Prom Dress Styles
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 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 dresses designer 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.
Nontraditional Wedding Dresses Thinking Outside The Box
Whether it is a long puffy full skirt or an elegant wedding dress train with abundant decorative touches, there are some styles of wedding dresses that never go out of fashion. But what if you decided to make a bold choice and choose a modern style that shows off your individuality and creativity? More and more brides these days are doing just that. After attending wedding after wedding, and paging through bridal magazine after magazine, many brides decide to think outside the box and choose a nontraditional wedding dress.
Today's brides have more freedom to express their personal style and are not letting convention get in the way of their dream dress. Be on the lookout for cutting-edge designers with beautiful, original ideas. Runway designs are grabbing the attention of fashion-forward brides looking for a dress that stands out from the crowd. So ditch the pressure and start exploring all the possibilities there are in today's bridal fashions.
Short and a line lace wedding dress Sweet
Who says a bride's dress has to include a long train. Isn't everyone expecting your dress to look like this anyway? Why not make a show-stopping appearance down the aisle in a fun and flirty short dress that embodies youthful energy and a daring spirit. A strapless silk satin short dress for example does not have to forget adornment, even though it is an above-the-knee dress. The decorative illusion hem might be adorned with crystal and pearl and embellished with Alencon
Lace and feathers. This ivory dress has the movement and energy reminiscent of a Jazz Age flapper, but with the sophistication of delicate lace touches.
For a more traditional look in a shorter, flirtier interpretation, try a silk and satin strapless short dress with spilt front over-skirt. A dress such as this creates the illusion of a full wedding dress, with informal wedding dresses the casual charm of the knee-length hem. This particular design is available in ivory and petal (a very subtle light shade of pink). For those brides that dare to be different, the strapless silk taffeta cocktail dress might be just the look. Full of intricate detail, this dress features a modern bubble skirt that plays up the 80s retro trend so popular right now.
Add an air of elegance
Veils have traditionally been demure features of a dress that covered a bride's face in yards of taffeta. Today, veils and other accessories are transforming wedding dresses, with bold statements and stylish additions. Take for instance the silk organza strapless slim gown embellished with embroidery, ribbon, Swarovski crystals, cut silk flowers and bows. This ivory dress features a floor-length veil that frames the face, but doesn't obscure it, while adding decorative touches to the look courtesy of its intricate Keep Several Grecian Dresses lace detail. The silk chiffon strapless slim gown with empire bodice and spilt front flowing skirt features a light and feathery ivory stole that's perfect for autumn or winter weddings. Much more than cold-weather gear, this accessory adds sparkle to the look with glistening fibers and a metallic satin bow.
White in many ways
Although few can argue with the simplistic beauty of a crisp white wedding dress, there are more ways to enjoy the white wedding beyond opting for a stark color. Toned down whites, in champagne, ivory and antique white all embody the spirit of the occasion just as easily as traditional white, while adding a sophisticated touch to the look. These colors should especially be considered when selecting a tint that works best with individual skin tone and color. Many nontraditional dresses come in a choice of ivory or white, so you can select the style you want and get the right color to match you as well.
Heavenly headpieces
Tiaras and crowns have always been traditional to secure a veil, but today's hair accessories are adding a whole new level of style to contemporary dresses. A headband of white satin curls and flowers for example compliments a variety of beautiful dresses. Feathers, satin flowers and decorative hats can enhance the look of a simple gown and add a daring touch to a conservative gown.
As you can see, there are many styles and options to consider when it comes time to select a wedding dress. Trusting in your natural style and choosing a dress that not only looks fabulous, but feels comfortable will allow you to enjoy one of your most special days. By adding an unexpected touch, whether it is noticeable in the cut, shape or accessories of a dress can make your dress and your wedding the most talked about event of the season.
