The high-low dress zigzags vertically at the hemline so it

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 petite evening dresses 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 wedding dresses long sleeve 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 montage gowns mon cheri 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.

How to Choose the Ideal Homecoming Dress

Homecoming is coming and your mind would be occupied with numerous fun activities which would brighten up your enthusiasm. Although it is less formal than the prom, dresses for homecoming should be special as well. It could be a perfect event to wear your perfect homecoming dress and mark the sweet memories of your school life.

Homecoming is all about the enjoying the spirit of togetherness so the best thing to begin with shopping for the dress can be to ask your friends and classmates. Find out from them what type of gowns or dresses they are going to wear on the day. You do not have to blindly imitate their ways or choices but by understanding about their picks, you should shine in your own way. The homecoming dress can be selected after understanding what to expect from your friends. You need to think about a dress that would look best for you as well as meet the expectations put upon you on the homecoming party. In addition to that, keep an eye on what celebrities are wearing. This is because fashion is what celebrities wear.

Shopping for homecoming dress can be fun and you will enjoy it. All sort of formal dress styles can be found at online dress stores, retain stores and boutiques. Prepare yourself with some choices while you are selecting the most suitable homecoming dress. It is not good to simply follow the trend or stick to one pattern while neglecting all other styles. Try on different styles of outfits to find one that would completely fit your body and personality. The event is exclusively for you to bond with your friends, enjoy shopping and blast the party. So choose a dress that would help you to stand out among the others on the homecoming dance.

If your school has a formal dress code, consider the gown that made of satin of silk. Your dress should have the right length. When it comes to selecting the color, you can choose light pink or green instead of choosing the common black or white color.

Remember that style and pattern are not the only factors to consider but comfort in wearing the homecoming dress comes first. The dress trend and style change with season accordingly and it is best to choose a style in which you can be comfortable. If you feel good in a short dress, choose a dress that goes right below or right above the knee to keep up with the trend of the fall.

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