Best Prom Dresses and Accessories for this year - Amazing Facts

As a follow-up to an old article on Spring fashion trends, I decided to do some additional research into the trends for this spring's prom dresses. It was, to say the least, eye opening, interesting and lots of fun. 

My trip to the local mall uncovered most of the same trends that I found at local boutiques as well as online. Here are the places I visited and that are reflected in this article: 
  • Dillards,
  • Macy's,
  • J.C. Penny,
  • Sears,
  • Catherines,
  • Chocolate Soup Boutique,
  • Deb Shop,
  • Magnolia Boutique,
  • Moniques,
  • Claire's Boutique,
  • Icing,
  • Elegant Fashions,
  • Payless Shoes,
  • Shoe Carnival,
  • Rack Room Shoes,
  • Shoe City, and
  • Burlington Coat Factory.
         I found it both interesting and exciting to see that many of the styles hearken back to the soft, romantic fashions of my day. I even found a prom dress very much like the one that I wore to my prom. However, there were also dresses with a decidedly modern twist; with a geometric feel. To me this indicates that the definitive "anything goes" trend of spring fashion seems to also apply to prom wear.

   I saw a lot of beautiful strapless gowns of tulle, chiffon, and organza in princess cut skirts designed to make their wearers both look and feel like Cinderella. But there were just as many sophisticated, form fitting gowns with bandage straps and flirty backs in luscious satins, silks, and jerseys. There were even a few highly sophisticated metallic gowns with a bit of a futuristic point of view. And then there were also gowns that blended a bit of the old with the new, combining lace, ruffles, pleats, or feathers with delicate halters or spaghetti straps that fit like a second skin.

Color is everywhere in hot pinks as well as bright and burnt oranges, daffodil yellows, and greens ranging from lime to deep olive. There are stunning rich turquoises, drop dead reds, soft pinks and wispy blues. But, blacks and whites also remain strong and metallics of gold, silver, bronze, and copper will definitely take center stage.

This year's gowns need not be solid in color. There will be mixed colors and graduated styles as well as plenty of wild 60's prints, tropical florals and even staid polka dots. Beading and crystals galore will be combined with ribbon and lace trims adorning gowns in unusual places like across the shoulder or around the waist.

There will be a lot of feminine pin tucking and soft ruching and lots of wide belts, both built in and added on. Expect to see floral appliques and embroidery all over as well as mere accent here and there. Think Old Hollywood glam with soft hip draping, fishtail hems, and an emphasis on the bust line.

Think both the long and the short of it because both are appropriate, although it looks as if floor-sweeping gowns are certain to make a big comeback this year. There will even be a few handkerchief hems and calf-length gowns to round out the picture.
Go simple, go elegant, or go over the top because this spring, each is equally acceptable. Accessories will include matching shawls, shrug jackets, and simple scarves. I even saw a few fake furs although I doubt that trend will have a strong following among most teenagers.

Shoes will focus heavily on strappy sandals in fabric, satin, ribbon, and rhinestone designs. They will be sexy in nature and high in length (from 2" to 4"). However, satin pumps, dyed to match gowns, will also remain strong and even a few ballerina slippers will find their way to the prom.

A major accessory for this year's prom will be the right undergarments. Spanx and other good body shapers will smooth and shape from under the bust to the ankle to prevent anything jiggly from showing underneath those body-hugging styles. Both strapless and invisible bras will be a requirements for many of this year's fashions and double stick tape will be an absolute must.

Some prom designers are recommending lacy gloves. It remains to be seen if that trend takes hold. It may well depend on the area of the country, the design of the dress, and the individual wearer's personal taste.

Jewelry will be both elegant and simple. Some will choose major bling with long drop and chandelier earrings from about 2" to shoulder duster length. Others will stick with simple pearl or diamond like studs or more delicate earrings. A major focus will be on the wrist with wide crystal and rhinestone cuffs and bangle bracelets of all kind.s

            Necklaces will be reserved for less decorative dresses and will definitely be individualized to the wearer's taste. There will be some with major bling, delicate pearls, and simple pendants. The one certainty about jewelry this year is that it will express an opinion.

Proms in this year should be colorful, playful, and loads of fun; with something for just about everyone. I almost wish I could attend, aslo said Charlotte Kuchinsky, the original author of the ideeas presented in this article.

Prom dresses:
Best Prom Dresses and Accessories for this year - Amazing Facts Esmee 5 of 5
As a follow-up to an old article on Spring fashion trends, I decided to do some additional research into the trends for this spring's p...