Are you bewildered when it comes to shopping for prom dresses? With all the types of formal gowns and dresses available, there are also many terms that describe the length, design, neckline, and style of a prom dress. You might feel overwhelmed when speaking with a sales clerk at a formal wear shop or even while shopping online for prom dresses. Below we've put together some helpful terms and definitions to help you be an informed shopper for prom dresses and other prom-related items of women's interests.
Prom Dress Styles
Some of the prom dress styles you might see include the ball gown, A-line (princess), sheath, lace-covered, high-low, baby doll, chiffon, one-shoulder, empire, golden glamour, modest, and halter.
Ballroom Gowns and A-Line Prom Dresses
A ballroom gown has a very large skirt that billows out from the waist to the mid-calf or ankles. It might have a fitted waist and top or a corset type top. The A-line or princess dress flares out to the hemline and is narrow near the waist. It forms an "a" shape as it fits to your body from top to bottom.
High-Low, Lace-Covered, and Chiffon Prom Dresses
The high-low dress zigzags vertically at the hemline so it is short in some spots and long in others. The sheath prom dress is one that clings to the body and hides nothing concerning your figure. The lace-covered dress can be a satin or satin-like material underneath with lace as a top layer. Chiffon dresses look similar to a fancy night robe worn by the women of Rome or Greece. With a high empire waist, the dress is long and flows from the hips down to the ankles. It is great for almost any figure.
Baby Doll, One-Shoulder, and Sleeveless Gowns
The baby doll prom dress is typically very short and cute. It usually fits at the top and flows at the bottom with a high waistline in between. Baby doll dresses usually come with a tied ribbon or belt around the stomach area to give the "baby dress" look. One-shoulder prom dresses have only one shoulder strap, of course, with the other side being sleeveless. These are usually long and elegant gowns. There are also completely strapless formal gowns and prom dresses. These can be worn with or without a jacket or wrap.
Halter, Golden Glamour, and Modest Prom Dresses
The halter prom dress looks similar to a halter top at the sleeves and then flows toward the knees. It is usually no longer than just below the knees and may look similar to a high-low dress at the hemline. The golden glamour dress is usually shiny gold to appear like "Hollywood" style apparel. The modest prom dress is beautiful, simple, and modest. It covers everything while still giving the wearer a touch of glamour and elegance.
Types of Sleeves
Cap sleeves are short and cover only the upper arms and shoulders. Juliet sleeves are puffy at the shoulders and taper all the way to the wrist. Some sleeves start below the shoulders or appear to "hang off" the shoulders. Also, spaghetti straps are thin straps with no sleeves.
Necklines
Necklines are also important when choosing a prom dress. The empire neckline scoops out and then connects with a very high waistline. A sweetheart neckline looks like the top of a heart. A jewel neckline is simple and round, located just above the collarbone. The boat neckline (Bandeau) comes around to each collarbone, similar to a sailor's suit.
Other Prom Terms to Know
There are also handbags, or small purses, and clutches that can match your prom dress. Clutches are small hand-held bags with no straps. Shawls and wraps are not jackets but fit around your shoulders loosely. You can wear them when outdoors during cold weather and easily remove them for dancing. A tiara is a princess-type hairpiece than can be worn with your hair up or down. There are elbow gloves and wrist gloves. Elbow gloves reach to your elbow, covering the bottom part of your arm while wrist gloves only cover the hands.
Before shopping for a prom dress, know what styles and accessories you are looking for so you can save time. Also, go online to view all the different styles available. You can even find great deals online on prom dresses by designers such as Mori Lee, Jovani, Clarisse, Niteline, Dave and Johny, Paris, Riva and Alyce Designs. There are often beautiful dresses online for the prom, homecoming, and other formal events that a local formal wear shop might not offer.
http://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/2/192/types-and-styles-of-prom-dresses1.asp
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Girly t-shirt styles still booming fashions
For more than a decade now, women have been steering clear of baggy unisex T shirts, going in for more figure-flattering looks and asking garment makers to custom-cut styles especially for the female form. As a design/ printer in the shirt merchandising industry, I've noticed wholesalers' new season catalog covers showing more and more 'girl power'. Baby doll tops, cap sleeve tees, spaghetti strap tanks and boy beaters are among the slew of new ladies' junior style offerings challenging the basic boxy tee shirt.
Just as my mom and pop survived the advent of the mini skirt without too much damage to their relationships with their daughters, in the same way, I too am now wading through the new fashion currents (especially as they affect my own daughter!) In our home, as in our cottage industry, our family values and notions of modesty in dress keep open for us a dialog with the fashion culture. Style and taste are generous enough tents pitched in this dialog so while others will doubtless differ, what follows is one of my own concerns.
