Are you bewildered when it comes to shopping for prom

Types And Styles Of Prom Dresses - Terms And bridal gowns with cap sleeves 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 second hand wedding dresses 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, 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 top wedding dresses 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.

Prom Dress Styles Formal Or Informal

Today's proms are more elaborate than ever as prom dress styles formal or informal make their way to the stores. With endless options for purchasing dresses online or in boutiques across the state, no two girls will have the same ensemble. Some go for classic looks, while others experiment boldly with the latest trends.

Strapless dresses are the most common in many areas these days, though more conservative regions are less likely to see the style. Without any straps for support, the perfect fit is necessary. Floor-length gowns make the legs appear longer and draw attention to the shoulders. Accessorize with an elegant necklace to highlight the collarbone.

Long sleeve dresses are very rare, and may be considered conservative, dowdy, or retro. With a plunging neckline, however, they become daring and sexy. Lace can give long sleeves a timeless edge. In cold regions or for self-conscious individuals, long sleeves are sometimes the only option, but this does not mean they have to look plain.

Mermaid dresses are very popular with girls of all body types. Most mermaid dresses are casual homecoming dresses form-fitting, and flare out just above the knees. The unique shape emphasizes the curves. Another name for mermaid dresses are "trumpet dresses." They will have to be fitted by a seamstress if they do not fit snugly enough to create that curvy silhouette.

Short mini-dresses are becoming more popular and trendy, though some girls find them to be too simple. They're fun and easier to dance in, though, and they ruthlessly show off the legs. To wear them, the legs have to be perfect. Many girls use cover-up to diminish the appearance of bruises or uneven skin on the legs to make them appear sleeker and smoother.

Halters are very beautiful and elegant, though they are not flattering on everyone. They can draw attention to wide shoulders. However, the neckline draws the eye vertically, creating a slimmer figure. A swept-up hairdo looks marvelous and shows off this stunning neckline.

Colors are very important when it comes to the big night. Hair color and skin-tone are the most critical factors to making or breaking the look. Cool skin colors with undertones of blue look best with pastels, blacks, blues, and greens. Warm skin-tones are accented by jewel-tones, such as ruby red and emerald. Those with cool skin-tones usually have nail beds that are purplish.

Avoid wearing white, as fancy dresses can look very much like a wedding dress in white or light cream. Also try to avoid black, unless it is part of a personal taste. Proms are colorful, happy nights, so go bold with tints and hues. Printed dresses covered in crazy animal prints or sequins and glitter should be avoided, unless, of course, one prefers the "Vegas" look.

With the perfect dress finally selected, the makeup, shoes, and purse will all come together. After months of planning and going over the details, it will all be worth it. Prom dress styles formal or informal make it possible for a girl to feel special and unique on her special night.