Saturday, April 14, 2012

Trends for 2012 Prom Dresses

While the prom may still be several months away, now is the time to start shopping for those 2012 prom dresses. You want to get your dress early, before all of the good ones are taken. It is also smart to allow plenty of time for any necessary alterations that will make the dress fit perfectly. Whether this will be your very first prom or your final prom before graduating, you will want a show-stopping dress. The main considerations that make a gown unique are the silhouette, neckline, hemline, color, fabric and embellishments.

This year, the biggest trend in prom dresses is the hi lo style, which is short in the front and long in the back. It gives prom goers the best of both worlds. The shorter front shows off shapely legs and allows for more freedom of movement, while the longer back provides an elegant touch. Coming in at a close second is the short cocktail dress. This is the ultimate party dress, because it is chic and sassy without being too formal. They are ideal for dancing.

Other trendy 2012 prom dress styles are the floor length mermaid, Grecian and column silhouettes. The mermaid is tight on top and through the hips, then it flares out at the knees. The main component of the column or sheath dress is the slim silhouette that is cut very close to the body. It often has a high slit to provide ease of movement. The mermaid and column styles really emphasize the curves, while the Grecian style gently skims the body. It has an empire waist and a long, loose skirt that floats away from the body. Some designs also have a slight back train.

Necklines range from the strapless sweetheart, to the one shoulder asymmetrical, to thin spaghetti straps, halters, and deep v-necks. The strapless necklines are tight, like a corset, and often have a ruched bodice with boning. The back may even lace up. Prom dresses with straps often have eye-catching jeweled embellishments that transition into a racerback. A lot of dresses also have a glitzy brooch or a cluster of jewels, sequins or rhinestones at the waistline or chest. Another modern touch is one or more cutouts. Typically, they are at the waist, but they can also be on the back or at the bust.

Feathered skirts are a major trend this year. Whether they are on a long, strapless gown or a short, cocktail dress, layers of feathers add drama and fun. The best way to wear a feathered skirt is with a tight top. For instance, a strapless, bustier style neckline with a fuller bottom will create balance. It is also less risque than the skin-tight cocktail dresses. The tiered, feathered skirts often have a ruffled wire hem inside to keep them from getting flat. Similar to feathers are rows of alternating ruffles and rosettes. Again, these will work on dresses of any length.

For a clean, uncluttered look, choose a column dress made from satin. They look like liquid when the dress moves. Another way to glisten is by wearing a dress covered with mirrored glass or sequins. When strapless designs have a heavily embellished top and an unadorned skirt, it creates an eye-pleasing contrast. Panels of overlays are featured on prom dresses this season. Some only seem to be transparent, while others actually are see-through. They can be the same color as the dress or a flesh tone. To create more excitement, sequins, beads or lace may be added on top of the overlays.

The color story is one that involves neutrals, flesh tones and electric shades. Grey is everywhere this year. It is a nice change from sliver, gold and bronze. However, they still remain popular. Pale tones, including blush, pink and champagne, are the newest colors. All the celebrities have been wearing them on the red carpet. For maximum impact, select yellow, red, blue or purple in a bright, bold shade.

With all of the wonderful options, choosing just one prom dress can be hard. Decide whether you want to look sexy, sophisticated, glamorous, ethereal or ready to party. Then, try on a ton of dresses until you find the perfect one.

No comments:

Post a Comment