Prom Dress Styles - Choosing Your Prom Dress

Prom Night is your own 'red carpet' moment, your time to shine - so getting the dress right is the biggest decision of the year!

There are some clear prom dress trends for 2010. Always in the running is the classic, timeless Princess stylegown; tight at the waist and flaring out in an A line to the floor. Strapless or halter neck the modern Princess styles feature lots of beading and diamante and are often lace backed making them easily adjustable. Leona Lewis has just debuted stunning examples with appearances for her new album.

The Fish Tale is enjoying a comeback in 2010 - mainly thanks to celebrities such as Beyonce who with her hourglass figure does justice to this style; the dress hugs your body tight through the waist and hips and then flares out dramatically round the knees to create a mermaid tail

Sleek and Slinky is never 'out' and this seasons use of cutaways at the waist or back to expose the flesh and emphasise your figure will be a hit with all those wanting an 'American Smooth' look from Strictly

Without doubt though, the biggest hit for the next prom season is the Short and Flirty. Essentially this is a short (we mean short!) version of the Princess gown - but with the added wow factor! Designers have moved on from the 'All American Homecoming Queen' look and added bang on trend features that have stepped straight out of club land. Bows, underskirts and beading all add detail to give a really unique look.

Prom dress colour trends

There's also an interesting trend is prom dress colours. The pastel colours, reminiscent of bridesmaid dresses, have taken a back seat and in has stepped bold brights in red, orange, lime green and electric blue. Net underskirts in contrasting colours are also a feature following on from the high street look.

Block colouring is for the first time joined by some amazing prints following three distinct themes:

animal prints, asymmetrics and big florals. Most of these are presented in the Sleek and Slinky styles to emphasise the pattern and give a dramatic look. Not for the faint hearted!

What Style Suits Me? Your Prom Dress Problems Solved!

Two Words - Body Shape! We all see Cheryl Cole on a Saturday night and think - that's it - that's my prom dress! However, unless you are truly blessed like Cheryl - you must be guided by your own body shape together with your natural colouring. Here's a quick guide:

Big Boobs?Go for square necked, low cut dresses that show off your arms and shoulders. Think necklaces or a great updo that takes the eye upwards. If you go for strappy, make sure they're skinny straps to balance the bust line

No chest?You're one of the lucky ones that can go for a dramatic look with a low front and low back. Look for the Sleek and Slinky numbers with cutaways and bold patterns

Tummy? Stay clear of the Sleek and Slinky and the Fish tail as these styles hug the body. A long or short Princess gown will cinch the waist and flare out over any little lumps or bumps. If you love your legs there's some great short puff balls around

No waist? Two options here. If you've got a flat tummy the Sleek and Slinky will glide over you to give a sophisticated column look. Alternatively, create a waist with a great 50's style dress and big belt

Think about your colouring. Fair skinned? Avoid the acid colours that are around as they are harsh on pale skin. Yes - you can reach for the fake tan! but remember your colouring is about your eyes and hair too! Maybe use your eye colour as a start point...

Dark skinned? You can take full advantage of the seasons brights as they will put you in the spotlight! Avoid black and dark blues though as you may fade into the background!

Universal points: Underwear!! Can't say it loudly enough - it's as important as the dress! Make sure you get a well fitted bra, even if it's a strapless dress you need definition and uplift. Think knickers too! Nothing worse than panty line under and Sleek and Slinky! Also try out foundation undies in good high street stores - they'll cinch, hold and smooth like nothing else!

Do think about accessories and whether they match or 'partner' the main colour of your dress. Try out different length earrings that suit the dress and your chosen hair style. There are some amazing head bands around at the moment that are real statement pieces and could just 'make' your dress. Long evening gloves in bright colours are making a come back too which look great with big rings worn over the top

But the best, the very best thing you can wear on your prom night is a SMILE! No dress will be more beautiful than that. Enjoy!