Buy A Prom Dress to Fit Your Body Style!
By Antigone Arthur
THE ULTIMATE PROM DRESS BUYING GUIDE
What exactly is Prom? The definition might vary depending on who you talk
to. There is no official History of Prom, but there are many tales, beliefs
and traditions surrounding the practice which can be shared.
For some prom is a night that girls prepare for their entire high school
year, waiting for that special moment when they can shop for formal prom
dresses and show off their gorgeous attire at the dance that honors their
high school career.
Prom is a formal dance that can be held anywhere from a school gym to a
fancy hotel. Usually a DJ is hired, and juniors and seniors are invited to
spend the night dancing and celebrating (though many believe that prom night
should be officially reserved for seniors).
Some girls have described their prom night as their chance to be Cinderella.
This is due in part to the heavy emphasis that is placed on wearing elegant
gowns and fancy hair.
Some will assert that prom is a celebration of the year and the moment
marking a young adult's transformation from high school to a life of
adulthood.
Whether prom is a night to remember or just a dance, it does require a
little preparation. One thing that is certain, choosing a prom gown requires
a little thought and planning.
Buying Prom Dresses Online
Buying prom dresses online is one of the easiest and least time consuming
ways to shop. It is also a lot of fun, because you get to check out hundreds
more varieties than you would if you were shopping in a traditional store.
Online shopping also offers a wider variety of selections in one handy
place. You can purchase cheap prom dresses, a designer prom dress, a
discount prom dress, plus size prom dress and formal prom dresses easily
just through the click of a button.
You can even shop for a designer prom dress or a discount prom dress in the
same place! You can usually even find special occasion dresses (so you don't
need to shop for a graduation dress at a later date) at the same time you
are shopping for prom dresses online, because they're often sold together.
Whether you're looking for cheap prom dresses or designer ones, there are
several things you should keep in mind to ensure you pick the perfect gown.
Body Type
Body type is an important consideration when shopping for an online prom
dress. In fact some might say that this is THE most important consideration
when shopping. You definitely want to select a dress that matches your body
type. Don't pick a dress just because it looks good on the model displaying
it on the net. Why? You probably have a different body type than she does.
You should choose a gown that will play up your best features.
Consider your body. It is curvy? An hourglass shape often (characterized by
a large bust, small waste and curvy hips) is one common body type. Maybe
it's boyish (straighter waist, narrow hips and smaller bust). Are you round
all over? Perhaps you are pear shaped (larger on the bottom than on the
top). Take a minute to check out your body and decide on the shape. Then you
can choose a dress that will flatter it.
Here are some prom dress selections for different body types:
Hourglass - Hourglass figures are lucky, they usually look good in almost
anything. Consider strapless or halter top dresses, those with sashes and
cinched waists.
Straight - If you have a boyish figure, you'll want to try avoiding body
hugging dresses that might emphasize your squarer figure. Try an A-line
dress that is slightly fitted which will help add volume and curves. Open
shoulders are a good option. Consider a dress with a flared skirt.
Rounded - For rounder figured women there are many flattering dresses.
Consider ones with a drop waist and low neckline. A low neckline helps
enhance the bust and the drop waist lengthens your torso. An empire cut
dress is also flattering because it lengthens the body and figure overall.
You might try pairing this with a slightly flared skirt.
Pear Shaped - A-line dresses that are straight cut and empire waists are
good selections for this body shape, because they lengthen the legs and
torso, giving the appearance of balance and height.
Sizing
How do you know what size to buy? Size is actually a big problem for many
women. The closer to your actual size you get the less likely you'll need
alterations. That said keep in mind that manufacturers sizes vary. You may
be a size 10 normally, but that may be an 8 in some dresses and a 12 in
others. So how do you know which to buy? Fortunately almost all dresses
listed online will have a manufacturers sizing chart handy!! You can figure
out your size by taking your bust, waist and hip measurements. Then match up
your measurements with those on the chart and you'll have your size!
What if the size you are doesn't match the manufacturers chart? Let's say
your bust is a 38 which is a size 10 but your waist is equal to a size 6.
Which do you buy? Always go with the measurement that is largest. It is easy
to take away fabric when altering a dress, but not so easy to add on if you
buy a size that is too small.
About The Author:
With more than 10 years professional experience, freelance writer Antigone
Arthur has completed a number of informative articles providing valuable
insight for consumers on such topics discount prom dresses, formal prom
dresses, and plus size prom dresses.