THE ULTIMATE PROM DRESS BUYING GUIDE

What exactly is Prom? The definition might vary depending on who you talk to. There is no official History of Prom, but there are many tales, beliefs and traditions surrounding the practice which can be shared.

For some prom is a night that girls prepare for their entire high school year, waiting for that special moment when they can shop for formal prom dresses and show off their gorgeous attire at the dance that honors their high school career.

Prom is a formal dance that can be held anywhere from a school gym to a fancy hotel. Usually a DJ is hired, and juniors and seniors are invited to spend the night dancing and celebrating (though many believe that prom night should be officially reserved for seniors).

Some girls have described their prom night as their chance to be Cinderella. This is due in part to the heavy emphasis that is placed on wearing elegant gowns and fancy hair.

Some will assert that prom is a celebration of the year and the moment marking a young adult's transformation from high school to a life of adulthood.

Whether prom is a night to remember or just a dance, it does require a little preparation. One thing that is certain, choosing a prom gown requires a little thought and planning.

Buying Prom Dresses Online

Buying prom dresses online is one of the easiest and least time consuming ways to shop. It is also a lot of fun, because you get to check out hundreds more varieties than you would if you were shopping in a traditional store.

Online shopping also offers a wider variety of selections in one handy place. You can purchase cheap prom dresses, a designer prom dress, a discount prom dress, plus size prom dress and formal prom dresses easily just through the click of a button.

You can even shop for a designer prom dress or a discount prom dress in the same place! You can usually even find special occasion dresses (so you don't need to shop for a graduation dress at a later date) at the same time you are shopping for prom dresses online, because they're often sold together.

Whether you're looking for cheap prom dresses or designer ones, there are several things you should keep in mind to ensure you pick the perfect gown.

Body Type

Body type is an important consideration when shopping for an online prom dress. In fact some might say that this is THE most important consideration when shopping. You definitely want to select a dress that matches your body type. Don't pick a dress just because it looks good on the model displaying it on the net. Why? You probably have a different body type than she does. You should choose a gown that will play up your best features.

Consider your body. It is curvy? An hourglass shape often (characterized by a large bust, small waste and curvy hips) is one common body type. Maybe it's boyish (straighter waist, narrow hips and smaller bust). Are you round all over? Perhaps you are pear shaped (larger on the bottom than on the top). Take a minute to check out your body and decide on the shape. Then you can choose a dress that will flatter it.

Here are some prom dress selections for different body types:

Hourglass - Hourglass figures are lucky, they usually look good in almost anything. Consider strapless or halter top dresses, those with sashes and cinched waists.

Straight - If you have a boyish figure, you'll want to try avoiding body hugging dresses that might emphasize your squarer figure. Try an A-line dress that is slightly fitted which will help add volume and curves. Open shoulders are a good option. Consider a dress with a flared skirt.

Rounded - For rounder figured women there are many flattering dresses. Consider ones with a drop waist and low neckline. A low neckline helps enhance the bust and the drop waist lengthens your torso. An empire cut dress is also flattering because it lengthens the body and figure overall. You might try pairing this with a slightly flared skirt.

Pear Shaped - A-line dresses that are straight cut and empire waists are good selections for this body shape, because they lengthen the legs and torso, giving the appearance of balance and height.

Sizing

How do you know what size to buy? Size is actually a big problem for many women. The closer to your actual size you get the less likely you'll need alterations. That said keep in mind that manufacturers sizes vary. You may be a size 10 normally, but that may be an 8 in some dresses and a 12 in others. So how do you know which to buy? Fortunately almost all dresses listed online will have a manufacturers sizing chart handy!! You can figure out your size by taking your bust, waist and hip measurements. Then match up your measurements with those on the chart and you'll have your size!

What if the size you are doesn't match the manufacturers chart? Let's say your bust is a 38 which is a size 10 but your waist is equal to a size 6. Which do you buy? Always go with the measurement that is largest. It is easy to take away fabric when altering a dress, but not so easy to add on if you buy a size that is too small.