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A GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROM DRESS FOR YOUR
BODY TYPE
ibody, MY PROM
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION: FIRSTS, FORMALS & TRICKS OF THE TRADE ............................... 3
ARE YOU READY? .................................................................................................. 5
YOUR BODY TYPE: MAKING THE ASSESSMENT ..................................................... 6
DRESS BY DESIGN .................................................................................................. 7
SIX BODY TYPES FOR LIMITLESS STYLE ................................................................ 16
A IS FOR THE APPLE SHAPED GIRL ....................................................................... 17
ATHLETIC, SLENDER & STRAIGHT – THE GIRL WITH THE BOYISH FIGURE ........... 21
TIMELESS FIGURE - THE HOURGLASS .................................................................. 25
PAIRINGS FOR THE PEAR SHAPED GIRL ............................................................... 29
SHORT, SWEET & PETITE ..................................................................................... 33
THE PLUS SIZED GIRL - EXTRA STYLE FOR THE GIRL WITH MORE ........................ 37
CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 41
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INTRODUCTION: FIRSTS, FORMALS, FIGURES & TRICKS
OF THE TRADE
Every girl in the world will experience her share of firsts in this world. Eventually
she will experience the joy of knowing her first love. She will feel the pain of
experiencing her first heartbreak, and she will savor the excitement of driving for
the first time. These can all happen during her first years of high school.
Sometime in between, she will have the experience of enjoying her first formal
event, and one the highlights of her teenage life, prom (which includes a whole
lot of other firsts altogether)!
Prom is such a landmark occasion in a young girl’s life. Prom could be hailed as
her unofficial coming out party. For many young adults, prom is their first formal
event. Prom night can be viewed as a pre-cursor to a woman’s wedding day –
jokingly of course. By no means does any parent worth their sequins expect for
their children to get hitched on prom night, although stranger things have
happened.
Just as prom is her first formal event, it usually is her first time purchasing a
formal gown. In an effort to commemorate and appreciate this special occasion,
she will need all the help she can get! Now there are many resources that she can
refer to in order to determine what style of dress she may want to wear. The
possibilities are endless. All she has to do is pick up the latest copy of Vogue,
Seventeen, Cosmo or Vanity Fair and she will be saturated with endless ideas and
images of the latest in formalwear and couture. We see A-list celebrities rocking
the latest frocks. They may feature side by side photos of stars wearing the same
dress, comparing who wore it best. They are even kind enough to give us fiscally
fashionable look-a-like/ knock off ensembles so that we do not have to break the
bank to look fabulous!
However, the only drawback in these glossy magazines is that the images we see
are hardly (if ever), parallel to what our image may reflect in the mirror.
Moreover, the models we see are conditioned or manipulated by the wonders (or
horrors) of photo shopping and airbrushing to present an unattainable illusion of
visual perfection. This is not to say that their looks are impossible to mimic, but
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let’s be honest. They don’t even look like that! It is true that many of our
favorite A-list stars are great beauties, but they have several resources that the
average girl may not have to make her look like she stepped fresh off of the cover
of the aforementioned magazines. They have hired glam squads complete with
hair, makeup and wardrobe stylists. On top of that, they have hair
weaves/extensions, false eyelashes, contact lenses, augmented body parts,
personal trainers, chefs, dietitians, plastic surgery and body shape wear in their
arsenal to help pull off the imagery. SPANX® anyone?
But knowing and understanding that this trickery is the nature of the beauty,
fashion and entertainment industries, it is imperative for young girls to have a
conscious and healthy awareness of their own body image. Moreover, having
that knowledge is not only beneficial for their own well-being, but they are
primary factors that they need to know when they select their dream dress or
gown (because there is a difference) for prom. In fact all women should know
specifically what their body type is. As a growing and blossoming young woman,
this task may be difficult. It may seem that you are changing daily and your
clothing can fit differently depending on what day it is! One week your favorite
dress can fit you like a glove, the next day it can cling to you like a worn out sock!
Nevertheless, going forward, knowing your body type will enable you to choose a
gown that flatters your physique and complements your flaws accurately and
proportionately. This knowledge is long term and very beneficial because you will
be able to make better wardrobe choices beyond prom.
