Cap sleeves are short and cover only the upper arms

Types And Styles Of Prom Dresses - modest evening gowns 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 lace top dress 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 to give the "baby dress" look. One-shoulder prom dresses have only one shoulder strap, of course, with the other side tea length mother of the bride dresses 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.

About Wedding Dress Rentals

Visiting bridal shops and buying the perfect wedding dress has been a evening summer dresses rite of passage for many brides. However, many brides are now renting their wedding dress. Some brides rent a wedding dress to save money while others do it for convenience. Wedding dresses can be renting in most styles, sizes and price ranges.

Function

The bride selects the wedding dress several months before the wedding and reserves it for the wedding date. The bride picks up the wedding dress before the wedding and returns it to the shop after the wedding. Many rental shops also offer shoes, veils and jewelry for rent with the dress.

Benefits

One of the main benefits of renting a dress is cost. It is significantly cheaper to rent a dress than it is to purchase the same quality dress. If you are having a destination wedding, you can rent a dress at the wedding destination. This saves you the time, money and hassle of shipping or transporting the dress. By renting a wedding dress, you also save the time of not having to dry clean, preserve and store your dress after the dress.

Effects

One of the downsides of renting a wedding dress is that you have to return the dress after the wedding and cannot pass it on to one of your future children. Because you have to return the dress, you also must be extra careful while you are wearing the dress. If you damage the dress, you pay for the damage or purchase the dress.

Considerations

When selecting a wedding dress rental shop, ask about alternations. Some shops allow you to alter the dress before the wedding, but others require that you wear the dress as is. Ask how many days you can pick the dress up before the wedding and when you must have it returned by. Verify any deposits required or damage fees before signing a rental contract. If you are leaving from the reception to your honeymoon, make arrangements for a friend or family member to return the dress.

Misconceptions

Many people think that wedding dresses available for rent are used. Some shops rent new dresses to brides and then sell the dresses as used dresses. People often think that only low end dresses are available for rent. However, many high end designer dresses are available in rental shops