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Today’s fashion is filled with many choices, and between the fabric types, dress styles, and necklines, it can be overwhelming to select your next outfit. If you’re confused about necklines or new to navigating the world of necklines, our style guide is for you. Below, we give you essential information about some of the most popular types of necklines so you know what to look for next time you’re shopping for a flattering outfit. What Is a Neckline? The neckline refers to the part of a piece of clothing that sits at the top of an upper body garment. Every upper body garment has a neckline, from t-shirts to blouses, to wedding dresses and gowns. Both men’s and women’s fashion have necklines – they’re essential to the design of every upper-body garment created. Because necklines are so universal and important to clothing items, it’s no wonder that there are numerous different necklines with different intentions, such as to draw the eye up or down the rest of the outfit, highlight certain features, or solidify a specific style. The Importance of a Flattering Neckline Finding a flattering neckline is important and often a vital part of how you feel in an outfit. Understanding different necklines and their intentions will help you select one that best highlights your features, draws the eye to certain aspects of your outfit or figure, and completes the overall vibe you are demonstrating with your outfit choices. No matter which type of outfit you are selecting, a flattering neckline is one of the best ways to show off your unique style. Neckline Types You Should Know There are many different neckline types out there today, and every garment is enhanced by the choice of neckline. Whether you have a preference for one type or another, our overview of basic necklines will help you understand what to look out for when shopping for dresses, shirts, and other items. Asymmetrical Asymmetrical necklines are not the same on both sides. They typically feature higher neckline styles with cutouts to create shapes around the collarbone area, or they may be as simple as a one-shoulder design style. Many individuals may consider one-shoulder designs as their own separate neckline category, but because these necklines are not the same on both sides, they are technically in the asymmetrical category. Boat Also commonly called a bateau, boat necks sit under the collarbone. This type of neckline is designed to highlight the shoulder and neck; you may see it on light sweaters, short-sleeved tops, or dresses. The aim of the boat neck is to make narrow shoulders look a little broader, something that can help balance a figure with wider hips. Crew The crew neck is also often called a round neck, and it is a very common design for more casual clothing, such as t-shirts. Crew necks are a simple rounded shape, and they may start at the bottom of the neck or drop lower depending on the size and style of the garment. A variation on the crew neck is the split crew which features a slit around the middle of the neckline. This split may stand alone or have buttons included so it can be fastened according to the wearer’s choice. Cowl Cowl necks feature loose fabric draped along the neckline, which hangs around the neck and collarbone area. This style flatters many different figures and is especially popular in more formal shirts and blouses. Both thinner cowl necks with looser, more flowing fabrics and heavier cowl necks with more layers of fabric may be seen. Halter Halter necklines tie behind the back of the neck, and there is a great variety within this neckline type. You may have thin or thick straps or straps that twist in front of the neck before tying at the back. This neckline is designed to highlight the shoulders and draw the eye up, which can help balance outfits and figures. Illusion The illusion neckline is similar to the sweetheart neckline, as it gives the low-cut appearance of a strapless style, and many outfits with this neckline embrace the sweetheart shape. However, the illusion neckline will have a thin, almost transparent piece of fabric that often extends around the neck and connects to the rest of the dress. Illusion necklines are popular in wedding dresses or other gowns that are designed to look strapless without actually being strapless, and the fabric used to connect the neckline to the rest of the dress might be embroidered with lace or beads to add elegant detail. Keyhole Keyhole necklines are those that typically cover the collarbones and reach up to the neck but feature a keyhole cutout around the cleavage area. There may be a small keyhole or a large one, and the top of the keyhole might have a button or other fastener. You may commonly see this neckline on more formal shirts or blouses that are mostly modest with a hint of subtle sexiness. Off-the-Shoulder Off-the-shoulder necklines are exactly what they sound like – this neckline crosses underneath the collarbone area, and the straps wrap around the shoulders. They expose the collarbone, shoulders, and neck, and it is the perfect neckline style for warm weather or for drawing more attention to the décolletage. Plunging Plunging necklines are one of the sexier neckline types, and this neckline will plunge down past the breasts in women’s fashion. They could also stop higher, right below the cleavage area, or drop down lower to the belly button. The main intention of the plunging neckline is to draw the eye to the décolletage area, and this neckline is often seen in evening wear. Queen Anne The Queen Anne neckline is most commonly seen in formal wear and on wedding dresses, and this unique neckline features a sweetheart neckline with sleeves on either side. These sleeves wrap toward the back of the neck, leaving the collarbone and neck area exposed. Queen Anne necklines are best paired with simple jewelry to accentuate the collarbones and cleavage created by this design. Scalloped Scalloped necklines feature curved designs around the shape of the neckline; the scalloped design can be added to many other neckline shapes, such as crew necks, plunging necklines, or scoop necklines. Scoop The scoop neckline is similar to the crew neck in shape, but it tends to cut lower on the upper body. Scoop necklines will typically reveal collarbones and some of the décolletage area, and they are