Homecoming and Prom Hairstyles

Homecoming and Prom Hairstyles
Fashion glitz and glamour is what makes every prom or homecoming party a dream come true, and the way you look definitely takes center stage. So sure, you've got a fantastic dress, the perfect date and a killer ride. But how's your "do?" Time and again, many an outfit lost its flair when paired with a nightmarish hairdo. So be sure to crown all that radiance with a knockout hair style that'll be the talk of the town at future reunions, for years to come.

Kink-free Prom Night

There's hair and then there's tameless hair. The problem with styling is that it can wreak havoc, literally, kill your, otherwise, healthy hair; and no amount of spit-shine can make a work of art look good if you cannot get your hair to obey. Short-haired girls have it easier since it takes a considerably shorter time to style. A good dose of mousse or hair wax can give your tresses that natural bounce, or you can clip your hair to the side for a more sophisticated effect.

The problems with styling multiply as the hair grows. Longer hair means more kinks, more volume, more weight, and that's always a hassle, especially with up-dos. Pins, clips and hair ties can help you create that gravity-defying masterpiece, or consider wearing a tiara to hold it in place. Lots of brushing and a session with hair curlers will give you that bouncy, sassy look perfect with off-shoulder dresses.

The biggest thing to consider when fixing your hair for the homecoming court is a balance between your hair and your face. Bone structure and foreheads have a huge impact on how you strive to achieve that age-defying grace. The trend has been to get sophisticated style, as opposed to the funky, fun hairdos. So, the trick is to know what to hide; and, otherwise, what to accentuate. Like, say, the forehead: wide foreheads need hiding, so a touch of bangs here and there probably won't hurt. Narrower foreheads beg to be shown to the world, so bangs would be a mistake.


Of course, it's always up to you, whichever style you go for. The foremost rule in hair styling, though, is to maintain hair that is shiny, bouncy, and healthy. If any of these are compromised, then it probably doubles or triples your styling labor, as well.

PROM DRESS COLORS THAT ALLWAYS WORK

PROM DRESS COLORS:
The classic colors are black, white and silver; but there are more and more red, blue and purple themed prom gowns. If you want attention and can pull it off, some of the more showy pink, silver, and retro dresses can offer some vibrancies that are sure to be memorable.

Tips for Selecting Prom Dress Colors:

A black, white or silver dress is a classic choice for understated elegance and charm; but, if you are skimping on modesty, you’ll want to show off and be noticed in a gown of lemon-lime, fuchsia, emerald green, or any other rainbow–laden bucket of color.

THAT PERFECT VINTAGE PROM DRESS

Nothing says, "Cool," like a vintage prom dress. With the emphasis on floral prints and chiffon gowns, these garments of yesteryear can offer you a cheap prom dress option, without the expense of a brand new dress.

And, best of all, a vintage prom dress will let you stand out from all those other girls wearing 2005 prom dresses and 2004 prom gowns to the special event. And, even challenging to find, styles such as plus-size dresses and gothic prom dresses, make really good vintage dress candidates.

VINTAGE PROM DRESSES are usually defined as those elegant gowns that were made in the 50's and 60's, and are notable for their use of bright colors, such as pink, green, and yellow. But the colors are not garish; instead, they are blended into a warm and muted form. With some cool vintage accessories, like white gloves or vintage jewelry, you can complete the look and walk in to prom looking like a 'movie star.'

Finding Vintage Prom Dresses
One clue to finding a vintage prom dress is to explore a variety of resources. Unlike a 2003 Prom Dress, you can't just type in the name of a designer on the computer and see what's hot. Congratulations! You're now assigned the task of developing your skills as a good detective. One of the best resources is local vintage clothing stores. Give them a call and let them know you're looking for a VINTAGE PROM DRESS. Give them your size and leave your phone number, so they can contact you if anything comes in. Summer's a great time to shop when many girls start selling last year's dresses from prom. Another option you might try, is to visit websites that might have vintage prom dresses. It's not guaranteed that they'll have a large selection, but if you keep an open mind and begin your search early, you should be confident in finding something that can work both as a formal dress or a gown for a more casual affair.

Another tip offered by Alison Bell in What's your style? Fearless Fashion, relates to the proper care of your Vintage piece. If your Vintage Prom Dress is missing a fabric care label, use caution, first, before washing it; ask your local dry cleaner for advice on the best way to clean it. Otherwise, you might be scrambling for another prom dress, when you full tulle skirt shrinks; or, worse - yet, ravels into an uneven mini-skirt. Missing a care label all together might mean your garment was manufactured before 1972, according to Bell. In 1972, the Care Label Rule came into practice under the Federal Trade Commission, requiring garments to be labeled with at least one cleaning method safe to use.

