Prom Spot - Prom Accessories: Accessory Trends for the Plus-size Girl

You've got the dress -- take your look to the next level with fabulous prom accessories. Not sure if the rules are different for plus-size prom girls? We asked fashion guru Sydney of Sydney's Closet (the top online destination for sizes 14 to 44) for her tips and tricks for putting together your total prom look.

Take It with You
You want your cell phone, lip gloss, and any other essentials at your fingertips, right? Instead of leaving them in the limo, consider a stylish bag. Sydney says that super-small purses in fun shapes like squares and extra-long rectangles are hot this season. "If you don't want to go all out with a metallic dress, pair a shiny bag with a dress in a classic color like black," she says. Which brings us to another point -- you don't have to match! "Contrasting colors can add fun and is a great way to express your personal flair," says Sydney.

Stick with the Classics
Here's an accessory trend every prom girl will love. Sydney says big, heavy jewelry is out. Instead, classic looks -- think crystal

pendants, stud earrings, even pearls -- are in. "They're simple but still add the dazzle that says tonight is special," Sydney says. The best news is that even if you find a piece that stretches your prom budget, a great necklace or a pair of earrings in a truly classic style is something you'll wear again and again. What's not to love about that?

Add Hue to Your Hair
No, we don't mean dyeing your tresses! Another fun way to add color to your prom ensemble is with hairpins, sticks, or barrettes. While in previous prom seasons it was all about the bling -- strictly metallics and colorless crystals -- Sydney says that the trendiest hair accessories now showcase colored gems. You can match your dress or incorporate an accent hue; for example, a black dress goes beyond basic if you pair it with a hot pink purse and a hair comb studded with pink rhinestones.

Wear Your Jewels
The brooches, bows, and blooms added to dresses at proms past are all but gone this season. Instead, Sydney tells us that some of the hottest prom dress styles incorporate jewelrylike embellishment -- think sequins, beading, and metallic fabrics. Blinged-out straps are especially popular; they incorporate the look of an elaborate necklace right into the gown. Rather than wearing a separate necklace that would compete with your dress, opt for earrings or a bracelet.

Go Sole-searching
Great news for girls who can't wait to hit the dance floor! Sydney tells us that flat shoes are all the rage for Prom 2008. "You can be comfortable all night on and off the dance floor; plus, they're shoes you'll definitely be able to wear again," she says. Ballet-slipper styles with fun embellishments like sequins are especially popular -- dress them up now for prom, dress them down later with jeans! And for girls who feel formal just isn't formal without heels, Sydney spotted a trend with them too. Strappy sandals in metallics like silver and gold will be the hottest looks for prom.

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

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