Article Fashion

Young or old
every woman wants to dress to look her best. That's doubly true when it comes to formal occasions
since everyone will notice what others are wearing. Add in the pressures of being a teenager
and shopping for prom dresses can become a worrisome struggle. The good news is that there are evening dresses designed for every body type and individual style. Follow these simple guidelines for finding formal dresses that will make you look and feel great.

Body Image and Loving Yourself

There's not a teenager around who isn't self-conscious about some aspect of her body. After all
we live in a culture that has an idealized standard of beauty that is simply unrealistic. The models in the fashion magazines and the celebrities we admire are the exception
rather than the rule. "Real" women don't look like models
and you shouldn't feel pressured to conform to a standard that is unattainable.

Before you start looking for prom dresses
look in the mirror and learn to love the image that looks back at you. Whether you're petite or tall
thin or plus size
understand that you deserve to have both your inner and outer beauty shine through on prom night. Decide which of your physical features you'd like to accentuate
and which you'd like to downplay.

Accentuating the Positive

If you're petite
for example
perhaps you'd like to dress so that your torso or your legs look longer. If that's the case
look at styles with clean lines and that don't have a lot of excess fabric. Short cocktail dresses might be a good choice
as they draw attention to your legs. An empire waist will lengthen your appearance
and a sizzling pair of stilettos will add height.

Plus-size girls can choose from among a wide range of styles. If you're pear shaped
you can show off your booty with a form-fitting dress
or opt for a flowing
vertically draped skirt with a fitted bodice to balance out your figure. If you're apple shaped
V-necklines are especially flattering. An empire waist will draw attention upward
though there's nothing wrong with flaunting your curves.

If you have an hourglass shape
virtually every dress will enhance your figure. Draw attention to your upper torso with a fitted bodice or corset
or go for sheer elegance with pageant dresses. Prints and complementary color combinations will also serve you well.

Girls who are especially slender can go one of two ways. First
you can try styles that incorporate a lot of fabric
and that feature gathering or shirring. Second
you can draw attention to or enhance your bustline with styles that are embellished or that use a contrasting color at the bust.

If you have a full bust
you can either enhance the feature with a strapless gown or look for prom dresses with straps that are widely spaced to downplay your bust. V-necklines will also add length and draw attention upward toward your face.

Whatever your body shape
you can find prom dresses that are flattering
elegant
and fun. Most of all
remember that beauty comes from self-confidence
a sense of style
and self-love.