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ARE YOU READY?
So…are you ready to be a vision of lovely fabulousness? Prom is definitely the
night for it. Hopefully the following information will help you identify your body
type. You may fall somewhere in between, but the intent is for you to identify
your features and choose what styles will reveal the best you. Don’t be afraid to
experiment. Prom night is all about you. Feel free to do whatever you need to
do, and spend all the time you need. Play with it!
After all, a little retail therapy always does a girl good!
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YOUR BODY TYPE: MAKING THE ASSESSMENT
Okay girls. It’s time to have a truth moment. Go ahead. Do it. Examine yourself
in a full length mirror. It is amazing how we do not take the time to be honest
with ourselves when we look in the mirror. Yet, at the same time we are brutally
hard on ourselves because of our flaws. However, in this instance you have to be
sincerely honest with yourself. Sure there are probably areas where you may
need improvement, because there is always room for improvement. But unless
you have entered a prom boot camp, or started a training program to whip
yourself into shape (pre-prom), there is no need to focus on your flaws. Knowing
your body type will help you accentuate your best features and disguise your
flaws.
So what do you see? Long arms? Short torso? Wide hips? Are you a wellendowed, busty girl? Well if some of these assets sound familiar, there is a name/
type for your figure. As a young woman, it may be a little difficult to determine
which shape is yours. You may have one attribute but not the others. Don’t
worry. This guide will cover them and also show you which dresses work best for
your figure.
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DRESS BY DESIGN
Before you strike out to buy the dress of your dreams, it is good to understand
the terms and actual names of the types of dresses you will encounter. Doing so
will help you keep your eye out for the dresses associated with your body type.
These dresses will be easy to spot as you become familiar with their attributes.
A-Line Dress
This very popular dress is a standard in fashion. Coined by couture extraordinaire
Christian Dior, and popularized by celebrated designer Yves Saint Laurent, the
dress is characterized by its “A” shaped silhouette. The top is slim and fitted at
the hips, followed by a full skirt. The necklines will differ, but the concept will
always be the same. This style is also referred to as a Princess gown. Other
styles with fuller skirts are also referred to as ballroom gowns.
http://www.amormoda.com/A-line-Princess-Strapless-Floor-length-Tulle-Prom-Dress-With-RuffleBeading-018002491-g2491
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Empire Gown (waist)
Another popular style, the French inspired Empire (umpire) gown has a high
waist, fitted bodice and a wide, long or short skirt.
http://www.amormoda.com/Empire-One-shoulder-Short-Mini-Chiffon-Holiday-Dress-With-RuffleFlower-S-020003254-g3254
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Sheath Dress
This dress is a mainstay. It is usually very elegant and understated as it is meant
to hug the body and show off the figure. The dress is available in both long and
short styles.
http://www.cache.com/detail/red-criss-cross-back-dress/W8010A70281580/60
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Mermaid Dress
This dress is pretty self-explanatory. The skirt is closely fitted and the train
(sweep train) gives the illusion of a mermaid’s tail and fin. This is a very trendy,
sexy, and elegant dress with mass curve appeal!
http://www.amormoda.com/Mermaid-One-shoulder-Sweep-Train-Tulle-Sequined-Evening-Dress017014549-g14549
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Asymmetrical Hem Line
This angular treasure is a staple among many cutting edge designs and collections.
The dress has varying lengths and is usually cut away from the central hem of the
dress.
High-Low Dress
The front is high, the back is low. Get it? Old Hollywood glamour resurrected.
http://www.amormoda.com/A-line-Princess-Sweetheart-Asymmetrical-Organza-Prom-Dress-With-LaceBeading-018042525-g42525
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Tea Length Dress
This is a formal or semi-formal gown that has a full skirt that falls at or below the
knees, or at the calves.
http://www.amormoda.com/A-line-Princess-Sweetheart-Tea-length-Organza-Homecoming-Dress-WithRuffle-Sash-Flower-S-022015962-g15962
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Peplum Dress
The peplum dress is retro but it is one of the hottest trends today. The peplum
dress adds dimension from its ruffle, attached to the waistline of its skirt.
http://www.tjformal.com/p6927038/black-and-white-by-mac-duggal-dress-64549r.html#subtitle
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Necklines & More
Formal dresses come in many styles, lengths and variations. Throughout this
document, there will be references to different features and embellishments.
