Types And Styles Of Prom Dresses - Terms And Definitions

Types And Styles Of Prom knee length black dress 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 mother of the bride dresses mon cheri 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 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 mon cheri montage dresses 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 for That Elegant Yet Rocking Event

Homecoming events are exceptionally important for every teenager. This event rather marks their advent in to the world of adolescence. What is most important is the impression that you create at this event. For women, the perfect homecoming dresses might very well spell the difference between the epitome of cool and a regular school personality. Thus, it is no wonder that most well known fashion designers cater to this crowd of budding fashionistas.

The competition to choose a homecoming dress can be cutthroat and brutal if you do not know what you are looking for. It is important to begin with a carefully thought out strategy. Do you need a particular style of dress for a specific theme to your event? Do you need a particular color of dress to flatter any particular assets? Do you need to get your dress cut out in a specific style to mask over flaws and bring out the best of your figure? If you have answered yes to any or all of these questions, you need to make a list of your requirements and go through them properly before you begin dress hunting.

The choices are quite extravagant when you are searching for your perfect dress. Most homecoming styles resemble formal cocktail dresses. This is why you will not be amiss if you jumped to this section of your favorite store. You can find varieties ranging from strapless, one shouldered to high neck low back. These styles are all suitable for various shapes and sizes. However, it is true, that an interesting pattern or a cut will always take attention away from any flaws that you might want to hide.

Fabrics can be an assortment of options again. You have crepe, silk, cotton, chiffon and satin as your choices. However, given the formality of the occasion, it will be more prudent to go with a crepe instead of a cotton dress. You can choose dresses with bustier attachments if you are a more top-heavy figure.

For bottom heavy body types a flared skirt will do the trick. Just make sure that the skirt does not add too much of an imbalance to the bodice. Short hemlines can help you address this issue. You can choose flirty hemlines with mini length skirts. You can also choose a dress with a long flowing bodice, especially if you have a taller frame. This frame can carry the style very elegantly.

The makeup and accessories should match well with your dress for that ultimate lift. Make sure you have high heels and simple makeup if you are wearing an ornate dress. Your undergarments should be matched to conform with the neckline or back of the dress. There should be no straps showing through. You should also invest in a professional hair and makeup if you can afford it. Sweeping hair up dos are very trends for this kind of an event. Finally, just attend the event with your friends and have a great time!