HOW TO SHOP FOR PROM DRESSES ONLINE

1. Research current prom dress trends :
While clothing trends often shift every season, dress trends tend to hang around for several years.
A tell-tale sign of up-and-coming formalwear trends is to check out celebrities' red carpet appearances for award ceremonies like the Oscars, Emmys, and Golden Globes.

The prom dress industry keeps a close eye on what couture designers design and what stylist stars wear so you - the prom-goer - can wear hip, fabulous dresses.

2. Learn how to flatter your figure :
Several very important things factor into the perfect dress for you. While you should always keep your personal style in mind, your body plays an crucial part in deciding what you should choose in a dress.
Certain elements work for everyone, as long as you are armed with the knowledge of how to flatter your own figure.



Curvy:

Also known as: full-figured
Red carpet icon: America Ferrera
Top picks: empire waist, short hem, drop waist

Don't feel like you have to leave the poufy-skirt princess dresses to your boyish frame friends. The key is to choose a drop waist skirt - one that begins lower than hips - paired with a structured corset top. Another great option is the empire waist, which gives a long, slender silhouette without compromising elegance.

Hourglass:

Also known as: pear-shaped
Red carpet icon: Beyonce
Top picks: strapless corset, cinched waist

From the belle-of-the-ball gowns to retro party frocks, there aren't many dresses that won't flatter your frame. No matter what style you settle on, a nipped-in waist or sash tie will make the most of your build. On that note, skip any empire-waists or flowy A-lines.

Tall:

Also known as: lanky
Red carpet icon: Mischa Barton
Top picks: sheath; empire; A-line; ball gown

Instead of looking at your height as a challenge, see it as an advantage to show off fantastic shoes. Play up the fact that hems hit you INCHES about your petite pals and find gorgeous stilettos, wedges, or flats that would make Carrie Bradshaw jealous. Problem solved!

Petite:

Also known as: short
Red carpet icon: Rachel Bilson
Top picks: sheath, empire waist, short hem

Poufy ballgowns and floor-draping dresses can look overwhelming on your tiny frame. Instead, seek out short, sassy hemlines; anything between mid-calf and mid-knee are fabulous, flattering choices. If you have your heart set on a full-lengther, opt for a sleek body-hugging sheath.

Slender:

Also known as: thin
Red carpet icon: Mary Kate & Ashley, Nicole Richie
Top picks: empire waist, bubble hem, trapeze A-line

Ball gowns and empire-waists add the illusion of curves, while a simple column dress will elongate your frame. Don't shy away from bright colors, bold patterns, and fun ruching details: if anyone can pull 'em off, it's you!!

3. Determine your budget:
Walking into an exclusive boutique on Fifth Avenue and choosing your dream dress sounds like fun, but you aren't Mischa Barton and you won't be wearing Chanel couture.
Luckily, you don't have to sacrifice your wallet for a fantastic dress - and, at the same time, you don't have to sacrifice style for price.

With a little creativity, you can find a best dressed-worthy dress for debit card-friendly prices.

Why spend a fortune on a gown you'll wear for one night? With a little creativity and a lot of time, you can land a cheap prom dress that won't break the bank.

Thrift Stores
The only obstacle standing between you and a fabulous prom bargain is a day spent combing through thrift stores and vintage bins.
Keep your eyes peeled for timeless shapes, luxurious fabrics, and classic details.

Don’t focus too much on the fit – a few tweaks from the tailor can change the entire look.

Choose a “blank canvas” that can be jazzed up with a fistful of layered necklaces, a cluster of brooches, or a colorful obi belt.

If you don't mind searching, eBay can't be beat for vintage finds. If you crave structured shopping, Hemlockvintage.com has tons of dresses helpfully organized by decade.

4. Start shopping online :
Even if you don't want to forgo shopping at prom boutiques and trying on racks of dress, doing a little pre-shopping online will let you know what to expect as far as designers, styles, and prices go when you hit the mall.

Also, you can often snag deals on your favorite dresses on certain websites - when it doubt, "pricegrab" it. TOP PROM DRESS WEBSITES

TOP PROM DRESS RESOURCE WEBSITES

If you hail from a small town hours away from the closest dress boutique, don't fret. The internet is overflowing with formal dresses, especially around this time of the year.

Because each and every dress has a unique fit, the first thing to look for when logging onto a website is their return policy. Do not even click around a website that doesn’t allow full-refund returns – you don’t want to risk falling in love with a non-refundable dress!

1. eDressMeOne of the most comprehensive dress shops online. Not only does eDressMe have a wide selection of typical prom dresses, but they carry many red carpet-worthy eveningwear designers like BCBG, Betsy Johnson, Anna Sui, and Rebecca Taylor.

2. Nordstrom
With free shipping and free returns, Nordies customer service simply can't be beat. Their prom dresses aren't too shabby, either. You can find fabulous options under $70alongside designer dresses from labels like Nicole Miller and BCBG.

