How To Find The Right Prom Dress For Your Body Type

The time that you've been waiting for all throughout your freshman and sophomore year is finally here: prom. You've saved your allowance or weekend job money for months so that you can buy the perfect prom dress. You want a dress that stands out, that shows off your fashion sense, but most of all, you want a dress that makes you look fantastic!

All body types are different, and it's okay to acknowledge that a dress that looks great on your friend might not look great on you, and vice versa. In order to find a dress that looks great on you - not just on the rack - you need to be sure the dress has characteristics that are flattering to your body type.

Camouflaging Junk in the Trunk

If you're concerned about minimizing a larger backside, it's good to stay away from clingy, sheath-style dresses which cling to the hips and buttocks. Instead, draw attention away from the backside with full-skirted gowns and fitted bodices which focus the eyes on your slim waistline and create that hourglass look.

Dresses for Pear-Shaped Body Types

If you're bottom-heavy, finding a dress that looks great can be a challenge, but it doesn't need to be a traumatizing experience. Steer clear of slim sheath dresses, clingy fabrics and skintight gowns, aiming instead for ball gown-style dresses with fitted bodices and full skirts. Fitted bodices and corset-style dresses help to create an hourglass figure, and they give you the opportunity to show off your shoulders and waistline. Don't be afraid to give your bust a boost with as much padding as you need!

Camouflaging Chubby Arms

Sweetheart necklines and prom dresses that emphasize cleavage pull attention away from your arms. It's generally good to avoid strapless and spaghetti strap dresses, which tend to draw more attention to your upper body. A dress with sheer lacy sleeves, an embroidered half length jacket or a matching shawl are all great ways keep attention off chubby arms.

Tummy-Flattening Prom Dress Styles

If you're worried about a little tummy flab, skip the spanx and skintight gowns and go for a more flattering empire waisted dress or a dress with a corset-style bodice. Showcasing cleavage and toned legs is a great way to draw attention towards your body's more flattering assets.

Dresses for Top-Heavy Body Types

While V-necklines can draw excess attention to your shoulders and bust, sweetheart and scoop necklines accentuate shoulders and cleavage while minimizing bust and shoulder size. Halter top style dresses are also a nice way to minimize broad shoulders. Heavily beaded, embroidered or embellished bodices should be avoided, as these make you appear more top heavy. Likewise, fussier fabrics like velvet and taffeta can make your bust appear more bulky than it actually is.

Dresses Which Make You Look Taller

Long, ball gown style dresses tend to accentuate your height, so if you want to appear taller, go for a shorter prom dress with an A-line, sheath or silhouette style. These styles draw the eye downward, and they allow you to showcase your great legs and a beautiful pair of high heels, which can add more height.