 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 Mother Of The Bride Dresses 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.

Find The Perfect Wedding Dress For Your Body Shape

Before you even start trying on those wedding dresses, stop for a minute and think about your own natural body shape. For you to look amazing in your dream wedding dress you need to buy a dress that compliments your body shape.

Below are the main body types with the corresponding wedding dress styles that will help you look like a million dollars on your wedding day.

If you're a pear shape (bottom heavy) a ball gown style wedding dress would be perfect for you, it will give you a waist and cover those larger hips, on your wedding day, you really do not want to be asking the question "Does my bum look big in this?".

If your tall and thin, well, frankly you've been blessed (even though it doesn't feel like it when your shopping for clothes!) - long black evening dress You will look fantastic in a slim wedding dress, such as a dress made from satin that skims over your body, highlighting your perfect features to the full.

Petite brides need to stay away from ballroom type wedding dress, you do not want to be a little head poking out from a mountain of white. Also keep away from wedding dresses with dropped waist lines as these will make you look shorter too. A-line or a Princess A-line wedding dresses with natural waistlines will elongate your silhouette making a petite you seem to appear taller.

If your a bit bulkier than you would like around your waist then go for a wedding dress that has a high waistline. Brides with thick waist look their best in empire gowns which have a high waistline. Empire waistlines are usually right below the bust line that flow into long slimming skirts. You would not want to look huge on your wedding day, so stay away from natural waistline wedding dresses such as the A-line or Princess A-line which would emphasize your waist.

If you are one of those lucky woman who have a hourglass figure an A-line wedding dress with a dropped waist nice evening dresses would absolutely amazing on you. Show of your best assets with a low cut bodice.