3. eBay
An untapped resource when it comes to formalwear, you never know what you might find on eBay. The site has an impressive collection of vintage dresses and designer gowns, but be patient - a lot of "digging" is necessary to find your perfect frock.

4. Shopbop
Don't feel limited to the typical prom dress route. If you want something unconventional, take a peek at Shopbop's vast selection of cocktail dresses. Not only will you save a little cash (designer shoes, anyone?), but you can wear the versatile number for years to come.

5. Bluefly
Narrow it down by size, then browse through page after page of discount designer dresses. Most of the gowns are from seasons' past, but don't fret. Formalwear is much less trendy than your usual everyday threads, so you'll look like a star in dresses up to five seasons' old.

FIND THE BEST AND HOTTEST CHEAP PROM DRESS

When it comes to gown shopping, it's all about knowing where to look and what to look for. Instead of spending the price of an entire limo rental on your fabulous frock, snag a cheap prom dress - for the price of a tank of gas.

Hollywood

After each hollywood award season, prom dress designers create cute copies of the best red carpet gowns. Because award shows occur every few months, these dresses hit the virtual sale racks fast than you can say "Mischa Barton."

This ruffled yellow number showed up on Renee Zellweger years ago, but the retro gown would look just as fantastic today. Channel another celeb, Reese Witherspoon, with a red purse and pumps

Retro
Black and white is a classic combination that is just as elegant today as it was when your grandmother attended prom.
When selecting a dress silhouette, choose something thats equal parts trendy and timeless. This hip asymmetrical hem, with its shoe-revealing front and train-toting back, is balanced by the streamlined strapless top

Ruffled
Venture out of the standard prom boutique and explore the evening gowns at your favorite department store. You can uncover gorgeous full-length dresses often for a fraction of the price.
Covered in rows of frilly, feminine ruffles, the otherwise sleek black column dress looks hip and elegant at the same time. A guideline for glamour: when it comes to glitz, think Marilyn Monroe instead of Dolly Parton.

Bubbly
First popularized by Pierre Cardin in 1957, the bubble hem is enjoying another turn in the fashion limelight. The whimsically poufy shape and short length can be dressed up or down with a quick shift of accessories and shoes.
With its voluminous hem that camouflages your weaknesses combined with a chic bow sash that shows off your waist, this pretty party dress is a true gem.

Berry
A shopping rule of thumb to keep in mind, whether you're looking for Ts, shoes, or prom dresses: deep shades always look more expensive than their pastel counterparts.
With a star-worthy plunging neckline trimmed in a sparkly beaded accent, this berry satin gown looks ready for the red carpet... even if you snagged it for price that would make a starlet's draw drop.

FIND THE PERFECT PROM DRESS FOR 2008

Let the red carpet and runways inspire you to find a prom dress that's both fancy and fashionable.


White

White gown, Nordstrom.comWhether you tuned into the Golden Globes or just caught the red carpet highlights, the single trend that stood out in a sea of gorgeous gowns was the fresh, innocent shade of white.

If you feel too much like a blushing bride dressed in a white gown, opt for warm cream shade or a classy black and white number.


Prom night is the perfect time to pull out all of the sparkly stops: sequins, beading, rhinestones, paillettes. You can shine in small doses – a little trim here, a little beadwork there – or you can shimmer head-to-toe in a gold or silver gown. Let your dress take center stage and stick with minimal accessories.
If you feel a little too shiny in a metallic frock, stick with a simple dress and accessorize with shimmery extras like gold heels, stacks of bangles, or layered necklaces.

To avoid resembling your Grandmother's doily tablecloth, seek out lace dresses in sleek, sophisticated shapes. Stay away from ruffles, bows, and frills of any kind; instead, look for strapless tops, slim silhouettes, and short hems.
With a fabric as undeniably feminine as lace, accessories should be sassy, not sweet. Wear stiletto heels instead of mary janes, long chandeliers instead of button studs, and chunky bangles instead of delicate tennis bracelets.


The addition of a ruffle at the hem, neckline, waist – or all of the above – adds a feminine elegance to any dress. One of the best gown trends of the season is the Marie Antoinette-inspired tiered ruffle skirt. Fit for royalty, the flouncy look is a throwback to the fashion-loving queen.
Consider your body type before splurging. If you aren't fond of your legs, full ruffled skirts are a great option. If you want the emphasis on your smiling face, ruffles around the necklace will bring the attention upwards.



During the '80s, full-length dresses were unheard of. Prom-goers favored short, beaded pouffed hem numbers inspired by movies like Pretty In Pink. Though full-length formals are far more common today, why not opt for a chic version of the rocking retro mini?


Concentrate on balance with a short dress. If you're showing off those stems, make sure the neckline is on the conservative side. It's best to leave a little bit to the imagination - especially on prom night.