This might surprise you, but even as a designer who wants to maximize profits making top-notch ladies-wear, there are certain styles I can't promote and won't place in my ladies wear line. It has always seemed to me there is a fine but necessary line to draw between "sexy" and "racy". A little of the former is good for self-esteem, and healthy body image; the latter seems to me only to be reveling in over-exposure. Some styles just show too much skin--though very often sizing up larger can compensate for those who, like me, prefer a look that yields a tad more coverage without losing the appeal of the more contoured fit that's already tailored into the style of the shirt.
Accordingly, I want the spaghetti strap styles that I print on to come up high and I think the print just plain looks better at that level as well. The raglan cap sleeve tee ("baseball" style, yet thoroughly girly) is another one of my favorites. This style has a major body-area color with different, contrasting sleeve/crew neck colors. The sleeve holes are cut at a diagonal to the neck as opposed to straight up to the shoulder (sometimes called a "box-cut" sleeve). It's just very cute and flattering to the female form. Other ladies wear styles I consider to be classy are baby doll tops and needle-out tees (inside-out, with contrasting stitches on the seams). New styles seem to keep emerging which makes this market a really fun place for a designer of ladies wear to be.
When it comes to the graphics, elegant and classic is the goal. Prints should enhance the sense of presence already in the style of the garment and be decorative and designerly. I think the use of gold glitter and metallic shades on dark fabrics is simply the bombest and many designs of late incorporating metallic inks are for the most part, rather appealing and quite innovative. Uncluttered, clean- looking prints ooze with that elusive stylishness. A driving standard of graphic design is for the total visual presentation to be harmoniously honed to a single point, both visually and textually. You know this instinctively when you see it--it just grabs you.
I believe that slogans and text should be minimal and when used, confluent with the overall artistry. Cleverly humorous, zany statements are always a sure winner, as are upbeat, positive messages. However, to my way of thinking, in-your-face political messages, vulgar slogans, and shock-value sayings lacking all subtlety don't make the grade in quality fashion design. Sure, they're often funny, but isn't it past time for the text in tee shirt fashions to rise above the level of a readable fart?
Just as styles for ladies are becoming specialized and classier, so surely will their accompanying graphics--unquestionably, it's already happening. Recently I saw a girl in an off-white beater, no print at all on the front. High on the back, however, was a small but intricately crafted pair of filigree angel wings, in a beige print, very decorative, very feminine and somewhat tattoo- like. The text displaying the logo brand name was likewise small and unobtrusive. Bravo!--and more of the same, please!
http://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/3/211/girly-tshirt-styles-still-booming-fashions1.asp
Just as my mom and pop survived the advent of the mini skirt without too much damage to their relationships with their daughters, in the same way, I too am now wading through the new fashion currents (especially as they affect my own daughter!) In our home, as in our cottage industry, our family values and notions of modesty in dress keep open for us a dialog with the fashion culture. Style and taste are generous enough tents pitched in this dialog so while others will doubtless differ, what follows is one of my own concerns.
This might surprise you, but even as a designer who wants to maximize profits making top-notch ladies-wear, there are certain styles I can't promote and won't place in my ladies wear line. It has always seemed to me there is a fine but necessary line to draw between "sexy" and "racy". A little of the former is good for self-esteem, and healthy body image; the latter seems to me only to be reveling in over-exposure. Some styles just show too much skin--though very often sizing up larger can compensate for those who, like me, prefer a look that yields a tad more coverage without losing the appeal of the more contoured fit that's already tailored into the style of the shirt.
Accordingly, I want the spaghetti strap styles that I print on to come up high and I think the print just plain looks better at that level as well. The raglan cap sleeve tee ("baseball" style, yet thoroughly girly) is another one of my favorites. This style has a major body-area color with different, contrasting sleeve/crew neck colors. The sleeve holes are cut at a diagonal to the neck as opposed to straight up to the shoulder (sometimes called a "box-cut" sleeve). It's just very cute and flattering to the female form. Other ladies wear styles I consider to be classy are baby doll tops and needle-out tees (inside-out, with contrasting stitches on the seams). New styles seem to keep emerging which makes this market a really fun place for a designer of ladies wear to be.
When it comes to the graphics, elegant and classic is the goal. Prints should enhance the sense of presence already in the style of the garment and be decorative and designerly. I think the use of gold glitter and metallic shades on dark fabrics is simply the bombest and many designs of late incorporating metallic inks are for the most part, rather appealing and quite innovative. Uncluttered, clean- looking prints ooze with that elusive stylishness. A driving standard of graphic design is for the total visual presentation to be harmoniously honed to a single point, both visually and textually. You know this instinctively when you see it--it just grabs you.
I believe that slogans and text should be minimal and when used, confluent with the overall artistry. Cleverly humorous, zany statements are always a sure winner, as are upbeat, positive messages. However, to my way of thinking, in-your-face political messages, vulgar slogans, and shock-value sayings lacking all subtlety don't make the grade in quality fashion design. Sure, they're often funny, but isn't it past time for the text in tee shirt fashions to rise above the level of a readable fart?
