Choose the Perfect Prom Dress for Your Body Style

Choose the Perfect Prom Dress for Your Body Style
Kathryn Lively

As you make preparations for your senior or junior prom, you’ve no doubt spent much of the school years thinking about the type of prom dress you want to wear. The prom is perhaps your first formal outing, and you want to stand out among your classmates in a unique prom gown that flatters your figure. Because teen girls’ bodies come in different heights and sizes, you’ll know that what may look good on your friend may not fit you just right. Know which dress styles are suited to your frame will help determine the prom outfit that’s right for you.

When you look online for different prom dresses, note how each gown or cocktail style dress is cut. Consider your body; look at yourself in the mirror to determine your shape. Are you petite with a small bust? If so, you will do well with a sheath dress or a short prom dress with a full skirt that flatters your legs. If you want to add the appearance of height, an empire cut with its high waist and length is the one to choose.

The empire length prom dress is a good choice for taller girls as well, particularly girls who don’t have a full bust to fill out a thin-strapped dress. The high cut gives the impression of a shapelier upper body.

Plus-sized girls looking for a dress may want to look for floor-length gowns that are either strapless or have spaghetti straps. This style typically emphasizes the bust area and hourglass figure.

Whatever your size and figure, there is a beautiful formal gown suitable for your body style. Choose colors and features that slim your waist and bring attention to your best features, and you will outshine everybody.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on prom dresses and prom gowns.