Prom Spot - Prom Dresses: Plus-size Dress Trends for Prom '08

Prom dress designers have finally caught on -- girls of all shapes and sizes want to look incredible on prom night. But how do you know which trends will work for you? We consulted style guru Sydney from Sydney's Closet, your plus-size prom spot, on how to make some of the hottest prom dress trends for 2008 work on sizes 14 to 44. Read on for the stylish details.

The Empress' New Clothes

One of the most popular silhouettes for prom 2008 is the Empire waist, a beautiful style that's gathered just below the bust. "These are so elegant and easy to wear," Sydney explains. "They're very flattering, especially if you have a thick waist or a little too much tummy." This slightly less structured style is also super-comfy, making dancing all night long no problem at all.

Bold Is Beautiful

"Pastels are passe," Sydney says. Instead, prom-goers want bolder hues. Sydney suggests gemstone-inspired colors like amethyst, garnet, emerald, and sapphire. "Or, if you really want to get noticed, go with a bright, Caribbean-influenced color like lime, turquoise, or fuchsia," she says. If you aren't feeling quite up to an allover bright, consider a bold accessory, like a brilliantly hued clutch purse or a vivid flower in your hair.

Pretty Pleats

Though ruffles ruled proms in years past, the latest dresses feature a new fabric look -- pleats. According to Sydney, the key to getting the look right is to find pleats that lay flat (she suggests dresses that combine this trend with an Empire waist). "Pleats that stand up accordion-style will emphasize extra weight," Sydney says. "But when done right, pleats add instant texture and are a great fashion-y update."

Elegant Embellishments

Fabulous extras take this season's prom dresses to the next level. Sydney says that eye-catching details placed on the backs of dresses -- think a bow at the waist or flowers trailing down the back of a skirt -- are especially trendy. Hints of precious metals are hot too: Sydney suggests looking for dresses with straps that are blinged out in gold or silver, or with bands of sequins embellishing the waist.

Short and Sweet

Though many associate proms with long dresses, many girls are taking a cue from the red carpet and are opting for shorter hemlines. How can you make this trend work for you? "You don't want the hemline to cut you off where your legs are heaviest," says Sydney. "Choose one that falls to just below your knee or a tea-length style. It's more flirty than floor-length, but not as revealing as going above the knee." More good news: A shorter dress has serious re-wearing potential.

Pick up Some Pickups

This year, ball gowns with pickup skirts are on every prom fashionista's style radar. But slow down -- what the heck is a pickup? Pickups are gathers of fabric pinned up, giving a skirt beautiful texture. "It's a very romantic and dramatic look," Sydney says. "Plus, a ball gown style works great for pear-shaped girls, concealing a heavier lower body and drawing attention to your waist and bust." Sounds sweet to us.

P.S.: Do you have a question for Sydney? Email her at DearSydney@sydneyscloset.com

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Photos courtesy of SydneysCloset.com