Picking the perfect prom dress

The empire dress is great if you are petite or want to hide your bottom half. The dress starts flowing from right below your bust line and is a very feminine look. The mermaid dress is perfect for a curvy figure. It is similar to the sheath, hugging all the right places, but it then flares out from the knees. A ballroom style gown is your classic fairy tale gown. It has a fitted bodice with a very defined waist, then the fabric poufs out in a full skirt to the ground. The waist can hit at, above, or below your actual waistline, and can be straight or v-shaped.

Some girls also opt to wear a two-piece ensemble with a shirt and skirt. Definitely balance out your look if you choose this style. If you want to show off your toned belly with a shorter top, wear a conservative skirt. If you choose to show off your lean legs with a high slit, choose a modest blouse.

The following tips should give you a starting point in finding flattering styles for your figure:

If you're petite: Try a simple sheath dress or an A-line without much embellishment. Make sure to avoid a dress with a lot of fabric in the sleeves or around your legs, or the gown will be too overwhelming.

If you're tall: You're the luckiest of the bunch! You can carry off just about any style of gown. The one thing you want to steer clear of is adding height with high heels or an elaborate updo.

If you're pear-shaped: Try a strapless or off-the-shoulder gown. This will accent your upper half and help to balance out your bottom half. The empire-waist and A-line dresses will probably work best on your figure.

If you're full-figured: Try wearing a high-waisted A-line or ball gown dress with thick straps or sleeves.

If you're hourglass shaped: Show off those curves! Try a strapless sheath gown or any dress with a halter top.

If you're box shaped: Your goal is to visually lengthen your neck and torso, so try an empire-waist dress or a ball gown with a low neckline and drop waist.

If you're athletic with broad shoulders: You'll want to choose a dress to show off your shoulders, which means a sleeveless gown, or a gown with a halter top or spaghetti straps. You'll also want to try a slim-fitting bodice without much embellishment, on any style of dress.

If you're thin and bony: Wear a ball gown for a fairy tale effect, or a sheath to show off your slim figure.