Ideas For Prom Dresses - Find That Perfect Fit For You
By Chris Robertson
It's that time of year again - time to look around at all the drop-dead gorgeous prom dresses in stores or at online prom shops. But how do you know which style of dresses is right for you? How will you ever find a prom dress that fits your body figure and personality just right? Prom dresses by famous designers such as Faviana, Sherri Hill, Jovani, and others can look great on you once you find a suitable style.
The key to finding the right dress is to look for a fit that suits your own figure - not someone else's. Throw out the fashion magazines with 6' 4" tall (and ridiculously slender) prom dress models. In real life, many of the dresses worn by models just wouldn't look right on a young teenage girl. But the good news is there are some very beautiful dresses that will work well with your figure. You've just got to find them.
Consider Your Height
Some dresses will make you appear taller while others seem to shorten your height. If you're a petite size and want to look taller, consider a sheath or A-line prom dress. Keep the dress simple, as complex designs and frills will only take away from your height. Skip the big ball gowns - these will only make you look shorter.
Curves or No Curves
Most teen girls would die for more curves, while some feel they already have way too much "curviness" in their figure. If you are one of those blessed with wide hips, opt for a ball gown prom dress style with a full skirt. This type of design draws the eye focus upward to take the emphasis off of your hips. The focus will turn to your slender waist. Some dress styles to avoid with larger hips are V-necks, which cause the eyes to move downward, and sheaths or similar styles.
If your body is lacking when it comes to curves, try a sheath fitted style, or maybe even an A-line dress if you want to appear a little more daring in your prom attire. Prom dresses with an A-line skirt will complement your slender figure while simultaneously giving the illusion of added curves. Some styles to avoid if you're on the skinnier side include halter style dresses and strapless dresses.
Hide the Tummy
For a plump mid-section, you can hide your tummy and give it a flattened appearance by wearing dresses with an empire style waist. These gowns will create a more slender and long look while also giving the illusion of a flattened tummy. Another style that works well is a dress with a corset-type bodice, which removes emphasis from the tummy and places it more on the bust area. Styles that can make your tummy show even more are princess style gowns, sheaths, and those with Basque waists, which emphasize the tummy area. Also avoid horizontal stripes and sashes.
Solutions for Heavy Arms
If your arms are on the heavier side, hide them with off-shoulder necklines or short sleeves. See-through lacey sleeves might also help to remove emphasis off the size of your arms. Sweetheart necklines can be helpful because these emphasize the bust area, not the arms. Styles to avoid with heavier arms include spaghetti straps, strapless, and sleeveless dresses. But even with these styles, there are some creative ways to cover up your arms - try a prom jacket or a wrap on for size!
Beautiful Plus Sizes
If you wear a plus size, don't worry. The days of not being able to find the right fit for a plus figure are long gone. Plus size prom dresses have come a long way in recent years, with styles to not only hide your large figure but to also enhance your good qualities. Try a full-skirted dress or a strapless ball gown to hide your backside. Or, go for a flared skirt to enhance your slim waistline. Opt for a fitted bodice such as a corset style to draw attention upward. Avoid sheath dresses or any style that tends to cling to your body.
When shopping for a dress, be sure to allow a friend or family member to take your correct body measurements. Also, use online prom dress shops to compare Jovani prom dresses and others such as Faviana and Sherri Hill to find the appropriate style for your body type. Many prom dress websites carry other elegant dresses as well such as cocktail dresses, evening gowns, homecoming dresses, bridesmaid dresses, etc. so you can easily find whatever type of formal wear you need.