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 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.
Dressing up for winter or any season for that matter should not just be about comfort but also about style. A person should dress in clothing wears that are right not just considering the weather but also the fashion value of the clothing wear.
A person who wants to keep cool in style should invest in very good cardigan cashmere sweaters. Buy some very classy colors and pieces and mix and match them with the wardrobe. A person does not have to spend a dollar more for his wardrobe if only he knows how to buy classic pieces and how to mix them with other clothing and accessories.
The though of investing in a cardigan cashmere sweater can raise an eyebrow for some who are on a tight budget but compute the value of the clothing wear you have an d you will find out that cardigan cashmere sweaters may cost a little more but they will definitely be cost effective in the long term.
The fashion taste pf a person can make or break his career and profession. No matter how people say that a person should not be judged by his looks, the latter will always be a major determining factor in the success or failure of a person.
Investing in a cardigan cashmere sweater can be considered a good investment which will bear fruit in the long run. Cardigan cashmere sweaters are very casual and classy and they can be mixed with the right bottom pair to make them look new and unique.
Cardigans are more popularly known as the sweaters worn by Irish fishermen but they have come a long way in the fashion business, Cardigans today are among the basic wardrobe components that should not be missed by any person who wants to dress decently and keep himself warm in the process.
Cardigans are those vest-like sweaters that can be used to match a less bulky sweater inside. The color combination of the cardigan and the undershirt can make or break the fashion statement of the wearer. They can be made of ordinary wool, cotton, cashmere or other materials but cashmere cardigans are the best because they are soft to the touch.
Cardigan cashmere sweaters are fashionable wears for both men and women and even for children! They can be worn in any occasion and since they are cashmere cardigans, they will always exude casual class no matter who wears them.
A fashionable woman who wants to keep herself warm and looking fabulous at the same time can wear a long sleeved ruffled shirt with a cashmere cardigan sweater topping and a long or short denim skirt. Complete the look with a boots and the person is on her way to the top of the fashion best wear list!
Some cashmere cardigans can be worn in the office and women can soften the effect of a manly cardigan cashmere sweater by adding a few accessories like a sash perhaps or hoop earrings. Feminine bags can also make the look more feminine and fashionable.
Whatever the season is, a person should never make it an excuse to lose his fashion sense. Always dress for the occasion and the benefits will come in the form of peer approval or even a promotion.