Please use the following illustrations as a guide if you are unsure of the
description. You will surely need clarity when you are shopping for your perfect
dress.
http://bizwin.hubpages.com/hub/how-to-sew-necklines-on-dress
http://erichimel.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Neckline-300x262.jpg
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Bunched skirts
Bunched skirts (bubble skirt) are skirts that are usually tiers, layers (or pleats)
sewn at the hemline and creates a bubble-like effect.
http://www.tjformal.com/p5602595/27595.html#subtitle
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SIX BODY TYPES FOR LIMITLESS STYLE
The body shapes for women have been classified as six multi-faceted shapes.
Many women may argue and dispute that there are more than six, and possibly
twelve or more. Although that may be true, this document will focus on the main
six; Apple, Slender, Hourglass, Pear, Petite and Plus.
Apple
Slender/Slim
Pear
Petite
Hourglass
Plus
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Mariah Carey
http://www.gotceleb.com/mariah-carey-at-the-american-idol-finalists-event-2013-at-the-grove-201303-10.html/mariah-carey-at-the-american-idol-finalists-event-2013-at-the-grove-03
A IS FOR THE APPLE SHAPED GIRL
It may sound funny, but the powers that be has given women and girls’ body
shape names comparable to inanimate objects. Should you be offended? Nah.
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But you actually should take offense if you are wearing clothes that do not
complement your frame. So what exactly is an apple shape? An apple shaped girl
has features that resemble the characteristics of an apple, although she does not
look like an apple. She is usually wide in the middle (stomach /abdomen area)
and smaller on her top half; with narrow shoulders. She has average sized breasts
and her legs and thighs are average as well. This girl does not have a reason to
loathe her body, for she can find garments to accent her features and look
fabulous.
PLAY UP THESE FEATURES
To create a seamless illusion, you want to decrease the attention from your
midsection by bringing attention to the upper portion of your body. Your neck
should be free from distraction, bare and uncovered. If you are edgy and daring,
(and if you have mom and dad’s approval) play with your neckline a little bit. If
you are well endowed, go with a small to medium V-neck. If you are a little less
blessed in the chest area, try a deep V-neck, scooped neck, or U-neck dresses.
Also try strapless dresses, sleeveless tunic dresses or dresses with sweetheart
necklines.
SAY YES TO THIS DRESS
Apple girls, the sheath dress is the garment of choice for you. This is nothing to
sneer at. The sheath dress is chic, classic and so now! The design of the sheath
dress draws attention away from the mid-section. A sheath A-line dress with a
loose moving skirt is a great option for the Apple shaped beauty. Apples should
search for dresses with Empire waist lines. Empire waists will give a slimming
effect. Avoid dresses that have built in waistlines that will hug you in the wrong
places. To show a different variation, try rocking a crop jacket or an
accompanying jacket (leave it open) with a cinched waist. Bright and appealing
colors are your friend!
Famous Apples: Angelina Jolie, Drew Barrymore, Tyra Banks, Catherine ZetaJones and Jessica Simpson.
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http://www.amormoda.com/A-line-Princess-One-shoulder-Floor-length-Chiffon-Prom-Dress-WithRuffle-Beading-Sequins-018020706-g20706
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http://www.tjformal.com/p7511167/blush-by-alexia-dress-9724.html#subtitle
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Gwyneth Paltrow
http://www.harpersbazaar.com/cm/harpersbazaar/images/Sk/hbz-march-cover-gwyneth-paltrow-118xVdzo-xln.jpg
ATHLETIC, SLENDER & STRAIGHT – THE GIRL WITH THE BOYISH
FIGURE
For some, your body is to be envied by all females. You never gain weight. Your
stomach is flat. You can wear all things sleeveless, and you can get away with
wearing just about anything. But sometimes to the girl who thinks she looks like
a twelve year old boy, these are not things to be proud of. For some slim girls,
wearing a dress is the last thing on their bucket list because they may feel that
they do not have the feminine softness or curves to pull it off. Not true!
