Prom Dress Styles

Origin Of The Wedding Dress

Though wedding has been existing ever since the ancient time, brides begun to wear wedding dresses less than 200 years ago. In the western countries, the wedding dresses worn by brides was originally Catholics ceremony dress. In the ancient European countries which believed in caesaropapism, only the wedding blessed by the pastor in the church would be recognized as the formal and legal wedding. Therefore, the bride must wear ceremony dress to show her purity and sincerity. But there was no unified color for the wedding dress until the year of 1840. In 1840 year, Queen Victoria appeared at her wedding with white wedding dress, which was followed by the brides of the royal members and well-bred circles. Since then, white became to be the best choice of wedding dresses color, which stands for the beauty and holiness of the bride.

Now, white wedding dresses have become the most important element in the wedding culture. In any countries, but for the traditional wedding dress of there own nation, more and summer wedding dresses more brides begin to choose white wedding dress for there big day. In addition, the brides in the western countries will put their wedding dress away carefully, which will be transmitted to their future generations time and time again. By doing this, their wedding dress becomes as collection of beauty and continuity of love.

Compared with Europe and America, China begins to have its wedding dress more lately. In the early 20th century, brides wore the traditional Chinese wedding dresses, which are featured by phoenix coronet and cheongsam. Ever since ancient in China, Chinese brides were tend to wear red wedding dress, which is regarded as a symbol of lucky and blessing. Therefore, in the ancient China, brides usually wear red wedding dress and phoenix coronet.

It is a traditional custom for the Chinese brides to begin to tailor their wedding dress from their childhood, because it is the most important clothes in their whole life. Usually, they finish it until their wedding, and this wedding dress stands for all their dreams.

Now, a few brides still choose the traditional wedding dress for their big day, but most brides are tending to choose the fashionable wedding dress. No matter which style would you like to choose, just remember to choose the one which is suitable for you and your wedding style? All the brides would like to spend some time and dollars to purchase their own favorite wedding dresses. It will be perfect for you to buy your loved one spending little time and dollars. You can go to the shop along your block street , but it is also a good choice to explore the online shops. Maybe you will find a surprise. Shopping your wedding dress on line if you are too busy to spare time for the wedding dress shopping. When you are sitting in your office , you can start your shopping. When theres some emergency you can just save the page that you are skipping and have a look later again.

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 online homecoming dresses 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, empire bridal gowns 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.