Prom Dress Inspirations from the Red Carpet in 2011

Prom dresses have a consistency from year to year not seen in many forms of dress. There are always dresses designed for girls who see prom as an opportunity to be a princess, show some leg or dance the night away. Any given year, there are girls who will snap up their long-envisioned garment despite current trends. However, there is also a subset that bases their style choices on popular culture and look to the celebrity red carpet as inspiration. Based on the looks we saw at the Golden Globes this year, there are a few definite styles floating about!

The Bizarrely Cut Princess Gown

Lea Michele exemplified the bizarrely cut princess gown at the Golden Globes with her Oscar de la Renta gown. To exemplify this type of style at prom, look for a figure hugging dress with excessive detailing at odd angles. If the dress has a ruffled train like Lea Michele's make sure it is to one side or slightly uneven in the application like Catherine Zeta-Jones' green Monique Lhuillier gown. (A photo slideshow of Golden Globes fashion is present in the Sources at the end of the article.)

The Decoupage Look

Heidi Klum and Helena Bonham Carter wore this look at the Golden Globes. It worked for them. Be careful when you opt for it though, as it can be a bit much for high school. To get a similar style for your prom, consider finding a graphic print fancy dress. Think Lady Gaga at the VMA's in 2010 with her Alexander McQueen dress versus art time in Pre-K.

If you decide to go full on wild with a dress a la Helena, couple it with equally bold accessories to make it look purposeful. Wear sneakers for a completely punk look or add netting for a complete and campy effect.

The Drop Dead Gorgeous Ball Dress

Olivia Wilde exemplified classic prom style at the Golden Globes with her strapless Marchesa gown. Any dress with a full skirt and tapered sparkle from top to bottom will help you grab a bit of the same romance with your prom attire!

The Long Sleeve Dress

Several starlets opted for long-sleeves at the Golden Globes, but the most notable were Anne Hathaway and Angelina Jolie. This is an iffy look for a spring prom versus a winter formal, but you can attempt to pull it off by choosing long sleeves on a form fitting dress without a lot of detailing. Think cutaways vs. sequins for dramatic effect!

These four looks highlighted at the Golden Globes are sure to find their way into prom dress choices this season and can be seen as basic style inspiration no matter the year or season!

Sources:

"Golden Globes Best & Worst Dressed 2011." Moviefone.
"Lady Gaga Alexander McQueen Gold Head Dress." Posh 24.