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PLAY UP THESE FEATURES
You do have choices because you still have assets like everyone else. Show off
that slim figure by adding some grace. Your legs should be front and center, so a
short frock is prime for that! We love your bare shoulders and lean arms. Chiffon
sleeves, strapless, spaghetti straps, one shoulder or off the shoulder looks will
keep them all staring. Steer clear of long unflattering gowns. They will do
nothing for your shape.
SAY YES TO THIS DRESS
Layered looks like peplum, High-Low dresses, shirt dresses, two pieces or mock
two-piece looks will present the illusion of a shapely waist and curvy hips.
Draped dresses, dresses with belts and detailing around the waist will do this as
well.
Famous Slenders: Cameron Diaz, Sarah Jessica Parker, Blake Lively, Rihanna and
Taylor Swift.
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http://www.tjformal.com/p7243903/61566d.html#subtitle
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http://www.bluefly.com/Wyatt-bordeaux-chiffon-Alice-one-shoulderdress/p/325515502/detail.fly
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Jayne Mansfield
http://ethandeseife.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/936full-jayne-mansfield.jpg
TIMELESS FIGURE - THE HOURGLASS
Hers is the figure that legends and Hollywood screen sirens are made of.
Hollywood starlets like Raquel Welch, Sophia Loren and the immortal Marilyn
Monroe were the blueprint for a brick house like you. This is the girl who is
considered to be totally and perfectly proportionate with her bust line, and has a
perfect waist-to-hips-to-booty ratio. Still, some girls may not know what to do
with all of their curves. Hourglasses can often face criticism for being overweight
instead of curvy. Things can sometimes be overwhelming for the girl
maneuvering a shape of this stature. Too much here, too little there. She
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certainly does not want to be in this position at prom. Luckily for her, nothing
flatters her figure more than a formal gown and she pretty much has her pick of
the litter here!
PLAY UP THESE FEATURES
ALL OF THEM! Whatever you wear will look great. Embrace all of your curves!
Find a gown that cinches your waist, flaunts your hips and highlight everything
else!
SAY YES TO THIS DRESS
The boutique is yours. Long, short, strapless, sleeveless, spaghetti strapped,
earth tones, bright colors, you are the queen! You will be a bombshell in sheaths
and mermaid gowns.
Famous Hourglasses: Scarlett Johansson, Christina Hendricks, Salma Hayek, Sofia
Vergara and Nikki Minaj.
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http://www.amormoda.com/Mermaid-One-shoulder-Sweep-Train-Chiffon-Evening-Dress-WithRuffle-Beading-017004345-g4345
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http://www.tjformal.com/p7427684/paparazzi-prom-by-mori-lee-dress-95034.html#subtitle
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Alicia Keys
http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/f2/d4/01/f2d401c1b820bbcfa9c437bc5c71112b.jpg
PAIRINGS FOR THE PEAR SHAPED GIRL
So we’re back to fruit named shapes but this one is actually more visually correct
than the Apple girl. The Pear shaped girl is almost a close runner up to the
Hourglass girl but she is more bottom heavy. She has ample curves and can be
quite bootylicious, but she has to be careful when picking her dress. Her focus is
to complement her areas and create an attractive balance between her top and
bottom dimensions.
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PLAY UP THESE FEATURES
Shop for a dress that has a fitted bodice/ top with a cinched waist. This will draw
the eye’s attention to the top half of your body. Other options to distract
attention from the hip area are choosing dresses with draping details, or wearing
a wrap/scarf around the arms or letting it adorn the waist or hip regions. Doing
so will add an extra flair of elegance to your ensemble.
SAY YES TO THIS DRESS
The dress of choice for Pears is an A-Line dress with a full skirt. All bases are
covered, and you will be a knockout! Eye candy features like embellishments,
overlays, lace, sequins, beads and crystals on the bodice will draw more
attention to your upper half.
Famous Pears: Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Shakira and Kelly
Clarkson.
