Fashion Forward Prom

Prom - the dance of all dances. When it comes to planning and preparation, no high school rite of passage compares to this one. Every year, dress and bridal shops rejoice in creating spectacular window displays, all designed to bring in those of us who are searching for the ultimate prom dress. Let's face it. Every girl is unique, and not any average dress will do. The dress serves as the center of the entire prom ensemble; shoes, accessories, hairstyles, and make-up will all be selected around the dress. While it is important to consider the latest trends, it is always best to select a dress that corresponds to your own unique personal style. Additionally, the right dress should compliment your body style and be comfortable to wear.

Dress Length for 2009

For the upmost of trend-setters, 2009 is the year of "the shorter the better." The focus has shifted from ankle-length dresses to tea-length, knee-length, and mini-skirt dresses. Although this is the trend, it by no means suggests that you MUST purchase a short dress. Depending on height and body proportion, short dresses may not be flattering on everyone. If you prefer ankle-length dresses, have no fear. There are many updated versions of this style that lend themselves well to other 2009 dress trends.

Dress Design for 2009

For 2009, the focus is on beadwork - the more beads, the better! This detail is great because it creates endless design options. Depending on the glam factor you wish to achieve, you can have beads sprinkled all over your dress or simply clustered in specific areas you wish to draw attention to. If you are not a beadwork type of girl, consider a dress in a bold print. Animal prints with boldly colored sashes are quite popular this year. Polka-dots are also making a comeback, along with ruffles and bows.

Dress Colors for 2009

When selecting a dress color, bear in mind that pastels are out for 2009. This year, the focus is on rich, bright shades of orange, yellow, pink, and royal blue. If the bright color trend is not for you, consider updating your more neutral dress with bright accessories. As always, white, black, and red are classic colors that naturally make a statement. Remember, although trends are fun, you can never go wrong with a classic.

When it's all said and done, the most important quality of any dress is how you feel in it. A dress that makes you feel beautiful will make you look beautiful as well. Regardless of the trend, for a dress to be memorable, you should always strive to add your own unique touches to it. Any girl can pull together a look straight from a magazine, but at the end of the night, the most unique and personal expressions of style are often the most remembered.

Trisha's Top 5 Prom Dresses of 2009

1. Strapless Pink Ombre Dress - Betsey Johnson

View and order here.

This dress is of "just above the knee" length with a flared a-line skirt. The bodice is pleated, with a square neckline and rosette accent. It has a shirred empire waste with an ombre skirt. This is a safe choice for most figures because a-line skirts tend to be universally flattering.

2. Sexy Strapless Slit Gown - Sherri Hill

View and order here.

This dress is floor-length with a high slit in front. It has a corset-style top with a sequined bow accent. The lining of the dress also sports the same sequins. The dress is a bold shade of midnight blue which makes a dramatic statement.

3. Strapless Tulle Layer Dress - Allure Bridals

View and order here.

This dress is part of the "Evenings" line offered by Allure Bridals. It is of floor-length with a layered a-line skirt. The bodice is lightly ruched with a ruffled, tiered skirt. The dress boasts intricate beadwork and embroidery embellishments. The color scheme is a black and silver combination.

4. Fun and Flirty Polka Dot Strapless - Tiffany Designs

View and order here.

This is a strapless gown with a square neckline and empire waist. The bodice is beaded and the waist is accented with a red bow. The skirt is a-line style and polka-dotted. Color schemes include navy/red/ivory and black/red/white.

5. Gorgeous Charmeuse Halter - Faviana

View and order here.

This dress features a halter, v-neckline with criss cross ruching and side cut-outs at the waist. It is a floor-length gown in a bold shade of yellow. It features an a-line skirt with tie-back and jeweled strap. The entire ensemble is classic with a surprising twist in the back. Dress is also featured in blue.