The right silhouette will accentuate your body type comfortably and leave you feeling confident throughout the entire prom. These are some of the most popular prom dress silhouettes and styles:
Silhouette & Shape Guide for Prom Dresses
- Ball Gowns – This magical silhouette is perfect for anyone who has ever wanted to feel like a fairytale princess. These dresses feature a fitted bodice and full, dramatically flared skirt.
- Fit & Flare -- Fit and flare dresses feature a fitted bodice and a flared skirt that starts just below the hip.
- Mermaid Prom Dresses -- Mermaid gowns create an ethereally enchanting shape with an extremely fitted, hugging the length of the body from the bust to the knee, where the fabric then starts to flare out into a romantic skirt. Unlike Fit and Flare or Trumpet dresses, Mermaid gowns flare immediately at or below the knee.
- Trumpet Skirt -- The Trumpet silhouette is a hybrid of the Fit and Flare and the Mermaid styles. This look features a fitted bodice that gradually starts to flare out, beginning at the hips. As the name suggests, the skirt resembles the shape of a trumpet’s bell.
- Sheath -- This style follows the natural flow and shape of the body, creating a narrow form from the neckline down to the hem for an effortlessly stunning look. Sheath dresses are typically lighter than dresses that feature fuller skirts, like A-lines and ball gowns.
- A-Line Prom Dresses -- A slimmer looking ball gown, A-line dresses feature a fitted bodice throughout the waist and hips with a skirt that gradually widens to create a beautiful A-shaped silhouette.
Cut & Style Guide for Prom Dresses
- Illusion -- These dresses feature a captivating see-through neckline or bodice made of a sheer mesh material and are usually adorned with dazzling embellishments and bold cutouts to create a stunning look.
- Off The Shoulder Prom Dresses -- Off the shoulder prom dresses have an exceptional neckline that helps show off a modest amount of skin. This style features a bit of classic flair with their delicate tiny sleeves and unique silhouette.
- Short -- These styles ditch the traditional long hemline and opt for a more laid-back length. Short prom dresses have just as much personality as the classic long ones, without all the skirt.
- High Neck Prom Dresses -- These designs are polished and refined and turn heads with their embellished necklines.
- Two Piece Prom Dresses -- These midriff-baring styles are audacious and sexy, but also feature options on the modest side as well. Two-piece prom dresses get rid of the conventional one-piece silhouette and offer a look that’s distinct and unique.
Body Type Guide for Prom Dresses
- Apple – This body shape carries weight in the middle section with a shorter waistline and slender legs. Dresses that feature an empire waist or heavily embellished tops help to draw attention to the upper body and create balance. A-line dresses with full skirts also look stunning on apple shaped bodies. Dresses with accent ruching at the waist can help create the appearance of a slimmer midsection.
- Busty – Busty body types have large bust area, narrowed hips, and an undefined waist. To create balance between a busty top and narrow lower body, choose a dress that hugs the hips and defines your waist. Avoid short dresses, as this can further cause an unbalance in your appearance.
- Slender – Slender body types have thin frames that should be accented! Fitted dresses look stunning on this body type, as well as empire waists, asymmetrical necklines, belted waists, or dresses that feature a high slit. Any dress that features an accent at the wait or hip can help add dimension to a slender body type.
- Hourglass – This figure is curvy with proportionate bust and hips balanced by long legs. Celebrate a well-defined waist with natural waistlines, form-fitting tops, dresses with v- or open-necklines, or wrap dresses.
- Pear – The pear body shape is one of the most versatile body types. This shape typically features a broader hip area, small bust, and well-defined waist. Create balance by adding volume to the upper body in a fitted open neck dress or one with a strapless top. Ballgowns and A-line dresses also look fabulous on this body shape.
- Petite – This body type is typically under 5’ 4” tall. Dresses that show a little leg, like short prom dresses or hi-low styles, help to create the appearance of length. Similarly, slim-fitting dresses with vertical prints or high necklines also help to create length and extend an otherwise petite frame.