You’ve been living and breathing and dreaming prom since the last century. Now it’s approaching. Finally, your chance to walk down the red carpet, to dress like a princess, to make your romantic fantasies come true. Then there’s also the coming-of-age thing, the millions of photos, the saying goodbye to high school. No wonder you feel overwhelmed. What you’re responsible for creating is nothing less than the perfect evening. Well, we’ve compiled some of the best tips for prom around, each tip designed to reveal the simply gorgeous, supremely confident prom goddess within!

1. Tips for Prom: The dress. Much more important than deciding between ruffles or lace, strapless or hanky hem, sequins or satin, remain true to your personality. If you’re athletic or poetic, your dress should reflect that. Sophisticates will be drawn to clean black; preppies to bold black and white, along with anything trimmed in grosgrain ribbon; romantics to pale pink and lavender. Those with more fashion confidence might head toward putting together a camisole and full skirt or go with a one-shouldered vintage look. All are glamorous. All are perfectly correct. Just keep in mind, this night is not a time to be something you’re not; it’s a time to be the best you youcan be.

2. Tips for Prom: The trends. This year is ruled by the iridescent plumage of the peacock! You will be in charge of how your dress will end, meaning all hemlines are in fashion. Shades of one color that graduate from light to dark (officially called ombre) are creating a stir with its slightly striped effect. Old-fashioned glamour (think Marilyn Monroe) with its ruffles and tiers and asymmetrical overlays are all in style. And your exit, as evidenced by the trains and mermaid looks (think fishtail), is an important afterthought.

3. Tips for Prom: The fit. Be sure to try on lots of dresses, even those that don’t seem as if they’d be likely choices. Just be conscious of minimizing your flaws and flaunting your assets. Obviously knee-length dresses show off great legs while cap sleeves or a wrap keep less than perfect arms a secret. Fitted column dresses highlight hourglass shapes while ball gowns hide a multitude of sins. If you’re tush-obsessed, wear a brighter color or patterns on top or oversized earrings. If you’re top heavy, do the reverse. Empire waists help out the bodice-challenged. Eliminate dresses that feature cleavage and slits—this is a high-school prom, after all.

4. Tips for Prom: The adventurous. If you’ve got the moxie, stray off the cookie cutter path. Thrift shops, flea markets, vintage stores, lingerie departments, even the Salvation Army can be exciting spots to peruse. The advantages: A unique ensemble showing off your original, offbeat, sensational sense of style, that’s even fairly priced!

5. Tips for Prom: Less is more. Beware of overdoing it. A very intricate dress calls for sheer makeup and minimal accessories; a simple black dress requires dramatic eyes and/or show-stopping lips. Keep beads and embroidery and sequins understated. You’re the star, not them!

6. Tips for Prom: Accessories. The simpler the dress, the more glam the accessories. Regardless, a little purse, either beaded, sequined or jeweled is welcome. If your dress has a halter neckline, wear earrings, bracelets and rings instead of a necklace. With strapless or skinny straps, a simple choker or a drop necklace would be perfect. A long plunging lariat or a short delicate choker complements a deep V-neck. As far as shoes are concerned, whether they’re dyed to match, heels or flats, backless mules or open toe sling backs, NOTHING is more important than comfort. Make sure once you put them on, they will not be a concern the rest of the evening. You have enough on your mind!

7. Don’t: Don’t fight Mother Nature and make any last-minute hair decisions. That means no cutting, color, or chemical processes for days before the prom. Don’t chew gum. Don’t procrastinate; the more you plan ahead, the less stressful and more pleasurable the day of the prom will be.

8. Do: Adhere to you budget. Honor your curfew. Respect your date. Be true to yourself. And have fun making a lifetime memory—you’ll be proud to recall for decades!

More beautiful prom dresses 2012 could be found on FashionGuideOnline.com

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