Prom Tips: May 2009 Archives

Seems obvious, but when trying on dresses, many forget to ask a key question: can you walk in your dress? No need to tug at or trip over that fabulous fabric. Your evening plans could determine what kind of dress would be best for how you'll be moving and shaking.

For pageants, the more glam the merrier. You'll have tons of time to practice walking in your gown, so bring on the layers and long trains. But for prom, a dress that lets you let loose is the best choice.

A long, tight dress will obviously inhibit movement, so consider a slit to give your self some leg room. Otherwise, save the jumping jacks for the after party.

If you're wearing a short dress, make sure it doesn't ride up when you walk. You'll want your arms free for flailing on the dance floor. Your legs will be free to move about as they please, but consider dress length when bending over. That's something you'll want to check on in the safety of your bathroom mirror.

Long trains needs lots of love. Of course you don't want a dirty dress, so be prepared to carry your train everywhere you go. For an active evening like prom, a long train runs the risk of getting trampled on and may not be the best dress choice for a lively occasion.

Remember, if you're not comfortable, you won't have a good time, no matter how hot you look standing still.

When ordering online, remember to give yourself time for alterations just in case a few inches need to be trimmed away to let you glide in your gown and dazzle beneath those disco balls. Or chandeliers--wherever the night may take you.

You love your dress, but mom says no way. Whether it's cost or cleavage keeping your parents from letting you get the gown you want, Tiza knows how to handle sticky situations with perfect poise and the politest of manners. Basically, we want you to get what you want. Here's how...

First, if your parents are buying the dress, it's best to respect their wishes by listening to their suggestions and wishes when shopping. Cut the attitude. They are your parents, after all.

If you think your parents are being completely unreasonable, maybe consider setting up a chat with a good friend's parent. This might shed some spotlight on the subject.

Parents can be tough, but with the right attitude, you can work the wrinkles out of any parental problem.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, what's the best hairstyle of all? For every facial shape, there's a perfect cut. Let Tiza help you decide on the best hairstyle for your face shape.

Round

A round face gives you an innocent look. Avoid cutesy bobs and going too short. To elongate your face, sport long bangs that sweep over your forehead. Think heavier on top and thin on the sides of your face. Go for a deep side part. Stay away from big earrings that draw too much attention to the width of your face. Instead, try a funky rhinestone clip or elegant drop necklace.

Oval

An oval face, while considered the prize face shape, still needs to be worked with. Pick your best facial feature and wear a hairstyle that accentuates that feature. If you love your bone structure, consider an angular bob that makes your chin the focal point of your face. Like your eyes? Go for blunt or side-swept bangs. You can generally wear any kind of jewelry. But make sure not to go over the top.

Heart

Full cheeks and a pointy chin? Draw attention to your eyes with bangs or brow-grazing fringe that shapes your face. For short hair, keep layers long. With longer hair, add layers that fall to your cheekbone. Stay away from short, blunt cuts and choppy layers. Your goal is to soften your face. Go all out with dangly earrings.

Square

Your strong, angular jaw line looks great with choppy, textured styles with layers or curls. Steer clear of chin-length, one-length bobs and straight bangs. You can wear short, spiky cuts, and long, sleek styles with layers that curve in and begin at the jaw. This creates a rounding effect that softens your jaw and chops up the boxiness. Think delicate jewelry. Focus on rings and bracelets if you want to draw attention to your arms and awesome French manicure.

There's more to your style than perfectly paired dress and heels. When it's time to prep for your big night out, will you be armed with the right gear? Tiza has the list of necessary items often forgotten at the store.

Strong, clear deodorant. No white smudges for the girl who thinks ahead.

The right underwear. What you wear under jeans may not be the seamless choice under a sheer gown.

Really awesome hairspray. Your every day product just won't do for a glamorous evening.

Extra bobby pins. Never go without.

Shoe inserts. Those stilettos may look fabulous, but after three hours, you'll be glad for the extra cushion.

Skin tape. Are you going braless? You may want to hold everything in place with skin tape.

A new razor. To avoid nasty nicks, get smooth with a brand new razor so you don't have to mow the same lawn twice.

The lip gloss aisle may shimmer and seduce, but make sure your basket's full of practical primping produce.

Now that you know your body type, it's time to find your dress.
Pear Shape--Draw attention to your upper body by going for an elaborate, embellished bust. Look for a flowing train. Glide across the floor in an empire cut, A line or ballgown that highlights your upper half and slides down your lower half.

Petite--Less is more on a dainty frame. Keep it simple in a clean cut design with little fabric. Show some leg and wear high heels if you're comfortable to add a little height. Avoid multi-colored ball gowns and bubble dresses that gobble you up . Avoid huge accessories. Instead, go for delicate stud earrings.

Hourglass--Anything goes for an hourglass. But what are you comfortable wearing? Slip into a corset or a two piece dress. Show off your curves in a fitted dress that flares at the bottom or try a slinky svelte gown that contours your body.

Slender--A curvaceous cocktail of a dress adds a bit of volume to your slender self. Try a gown that has that figure 8 shape while still on the rack. It's all about tricking the eye. If you want to add a little oomph to your bust or hips, draw attention to the areas with embellishments or a color shift. A dark blue dress that gradually morphs into bright sky blue at the bust will do the trick. Remember, lighter colors make you look fuller.

Fuller Bust--To avoid yanking up your dress all evening, look for full support. Wide straps diminish a busty figure, and a halter can keep everything in place. If you want to show off your assets, try a flattering V neck, square dip, or a wrap dress. Avoid ornate necklines and go for a funky asymmetrical train that draws attention to your legs.

Athletic Build--Think flowing prints and fabrics to soften your appearance. Chiffon and silk will enhance that feminine look. For broad shoulders, try an asymmetrical neckline that covers one shoulder. For smaller chests, avoid deep V necks and padded bras.

Apple Shape--Eliminate or lower the waistline in an empire or drop-waist dress, which hits somewhere by the hip. Draw their eyes to your face and fabulous hair with a
plunging neckline. Like your legs? Try a dress that skims your waist and falls at your knees to emphasize your calves.