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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 simple evening dresses 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 short sexy wedding dress 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 short sleeve evening dresses 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.

Homecoming Dresses How To Find The Ideal Fit For Your Shape

So, homecoming is on the way and youre wondering which homecoming dresses are going to make you look great and which to avoid.

In this article were going to look at homecoming dresses and how to find the ideal fit, which not only means fitting you well, but also helping you feel amazing!

As with any clothing the key to finding an appropriate homecoming dress lies in finding one that flatters your shape in both style and color. Its surprising, but many, many women from around the world have never really bought dresses according to their shape. This can lead to fashion disasters where theyre spilling out of dresses and generally look awful which no girl wants at homecoming!

So as I mentioned, its going to really help to have a grasp of your body shape before you start shopping, but dont worry if youre unsure as there are also some tips for you. For instance, it doesnt what your size or shape is ad there are dresses out there that will disguise or flatter parts that may be problematic or a source of pride. So you should definitely think about what your best feature, your strength if you like, is and then choose a dress that really shows it off!

Got great boobs for instance? Then perhaps choose a dress thats a little lower cut and show off those girls!

How Do I Know My Body Shape?

First off Id suggest researching online, as there are pages and pages committed to explaining the different body shapes and even videos. Then you need to ascertain what your shape.

A fun way is to stand in front of a mirror and look at your shape. Imagine that there are points at your shoulders, waist and hips. If you were to connect these what shape would you be?

In general your waistline and hips will have a large bearing on the type of dress you should choose and the three common shapes are apple, pear and hourglass.

Your shoulders will also have some importance, but this more with the neckline of the dress that you choose than the style of the dress itself.

OK, so now you know your body shape lets find your ideal homecoming dress!

Pear Shape Homecoming Dresses

If youre a pear-shaped girl then youre not alone as this is the most common shape! Your hips and thighs are the widest point so youll need to find a dress that balances your upper half and gives you good proportions.

A-line or Empiredresses will be the best choice as they flow down junior bridesmaid gown over your curves without hugging them, giving you a nice, straight profile. You can also add some extra volume upstairs by choosing a dress with a decorated bust, wearing a bolero or shawl or wearing your hair down.

Hourglass Homecoming Dresses

This is a killer shape, a real earth-mother look.Your waist is already defined, so by choosing a dress that has a corset it will further define your waist. A typical corset dress would be a princess style ball gown.

Because your shape is naturally in proportion you wont need to worry too much about extra accessories or decoration, so keep jewelry and hairstyles fairly simple.

Apple Shape Homecoming Dresses

A truly curvaceous girl with a full waist may think that her apple shape will hinder her finding a suitable and flattering homecoming dress, but think again! You need to draw the eye away from your waist, so choose A-line and Empire waist dresses which start the waist line above your natural waistline hence drawing the eye from any untoward curves. Drop waists will also be great for this. You can draw the eye up as well, so you could also wear some bright accessories or jewelry to do this.