High-Low, Lace-Covered, and Chiffon Prom Dresses
Types And Styles Of Prom Dresses - Terms And Definitions
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 black sweater dress 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 a line black dress 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.
An Exact Measurement on the Wedding Dress Will Enhance Your Look
An ideal wedding dress is of great importance for your special day. It flatters your figure, splurges your unique taste and personality. Also this special dress is a tangible symbol of your love. A perfect wedding gown will be a keepsake that will be treasured by you for years to come.
You will be the focus on the wedding day. You do want others to see your best. Although a large variety of modern wedding gowns are available today, most brides still opt for white pieces-the classic style. A pure color signifies your hopes for the future. However, before choosing the style or material, you need to take an exact measurement of your body!
The wedding gown can only become ideal if the size is exact. Here is a professional wedding dress designer who can provide you with some information about how to measure the most important parts for your wedding dress.
Design around the bust is rather crucial for the entire look of your wedding dress. Designers first take the measurement around the fullest part of your bust. The tape must be placed through your two nipples. Otherwise the size will be much smaller. You will never want the dress to be twinkled or distorted, won't you? Therefore, do measure on the highest parts of your bust.
Then, experts would like to take the size between your two nipples. Most brides have not emphasized on this part as they think this does not affect the look of wedding gown at all. However, designer gets to know whether the earlier bust size is comfortable for you in this way. An ideal look should be comfortable, right? A right size does not press your nipples.
Most sexy styles, like A-line, Mermaid and Ball Gown, hug the wearers' bodies rather tightly. Therefore, the size on the waist is also critical. A right size can best flatter your slim figure. Designers place the tape around the smallest part of your waistline to get the most exact size.
Like measuring the bust, the widest parts of your hips will be measured. Most elegant gowns begin evening dresses miami to flare near the hip. A wrong measurement must cause your dress to seem distorted. This directly affects the look of your figure.
The last but not the least, how long should your dress be? It's easy to take this size. If you choose a floor-length style, you should take the size between the top of your shoulder to floor. Remember to add your wedding shoes' height. You will not want an elegant gown with feet outside, won't you?
Other parts are much easier to be measured, like shoulder to nipple, shoulder to waist, shoulder to hips, shoulder to shoulder, neck and biceps.
A right size on the wedding dress helps you showing your best. There will be slight changes on the measurement due to different styles. Some parts need to be accented at times. But make sure be careful while measuring the above important parts.
