Young women of today are more confident than ever and have no problem in buying clothes that suit them best. However, these same young women will often be at a loss when it comes to buying a designer prom dress. This is hardly surprising as most will have never worn one before, and sadly, many buy a gown that is totally inappropriate and unflattering for their figure leaving them feeling miserable instead of happy on what is one of the most important days of their life.



But, buying a designer prom dress doesn't have to end in disaster. By, planning ahead and by thinking before buying, a girl can ensure that the dress and her accessories are just perfect for the prom.

There are many styles of gown to choose from. First, consider the neck and shoulders. Most gowns come with strapless, halter, jewel or spaghetti straps. Some necklines will enhance a woman's neck, shoulders and bust while others will accentuate certain areas of her upper body making her feel uncomfortable. Fuller figure women can look superb in strapless bodices but for those with smaller breasts a halter or spaghetti string bodice is preferable.

Next, consider the style of the dress. There is the classic style ball gown with natural waist and full length wide tulle or pick up skirts. These are timeless gowns that will still be fashionable for generations to come. This style really allows the fabric to be appreciated, is very forgiving and can accommodate all figures, and is very feminine and romantic.

Other formal styles of designer prom dresses are mermaid; tight bodice and skirt that flares at the knee. This is a truly gorgeous gown but it can accentuate a woman's hips, so if you are sensitive about your hips then this style isn't for you. Instead consider an A-line dress. This style with its vertical lines helps to slim down the figure. For the more petite a sheath style with no perceptible waistline and horizontal lines works great.

Nearly all fashion houses have the more traditional designs in the collection; Joli, Mori Lee, Flirt and Jessica McClintock to name a few.

Increasingly, contemporary gowns with short skirts are becoming more popular, with fashion houses like Jovani and Xcite being notable designers of more modern styles.

After choosing the style, one needs to think carefully about color. Dark colors are great are slimming down; the opposite is true of whites and creams. Obviously, the color of the dress should complement your hair, eye and skin coloring. Don't buy a dress because you love the color; only buy when the dress loves your color.

Accessories are incredibly important and should complement the dress; shoes and handbag being the two most important. Many retailers will also sell these items, or will suggest what goes best with the dress.

Have you already thought about what hairstyle will match your dress? For dresses with a strong neckline, a hairstyle with the hair taken up works best. It really is worth talking to your hair stylist about what style of dress you'll be wearing before you buy it. That way you can both discuss what hairstyle will work best and can even try it out beforehand.

Finally, if you buy a designer prom dress online, be sure to order it in plenty of time. Nearly all gowns will need some minor alteration, and you need to allow enough time for this; remember, prom season is a busy time for alteration services.

There's no doubt that a designer prom dress can make a young lady look beautiful, elegant, and unique and give her oodles of confidence on what is the most important night of her life. Just spend some time preparing, spend some time looking, spend some time shopping and spend the rest of your life remembering that special day.