Before you begin searching for your prom or homecoming dress,
Prom And Homecoming Dresses For The 2006 Season.
Now is the time to start searching for prom and homecoming dresses for 2006. Its nice to allow yourself plenty of time, so you can relax and enjoy checking out all those gorgeous dresses before you decide which one is going to be absolutely perfect.
Before you begin searching for your prom or homecoming dress, you should have a clear idea in your mind of whether youre looking for a full formal, semi-formal or dressy casual style. Most high school proms are full formal, so its the perfect opportunity to wear that full length ball gown youve always dreamed of, or the kind of sophisticated formal dress you would reserve for the most glamorous occasions.
A homecoming dance or event will usually be less formal, but the dress code will depend on the event and on your particular schools tradition. The best way to get an idea of the kind of outfit which will be most appropriate is to just ask the senior students, or graduates if you know any.
Now is the time of year when the major trends are beginning to emerge for the coming season. There are a number of looks which are shaping up to be the big trends for 2006, so you have plenty of choice.
Prom and Homecoming Fashion Trends for 2006
Black is the new black. Of course, classic black never really goes out of style, but the sophisticated black dress will be one of the strongest trends for the 2006 prom season. Slinky shapes with glamorous floor length skirts are the main focus.
Bold, dramatic black and white will also be an important look, in particular the classic black and white paneled bodice with a solid white A-line skirt. Well also see solid black dresses with dramatic white detailing.
Winter white is still an important look, particularly with silvery beads and details.
Colors for 2006 will be bold and dramatic. Soft pastels have most definitely made way for striking rich reds, dazzling blues, sparkling golds, sunset yellows and even tangy citrus orange tones. If you like to be really daring with color, this will be the year for bold contrasts of two or more strong colors.
The sexy Grecian style gown is tipped to be a particularly hot look for the 2006 season, after Kelly Clarkson really turned heads with the stunning gold silk dress she wore at the VMA Awards in August. If you have a sensational figure, now is the time to really show it off!
Strapless ball gowns were the main attraction at the Golden Globe Awards in 2005, worn by everyone from Kim Kattrall of Sex and the City to Friends favorite Lisa Kudrow, so well be seeing a lot of this fabulous celebrity style in the upcoming prom season.
Fabrics will be shining, lustrous and glamorous, with satin and silk the main focus. Well also see lots of flowing chiffon, classic taffeta and gorgeous organza.
Beads, sequins, rhinestones, glitter, embroidery and and specialty detailing will also be a major trend, so if you love a little glamour its definitely going to be your year. There will be lots of beautifully beaded necklines and embroidered bodices. Extravagantly romantic lace, ribbons, tie-backs and bows will also be very much in vogue.
Theres no single strong trend in hemlines; its really a case of anything goes, be it a full floor length vera wang designer wedding dresses skirt, tea length, short or daringly short. Well also see everything from cheeky handkerchief hems to classic A-line shapes, long skirts with trains, funky asymmetrical hemlines, sexy slit dresses, and even elegant ballerina skirts. Its really a matter of choosing the skirt shape and length which best suits your figure and shows off your assets.
Prom and Homecoming Accessories
Beads and embroidery will also be in very much in vogue for prom and homecoming accessories. There will be lots of beautifully designed beaded and embroidered purses and shawls to complement the seasons gowns.
You can never go wrong with strappy mid to high-heel shoes to complement evening wear. Bear in mind when youre choosing your shoes that you not only want to look sensational, you also want to keep dancing all night, so look for evening shoes which are comfortable as well as stylish.
An alternative shoe style which will make a surprise appearance in 2006 will be ballet shoes. There will be lots of prom shoes in ballet styles, but theres no reason why you cant wear real ballet shoes, which are inexpensive and easy to find. With the right dress, theyll look absolutely gorgeous.
And the hot tip for jewelry is chandelier earrings, which look great particularly worn with your hair up to show them off. This will be the year for bold, extravagant, sparkling jewelry, including brooches, necklaces, bracelets, rings and tiaras with every kind of jewel, from dazzling rubies and emeralds to classic diamonds and pearls.
Wedding Dresses for Petite Brides
Many women have a difficult time finding a dress which suits their specific body type. Even someone with a perfect figure may find something to dislike, and wedding dress shopping can become frustrating if you focus on these points. Some petite women especially feel stressed shopping for a dress, since wedding gowns may seem to overwhelm small frames. Choosing a couture dress that is made especially for you is a great option if you have a petite build. But how do you choose the perfect dress style?
Consider a shorter dress
Most brides opt for a long wedding gown, but there are a number of short styles that work well for petite frames. A petite frame is one of the few body types that can actually get away with a mini skirt, so this should be at least considered if you fall into this category. You may not want to go that short on your wedding day, and if you do not that should be fine as well.
Do not limit yourself though by thinking that a long dress is the best idea. If you opt for dress choices that are shorter, you will have longer looking legs. This is a great visual trick for those who are lucky enough cheap plus size homecoming dresses to be petite. Several dress styles fall into this category; one which hit above the knee but still look very formal.
Do not get overwhelmed by beading or rhinestones
For many petite women, staying away from huge prints is a guideline of sorts. Large prints can be overwhelming for this type of frame, and choosing clothing with smaller prints is probably a good idea. Wedding dresses typically do not have prints, but they do have design elements like beading, rhinestones, and patterned lace. If any of these adorn your gown and are too large, you could seem like you are too small to give the dress structure. Dresses with small details such as tiny, delicate embroidery and beading should work well.
Look for a v-neck neckline
When someone looks at you, you want his or her eyes to travel vertically, in order to create the illusion that you are taller and leaner. One great way to do this is with a neckline shaped like a "v." V-neck dresses can be sleeved, a tank top style, or a halter-top. They work for almost any bust size as well, making this one of the most universally flattering necklines. V-neck halter dresses look great on petite brides.
Avoid horizontal "stripes." buy alfred angelo online
Most wedding dresses do not have patterns, but that does not mean that a dress can have somewhat of a horizontal stripe to it. In general, because you want people to look at you vertically, thus making you taller, a horizontal look just does not work. Be aware that lace, ruffles, beadwork, and other design elements can all add horizontal patterning to a dress. If you choose to add any of these touches to your dress, make sure to do so sparingly.
Use texture, not volume
Petite women often complain that they feel like they are 'swimming' in their clothing. With your wedding dress, fit is very important, and you should have your dress custom-made to fit your body like a glove. However, fit is not the only important aspect. When it comes to creating a full look that makes you feel like a princess without drowning you in fabric, think texture instead of layers. Dresses that have very light, airy fabric, but use beading, fabric details, and other special touches to create texture will work well on you.
Add a great pair of heels
When you try on wedding dresses, make sure you do so wearing a pair of heels, preferably ones with the same height heel you will wear on your wedding day. Even if you do not like heels, the right pair will feel fabulous on your feet and give you a bit of extra height. Even if you just wear a very low heel, the heels will make your legs appear longer, making you appear taller. Your bridal consultant should be able to help you find the perfect pair to match your dress and make you feel comfortable.
Being petite does not have to mean it is impossible to find the perfect wedding dress. There are literally hundreds of thousands of weddings dresses available, and there is one out there that will fit you perfectly. Talk to your bridal consultant about your concerns before you start pulling dresses to try on, and make sure you follow the above tips to avoid getting frustrated with dresses that do not fit your body type well. Before you know it, you will be walking proudly down the aisle in a classic, timeless dress you know has been created just for you.