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http://www.tjformal.com/p7563410/sherri-hill-dress-11146.html#subtitle
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http://www.tjformal.com/p7824112/la-femme-dress-19721.html#subtitle
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SHORT, SWEET & PETITE
Rachel Billson
http://www.fansshare.com/gallery/photos/12333900/rachel-bilson-hairstyles/
Mon Cheri Petite, you sweet girl. You can fool them all with your size. Eternally
young you are, with spunk, spirit, style and spice. It’s true that you can wear
things that most girls cannot. However you should not wear things that they can
wear either. Your diminutive features can be easily misplaced in the wrong dress.
There are many prom dresses that will put you in this category.
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PLAY UP THESE FEATURES
Aim for showcasing your upper body. You need a dress with a defined bust and
waistline. If possible, avoid wearing sleeves as they will diminish your frame.
Focus on letting your arms and shoulders be free. Your legs should be on display
as well.
SAY YES TO THIS DRESS
Floor length gowns and ballrooms dresses are NOT your friend. These dresses will
shrink you down to size and you will get lost in them. A petite girl has to wear the
dress and not let the dress wear her! Tea length, High-Low, short sheaths,
minis, or ankle length dresses are all petite friendly and will bring out your legs
and other features divinely. Bunched, gathered, tiered and ruffled skirts are your
friends!
Famous Petites: Kerry Washington, Vanessa Hudgens, Nicole Richie, Selena
Gomez and Hayden Panettiere
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http://www.amormoda.com/A-line-Princess-V-neck-Knee-length-Chiffon-Homecoming-Dress-WithRuffle-Beading-Sequins-022014793-g14793
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http://www.tjformal.com/p7039055/sticks-n-stones-by-mori-lee-dress-9189.html#subtitle
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THE PLUS SIZED GIRL - EXTRA STYLE FOR THE GIRL WITH MORE
Jill Scott
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_5sxGD-LwaE/UlB6p360FQI/AAAAAAAAMLc/efpcJxX_AVI/s1600/Jill-Scott.jpg
For years, society has turned its nose up at plus sized women and dismissed them
as a misrepresentation of the consensual standard of beauty. It has been an
uphill climb, but you full-figured Glamazons have disproved this theory. You have
shown and are showing the world that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.
Because of this, great strides have been made in the fashion community and the
styles and designs for plus sized women are runway ready and diva approved.
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PLAY UP THESE FEATURES
The myth that full-figured women should be covered up is just that – a myth. The
key to looking fabulous is based on your own instincts. Flaunt your best feature
and conceal the parts you don’t want to flaunt. You want to be beautiful, classy
and sexy. Less is more.
SAY YES TO THIS DRESS
Vivid colors and abstract prints are very complimentary. Styles made with an
Empire waist and full skirts are very plus friendly because they will cover an
ample mid-section and bottom. If you choose to go sleeveless or strapless, make
sure you pick a gown that is supportive. Halter necks, Keyhole and Illusion
necklines are wonderful selections for you. One shoulder looks are rock-worthy
as well. If you are insecure about your arms, sleeves with embellishments are an
asset. Wraps and scarves are great accessories that will go the distance.
Famous Pluses: Queen Latifah, Adele, Melissa McCarthy, Candice Glover and Sara
Ramirez
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http://www.tjformal.com/p7522260/blush-w-plus-size-prom-dress-9560w.html#subtitle
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http://www.tjformal.com/p7800288/sydneys-closet-plus-size-prom-dress-sc7144.html#subtitle
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CONCLUSION
A few reminders for all shapes:
To attain a perfectly tailored fit, make sure to have your dress altered by a
professional. After your makeup has been applied and you have coiffed your hair
into the perfect style, you are ready to encounter an experience you will never
forget. Don’t forget to wear the correct undergarments and add your
accessories. You need jewelry, great shoes, perfume, a clutch handbag and wellmanicured nails. But above all of these, you will need confidence. Be yourself! If
you feel good, you will look even better, and that is what this guide is all about.
No one will believe it if you don’t – not even your date! If you know which
dresses work for your body type, both your inner and outer beauty will shine
though luminously. Cross your fingers. You might even win Prom Queen!
And even if you don’t have a good time, at least you looked good!
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