often seen on semi-formal clothing or office and workplace attire. Spaghetti Straps Spaghetti straps are another design element that can be added to many other necklines. Spaghetti straps are thin straps that hold the garment up and connect it to the rest of the garment. This design is commonly seen with sweetheart, V-neck, and square necklines. Square Square necklines have a square shape that typically cuts across the top of the bust and highlights the neck and collarbone area. They are fitting for both larger and smaller busts, and they can be combined with different strap types, such as halter necks and spaghetti straps. Strapless Strapless necklines have no straps to hold them up, instead relying on a tighter bodice to hold the garment up. These necklines typically cut across the top of the bust area and go underneath the arms, something that helps the garment stay in place. Most strapless necklines are seen in casual clothing or in semi-casual dresses. Sweetheart The sweetheart neckline is commonly strapless, but it may be combined with different types of sleeves or straps depending on the overall design. This design features a neckline that appears much like the top of a heart, with the top rounded shapes covering the top of the bust area and a slight dip in between to highlight cleavage. Sweetheart necklines are very popular in formal clothing and wedding gowns, but they may also be seen on more casual items too. This design highlights the shoulders, collarbones, and neck. Turtleneck Turtlenecks, also known as a high neckline, cover the neck and stop below the chin area. They may be lighter and thinner or feature extra fabric that piles up into layers under the chin. Because of the added warmth that turtlenecks provide, they tend to be a popular choice for winter clothing and are seen on many sweaters or long-sleeved shirts. U-Shaped The U-shaped neckline is similar to the scoop neckline, except it doesn’t make its way down toward the bust area as much. The U-shaped neckline tends to stop above the bust area and may show a little bit of cleavage. This neckline is a popular choice for t-shirts or other semi-casual clothing items. V-Neck V-necklines are flattering to most figures, and this neckline is created with two lines on the shirt dipping down to create a V shape. Both men’s and women’s fashion feature V-necks, and they may be more modest or have a deeper plunge that shows off more of the bust area. Which Neckline Is the Best Choice for Me? Choosing the best neckline for your figure can be confusing, especially when so many options exist. The key to choosing a flattering neckline is keeping in mind your specific body type and looking for a neckline to balance your body. For instance, if you know you have wider hips and more narrow shoulders, you may want a neckline that brings attention to the shoulders and makes them appear broader to balance your overall figure. In addition to these tips, you should keep in mind that whichever neckline you feel the most comfortable and confident in is the right choice for you. Confidence is one of the key items of fashion, and this is essential to have before more on to more of the nuances of design. Figuring Out a Flattering Neckline Figuring out which neckline is the most flattering might seem overwhelming when you first start looking into the many different types of necklines out there. Use our style guide to learn more about popular neckline types and select one that best suits your personal style and your natural body type. Tags:  Trending

Homecoming is a special occasion, and this celebration of your classmates, alumni, and school spirit often involves sports events, in-school activities, and a homecoming dance. For many, the homecoming dance is a way to show off your personal style and enjoy a fun night with friends on the dance floor. We know that choosing the perfect dress for homecoming takes a lot of effort, especially if you aren’t sure where to begin this search. That’s why we’ve put together a style guide that highlights 2025 homecoming dress trends to get you started with some style ideas. Below, you’ll find essential homecoming dress trends for 2024 and 2025, many of which are timeless classics that help you flaunt your unique style. The One-Shoulder Look Chic and elegant, the one-shoulder look is an effortless classic. There are plenty of choices in terms of dress color, style, and length, and the one-shoulder look spices up the bodice of whichever dress you settle on. One-shoulder dresses are popular as formal long gowns, but they also make great cocktail-length dresses. Choose whichever one fits your style and your homecoming dance theme the best. Ball Gown Glamor Ball gowns with full skirts definitely make a statement, and if you love the drama of a glamorous dress complete with layered skirts, this style of dress is for you. Ball gown-style dresses are best worn in formal situations, and you can select whichever color and embellishments you feel best suits your homecoming occasion. We recommend delicate jewelry and a pair of high heels to complete this glam look. Flashy and Eye-Catching Popular homecoming dress trends for 2024 and 2025 are dresses with flashy, eye-catching embellishments. Dresses with sequins, mirror cut-outs, and ribbons or metallic fabrics are all the rage. Select a bright silver or gold dress to make a statement at homecoming, or try a bright color like pink or blue for a flashy glam style. Subtly Stunning Plenty of homecoming dresses show just the right amount of skin, and if you’re a fan of this style, don’t hesitate to get one of these subtly stunning dresses. Most dresses designed in this fashion leave spaces for your shoulders, back, stomach, or most of your legs to show through. When paired with high heels and the proper accessories, these looks are stunning, subtly sexy, and sure to turn heads. Casual Cocktail Length If you’re shying away from a formal or longer gown, a more casual cocktail length dress is just the thing for you. This style typically falls around the knee or just above the knee, and cocktail dresses are great for almost every occasion. You can select from a variety of styles when it comes to cocktail dresses, choosing from tighter and more skin-hugging fabrics to casual dresses with flowing skirts. Plus, cocktail dresses are always in style, so you can be sure to