Ballroom Gowns and A-Line 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 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 green bridesmaid gowns 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 girls homecoming dresses 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.
In Search of the Perfect Connecticut Wedding Dress
So youe been to every bridal shop in Connecticut, consulted dozens of bridal magazines; and even met with a few bridal consultants and you still can find the perfect wedding dress. What should you do?
Many soon-to-be-brides have great difficulty finding the right wedding dress. It seems that there are too many choices and designs to choose from, making it too difficult of a decision to make. The way to tackle this important task is very simple; plan! Just as you plan every other facet of your wedding, you must also plan for your wedding dress.
What your budget?
Determining your budget is the first factor you need to consider before even looking at any wedding dresses. If you can afford between $4,000 ?$5,000 then it would be wise to seek the services of a couture bridal salon. Of course not all dresses in bridal salons are in that price range, but for the most part, their dresses are sold for higher prices.
Research
Go through several wedding/bridal magazines, and tear out the dresses that you prefer. Make a small file and bring it with you when you go shopping. Notice the small details like necklines, sleeves, design lines; fabrics such as laces, brocades, satins and silks; trims such as piping and embroidery. Decide what you like and don like; what in your budget and what not, and then visit the stores that stock the styles you like.
Visit more than one bridal shop
Go to several bridal shops that stock the styles that you like. You may have to make appointments to do this with some couture bridal salons, so be sure to call before hand and schedule an appointment. While you are there, try on several dresses that appeal to you, to help you decide which styles look flattering for your body type; and, be sure to bring someone with you that you trust. Remember, and this is important, that the size 2 model in the magazine will look great in anything, so some styles that you liked in the magazines may not be as flattering in the real world. Don be afraid to ask tons of questions to the stylist who is assisting you. If it a couture salon, find out how far in advance you need to place your order, how many fittings will be required, and how payments can be made.
Get a written quote
If youe decided on a design, get a written quote for the dress. Find out exactly what that quote includes. For example, some bridal salons charge extra for fittings and alterations. Be sure to know and understand everything before you place your order, to avoid any surprises.
Salon or custom designed
By now, you should have already decided whether you have found the gown of your dreams in a salon, or need to have it custom designed for you. Increasingly, brides are choosing the option of custom designed, as opposed to buying one from a selection in a salon. Nothing compares to a couture and one of a kind wedding dress made specifically or the bride. But this is a decision you must make for yourself. If you do choose custom designed, the next step is to find the right designer or dressmaker for you. Designers such as Monique Lullhier custom design services begin at $25,000.
Finally, remember that your wedding gown is the most important dress you will ever wear. It is the gown in which you will say do?to the man of your dreams. It is the gown in which you will be remembered long after the wedding. You may even see your daughter wearing it on her wedding day. Most of all, you should have a lot of fun shopping for the perfect wedding gown.
