The Perfect Prom Dress

Want a prom dress that's going to turn everyone's head when you walk into the room? Want a prom dress that is different from everyone else's prom dress? Well you can have that perfect prom dress.

 What colors are in style for prom dresses? For the prom in 2007 you will see some new colors you have not seen in fashion for a while like navy and burgundy gold, raspberry, purple orange, black and white, and all the fun prom colors like turquoise, lime and fuchsia. Girls always love purple and this year for the prom you will see the best purple gowns. Royal blue is making a comeback big time for 2007--a sure winner. Royal blue is a real hot color this year. Gold and silver will be important and the new metallic lamé fabrics will show you off to the limit.

What kind of style should I focus on if I want to look sexy in my prom dress? Sexy prom dresses for 2007 are everywhere. Want to know what styles are hot? Glad you asked. I'll tell you. Ruffles (the french look), drapes, tiers, high slits, lace; hi-low hemlines and mermaid silhouettes are the sexy favorites for this year. They are making their way back into the heart of many teens for the prom. You'll see lots of sexy ball gowns. Everyone wants to like a princess.

What type of prom dress should I look for if I'm not that tall? Many girls that aren't so tall (like me) are going toward fitted silhouettes and flirty, little short dresses. These prom dresses come in an array of fun colors. Remember, you got to use what you got! Flaunt all your assets!

Helpful tips to finding the perfect prom dress:

Now keep in mind, any dress can look great on the hanger but remember you have to purchase a style and look that goes with your height, body shape, hair and skin coloring. Don't buy into the belief that there are a limited number of colors that work for you; instead, be your own best fashion designer and hold up dresses to your face to see which ones bring out your skin tones, eyes and hair the best.

Warm colors like fire engine red and coral look best on brunettes with darker coloring; cool pastels work for blondes. But there are a myriad of colors -- metallic gold and silver included -- that work for all colorings.

If you're not sure what type of prom dress style to go with for the prom drag a friend to a store and get a second opinion while trying on lots of colors to see which ones compliment your look best.

Learn to embrace your body, too. If you aren't comfortable in curve-hugging dresses because of too much jiggle, then try a body slimmer underneath for more control.

Everyone has at least one great asset, even if it's something as simple as thick hair, white teeth or nice legs.

You don't have to do anything too extravagant to show off your best feature, just make sure that your look shows it off and enhances it. If your best feature is great skin, the last thing you'd want to do is cover up every inch of it with clothing.

Dressing for your best feature is less about dressing for size or age and more about making the best of what you have to work with.

One important thing to remember is when you're looking to buy a prom dress focus on a bling bling dress or bling bling accessories not both. If you have both it would be to overwhelming to the naked eye and one will take away from the other. The idea here is to make either the dress or the accessories the focus, not both.

For example, a bronze strapless gown with no adornment could carry a chunky diamond bracelet and necklace or a pair of chandelier earrings. Solid color dresses and neutrals are a great backdrop for colorful jewels.

On the other hand, the more ruffles, tiers and beading a dress has, the simpler the accessories should be. It doesn't mean you have to go bare but you need to use self-control and choose smaller pieces.

The difficulty to dressing for special occasions such as homecoming or the prom is that young women look wrong if they dress their age: in froufrou dress, young women/girls look ready for prom. Look at magazines web sites and see what's in style. You don't want to go looking like grandma just run over by a reindeer!

Different styles to consider:

Movie Star Style

Want to look like a movie star? Show your sense of style with a designer-inspired gown: many labels create their own jazzed-up versions of celebrity-chic dresses. Dresses by Jovani, Paris, Clarisse, Mori Lee, and Niteline, are famous for producing red-carpet looks at an affordable price. Important red carpet looks this year include one-shoulder Grecian gown and empire waist dresses.

Elegance

If the movie star prom dress isn't for you then tone down the look and choose a cool cocktail dress look. Whether you favor aristocratic circle skirts or sleek, trimmer hems, this dress will come in handy for other occasions

Princess Look

Elegant trains add serious punch. Go for a small drape (called a duster) or full-on train (called chapel) - either way, your exit leaves a definite lasting impression.

Covering Dresses

A movie star favorite, covering dresses are as comfortable as they are stunning. Keep in mind that with a simple dress like this, accessories are a must! From pearls to diamonds to a mix of pendants, anything goes. Bling bling all the way!

The Wow Look

Let the little Marilyn Monroe come out with a mega feminine, hip-hugging gown. Select dresses made with delicate fabrics, like satin or silk, that drapes well and creates curves. To keep with the retro tone, finish with a clutch purse and peep-toe pumps.

Girly Girl Skirts

Stemmed from summer's plain skirt rage, tiered skirts are having a serious comeback. This trend can go two very unique routes: the sophisticated ballroom skirt or the breezy "plain dress".

Black is Back

If you plan on sporting your prom dress again, the little black dress is a classic. Choose a sleek string dress, flirty shift, or take your look from Audrey Hepburn with a chic prom dress.

It's high but Boy Is It Low.

Last year's asymmetrical hem has been replaced by the "high-low" dress. The hem, which is short in the front and longer in the back, is so unique and adorable; you'll have all eyes on you! It's a great alternative because it's short enough to dance in but long enough to look dressy.

Strapless Baby

Strapless prom dresses have become a prom staple for great reason. They are equal parts sassy and classy. They flatter any figure. And they don't require a necklace. Keep your eyes out for dresses with beautiful beading and elegant embroidery around the bust-a big style this year.

Homecoming Queen

The ultimate Cinderella-at-the-ball dress and accessories. A bouffant skirt and otherwise simple top combination is for the homecoming queens at style. These gowns require minimal accessories because they're so show stopping. But make sure you get home before midnight. Yeah right!

The best advice I tell young girls looking for the perfect prom dress is to have fun with fashion. Try something new: venture into a store that you've never shopped in, try on dresses that you always wanted to wear, but was afraid to try on. The idea is to push the limits of your prom wardrobe and experience innovative looks.  Sorin Adrian