Just as styles for ladies are becoming specialized and classier, so surely will their accompanying graphics--unquestionably, it's already happening. Recently I saw a girl in an off-white beater, no print at all on the front. High on the back, however, was a small but intricately crafted pair of filigree angel wings, in a beige print, very decorative, very feminine and somewhat tattoo- like. The text displaying the logo brand name was likewise small and unobtrusive. Bravo!--and more of the same, please!
http://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/3/211/girly-tshirt-styles-still-booming-fashions1.asp
Looking sexy in skinny jeans
Have you been dying to buy a pair of ultra sexy skinny jeans but aren’t sure if you could wear them? Many women want to take part in this super savvy fashion trend but are afraid that their body type just isn’t right for this style. The truth of the matter is any woman can wear skinny jeans as long as they keep a few things in mind. Here are some great tips to help you pull off this super model style.
Fit: Skinny jeans are mean to be fitted and have the appearance of hugging your leg. This does not mean it’s necessary to have them so tight that they literally become another layer of skin. When you purchase your skinny jeans, it’s important to buy a pair that is fitted but comfortable. You want to be able to zipper them and sit down without a problem. If you buy skinny jeans that are too tight, you may find that they work against your body, puckering out in the entire wrong place. These jeans are supposed to give the illusion of slim legs so don’t disillusion yourself and buy a size that’s too small.
Color: While skinny jeans come in several shades, it’s best to choose a pair in a dark blue or black shade. The darker color skinny jeans are a popular choice because they tend to flatter a wider variety of body types and can help create a slimmer appearance.
Tops: Unless you’re super model slim it’s best to stay away from tight tops that end at or around your waist. Since skinny jeans are so form fitting, wearing them with shirts that are too tight or short can make you look disproportioned. This style jean looks best with shirts that are longer and flowing. Try to pair your new jeans with longer flowing tops like tunics and over sized t-shirts.
Footwear: For those of you who are a little on the shorter side, try tucking your skinny jeans into a pair of sexy high heeled boots for some added height. The boots and the heal will work together to elongate your leg. If you’re afraid that you’re too curvy to wear skinny jeans, try wearing them with a high heeled or platform shoe. Shoes with a high heel will elongate your leg and create a slimmer look.
If your extremely tall and don’t want to deal with the added inches of a high heal go with a flat. Flats are all over this season so your options are pretty open. If you want to keep a sophisticated look, try wearing a pair of pointed-toe flats with your skinny jeans. Ballerina flats are also a good choice for the extra those of you who are taller.
Comfort: Nothing makes you look better than your own self confidence. Make sure that you’re comfortable in your new skinny jeans. Even if you look great, if you’re not confident in this particular style of jeans its okay. There are several styles to choose from so find the pair that you’re the most comfortable in.
http://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/3/235/looking-sexy-in-skinny-jeans1.asp
Fit: Skinny jeans are mean to be fitted and have the appearance of hugging your leg. This does not mean it’s necessary to have them so tight that they literally become another layer of skin. When you purchase your skinny jeans, it’s important to buy a pair that is fitted but comfortable. You want to be able to zipper them and sit down without a problem. If you buy skinny jeans that are too tight, you may find that they work against your body, puckering out in the entire wrong place. These jeans are supposed to give the illusion of slim legs so don’t disillusion yourself and buy a size that’s too small.
Color: While skinny jeans come in several shades, it’s best to choose a pair in a dark blue or black shade. The darker color skinny jeans are a popular choice because they tend to flatter a wider variety of body types and can help create a slimmer appearance.
Tops: Unless you’re super model slim it’s best to stay away from tight tops that end at or around your waist. Since skinny jeans are so form fitting, wearing them with shirts that are too tight or short can make you look disproportioned. This style jean looks best with shirts that are longer and flowing. Try to pair your new jeans with longer flowing tops like tunics and over sized t-shirts.
Footwear: For those of you who are a little on the shorter side, try tucking your skinny jeans into a pair of sexy high heeled boots for some added height. The boots and the heal will work together to elongate your leg. If you’re afraid that you’re too curvy to wear skinny jeans, try wearing them with a high heeled or platform shoe. Shoes with a high heel will elongate your leg and create a slimmer look.
If your extremely tall and don’t want to deal with the added inches of a high heal go with a flat. Flats are all over this season so your options are pretty open. If you want to keep a sophisticated look, try wearing a pair of pointed-toe flats with your skinny jeans. Ballerina flats are also a good choice for the extra those of you who are taller.
Comfort: Nothing makes you look better than your own self confidence. Make sure that you’re comfortable in your new skinny jeans. Even if you look great, if you’re not confident in this particular style of jeans its okay. There are several styles to choose from so find the pair that you’re the most comfortable in.
http://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/3/235/looking-sexy-in-skinny-jeans1.asp
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