Baby Doll, One-Shoulder, and Sleeveless Gowns
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 mon cheri bridesmaids 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.
Prom Checklist Prom Dresses, Beauty Appointments And More
The months and weeks leading up to your prom will consist of planning, trying on various designs of prom dresses, and preparing for your special evening. This prom checklist will help you plan the months ahead so you won't forget the little things.
Four Months 'til Prom
Plan your prom budget by pricing formal dresses, prom accessories, and beauty services such as hair makeup and nails. Start saving money for your prom gown as well as other items you'll need so there will be enough money when you need it.
Three Months to Go
About three months before your prom, start maintaining your nails and hair so they'll be the style and length you want for prom night. You can't grow long hair or nails in a week or two, but you can grow them and start maintaining their beauty over a three-month period. Also, this is the time to buy your prom dress if possible - especially if ordering online. You'll avoid last minute crowds and get the biggest expense out of the way. This also gives added time for alterations if needed.
Start looking for accessories online to go with your prom dress. You might buy these along so you won't have to spend as much money at once. Begin making reservations for your dinner date, and reserve a limousine if you plan to travel in luxury!
If you want to lose a little weight before the prom, now's the time to start. Begin a daily exercise regime and start eating less at each meal. Opt for fruits instead of sweets and cut down on carbs and sugars. But don't lose too much weight if you've already ordered your prom gown!
With Two Months Left....
Get your prom dress alterations if needed. Make appointments for hair, nails and makeup at a hair salon. It might be a good idea to make an appointment for a trial run so you'll know how your hair and makeup will look beforehand. Then you can make any changes to the styling if needed. Buy your prom shoes and have them dyed to match your dress. Select undergarments for your prom dress.
With Four Weeks to Go
Within four weeks, go ahead and purchase your prom tickets. Wear your prom shoes around the house to break them in for more comfort. Also, introduce your date to your parents if they haven't already met him. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated, and treat skin acne to get rid of blemishes.
Three Weeks before Prom
Confirm all appointments to be sure there are no problems. Try on your prom dress after alterations to be sure it fits properly. Make sure your trial hair appointment goes well before settling on a hairstyle.
Just Two Weeks to Go
With two weeks left, buy your last minute prom items such as pantyhose, camera and film, a handbag and jacket to match your dress, gloves, and other items. Be sure your prom night schedule includes a time of relaxation such as a nice dinner before and a fun time with gothic evening dresses friends afterwards. Get together some materials and a scrapbook to record all the important moments of your prom.
On Prom Day
When prom day finally arrives, eat a healthy breakfast and lunch. Do something relaxing to soothe those stomach butterflies! Stuff your handbag or purse with touch-up makeup, cash, a camera, identification, etc. Don't wash your hair if you plan to wear it pinned up. Get your hair, nails and makeup done at the beauty parlor (wear a button-up shirt so you won't mess up your hair). Pick up your date's boutonniere (store in refrigerator). Most importantly, get ready for a wonderful time!
Planning ahead months in advance for your prom will help you get through the preparations with minimal stress. You'll enjoy the prom day and night more if you don't wait until the last minute to do everything.
Look around online for prom dresses early so you can find styles you like. Many online prom retailers carry affordable prom dresses by various designers with stunning looks for every figure imaginable. They might also sell homecoming dresses, ball gowns, and all sorts of eveningwear. With so many choices, you can easily find what you need for the prom from your own home computer while saving time and vintage designer dresses money.
