Article Fashion

Prom time is almost here and choosing from so many styles and shapes of prom dresses isn't easy. It takes time and patience to try on all those prom dresses
hoping to find just the right dress for your special evening. You should first find a prom dress that flatters your body type
or silhouette. Use the guide below to find out what type of body shape you have and which prom dress will best complement your shape.

Determining Your Body Shape

It's important to determine your body shape before you start shopping for prom gowns. Once you know which types of prom dresses will best suit you
you won't waist time trying on those that won't.

Are you Thin and Tall?

Here's a way to tell: Your body is straight and slender
has few or no curves
and your bust is average in size. Your height is 5' 6" or taller. If you meet these criteria
you'll want to buy a prom dress style that adds curves
shows off your long legs
flows gracefully to reveal your slim silhouette
and adds fullness to your chest.

Try on dresses with several different neckline styles including v-neck or an open neckline to see which looks best. Also
dare to try a dress with a cutout back. Some prom dress styles to consider are empire
sheath
ball gown
and a-line.

Are you Petite?

If you are 5' 3" or shorter with a small build and an average sized bust
you'll want a dress to complement the petite such as an empire
sheath or a-line prom gown. With a slit
you can make your legs appear longer. Or
you can look much taller by wearing a dress with a short hemline. The hemline might be ruffled
handkerchief
hi/low
or asymmetrical - whichever best suits you. There are also a-line and empire styles to take emphasis off your waistline if you are short-waisted. Your neckline could be sweetheart
halter
or v-shape.

Do you have an Hourglass
Pear
or Apple Shape?

With an hourglass shape
you are curvy with a medium-to-large sized bust. Your bottom is rounded and you have curvy hips. You can show off the curves with a sheath dress or de-emphasize them somewhat with a ball gown or a-line dress. To place more emphasis on the upper portion of your body
choose a dress with an embellished neckline.

With a pear shape
you are probably bottom-heavy
meaning your hips
thighs
and bottom are larger than the upper portion of your body. Choose prom dresses that flatter the upper half of your body such as a-line
empire
or ball gown dresses with a circular halter neckline. Or
a strapless dress might do the trick.

If your body is apple-shaped
your mid-section is probably heavier or thicker than other parts of your body. Maybe your tummy is larger than you would like. Choose dresses that take the emphasis away from your mid-section. An empire gown might work best with this type of figure. An a-line dress can work well too if you have a bodice with boning to give it a slimming effect.

Are you Athletic? Do you have a Large Build?

If you are muscular
have broad shoulders
or a large bust
choose a prom dress that will give you a feminine shape such as a ball gown or empire style dress. The full skirt will immediately add shape at your waistline. With broad shoulders
you might find that trying to cover them with wide straps or sleeves will make them look even wider. Try on a few strapless prom gowns first. You might be pleasantly surprised!

If you have a large bust
be sure your prom dress offers proper support. Choose v-necks or halters and either an a-line or ball gown. To draw attention away from your chest
wear a prom dress that has eye-catching details at its hemline.

With a full figure
there are more styles today than ever in plus size prom dresses. Don't feel uncomfortable on your prom night by trying to squeeze into a smaller gown. Find a dress that fits your body size and flatters your figure.

More "Accentuating" Prom Dress Ideas

There are even more ways you can accentuate certain areas of your body. Prom dresses can also come with stylish features such as beaded panels
a fully beaded bodice
accordion pleating
a jeweled beltline
embroidery designs
sheer overlays
trains
and removable skirts.

Use these tips to get an idea of what style will work best for your body type before you start shopping. Check online to look at various styles and colors. Most online stores carry a variety of dresses including prom dresses
evening dresses
and bridesmaid dresses
so you'll have no problem finding just the right dress.