be on top of homecoming dress trends for 2025 with this look. What Were the 2024 Homecoming Trends? Many of the trends that are stylish in 2025 are similar to ones that were popular in 2024. The primary difference is that 2025 calls for bolder, more daring versions of what 2024 offered. For instance, if you opted for a flowy, romantic gown in 2024 for homecoming or any other big event, this year, you may want to choose a full-on princess ball gown to really embrace the romantic vibes! Where Can I Find a Stylish Homecoming Dress? If one of these trending styles appeals to you, you are likely wondering where to search next for your homecoming dress. There are plenty of options including local boutique stores, dress stores in malls, and thrift stores. You can also utilize online homecoming and prom dress websites to filter your searches by style, size, and color to easily find a trendy homecoming dress that fits your personal style. Which Homecoming Dress Trend Is the Best? 2024 homecoming dress trends include timelines classics mixed with bold, bright colors. A cocktail length dress, a dramatic ball gown, or a simple formal gown highlighted by an off-the-shoulder look are all excellent choices to wear to your homecoming dance. As for which is the best, that’s for you to decide! Browse our dress collections to find a homecoming dress that resonates with your personal style and will let you feel your most confident during homecoming. A homecoming dress in any style that helps you have fun and feel great will be the best trend for you. Tags:  Homecoming

Prom dress shopping is an essential part of the prom experience, and many individuals look forward to the process of finding their dream prom dress. After all, there’s no better way to feel like a princess than by trying on different gowns either by yourself or with your friends. It’s important to plan what to wear prom dress shopping ahead of time so you can make this process as smooth as possible. Planning ahead means saving you time trying on dresses and decreasing any stress that might come with prom dress shopping. Our helpful prom dress shopping tips below are here to get you started on your journey to finding your dream prom dress. What Should I Wear Prom Dress Shopping? Prom dress shopping can be a long process, and you don’t want to wear clothing to your prom dress appointment or a boutique store that is hard to get out of. We recommend wearing something that is easily removed, such as a cotton t-shirt and shorts or leggings, so that you can change in and out of your street clothing into dresses with ease. If you think you will be wearing a bra with your prom dress, make sure to wear one when you go shopping. Then, you can get a better idea of what your prom dress will look like on the night of prom. You may also want to bring a pair of high-heeled shoes with you, or another pair of shoes similar to your prom night shoes. You can try them on with your dress options to get a better idea of what your entire outfit will look like. Prom Dress Shopping Tips The following prom dress shopping tips help you make the most out of trying on dresses so you don’t deal with stress and confusion during your planned shopping trips. Pick the stores you want to visit ahead of time and realistically plan time to spend in all of them. Eat something before you go – the best decisions are always made on a full stomach, especially if you are shopping for a few hours. Decide to bring a friend or two with you or ask a close family member to come. Wear an outfit that’s comfortable and easy to change out of, including comfortable shoes. Book appointments ahead of time at stores that require them, such as small boutique stores. Bring your phone or a camera to take pictures. You can look at these later to decide on the dress you want. Tips for Trying on Dresses After you’ve got the stores you wish to visit for a prom dress narrowed down, you should keep in mind these tips for trying on dresses to make sure you find the dress of your dreams. Make sure you are trying on dresses that are the correct size. Take note of how a dress fits on your shoulders and waist, as well as the length of the dress. Try on dresses with a variety of necklines to see which style suits you best. You should also try a variety of dress styles, such as mermaid and A-line to see which design most flatters your figure. Decide between sleeveless, strapless, and long or short-sleeved dresses. These items may need to be altered, so make sure you’re shopping with enough time for another fitting if alterations are needed. Choose a color based on your style and what suits your skin and hair tone. Pay attention to the fabric the dress is made out of and how comfortable it feels on your body. Finding Your Dream Prom Dress Finding your dream prom dress might seem like an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t need to be. When you keep our prom dress shopping tips in mind, you’re sure to make the most out of your prom dress shopping experience. Remember, shopping for your gown is part of the fun, so don’t rush through this part. Take it as a chance to really figure out which dress highlights your natural features and lets you look and feel your best. Tags:  Prom

If you’re in the market for a new dress, the chances are you want to be sure that you make an investment in your wardrobe that will serve you for many occasions to come. Choosing a dress style that can be worn to parties, events, date nights, and even to school will help you get the most use out of your dress, and ensure you look fashionable no matter what. Our style guide below gives you inspiration for popular dresses to wear to school. Popular Dresses to Wear to School The following popular dresses are great for a night out, a party, and for wearing to school, as their versatile designs make them suitable for any occasion. Dress these styles up or down using your favorite accessories, shoes, jackets, and hairstyles. Cap Sleeves and Chiffon The cap sleeves and flowing chiffon skirt of this cocktail dress give it a casual vibe, while the lace front and deep V-neckline add a hint of subtle sexiness. Dress this up with a pair of heels for a night out or add a pair of sneakers to comfortably wear this dress to school. Fun and Fitted This fitted cocktail dress is made of comfortable, stretchy jersey fabric, and the lace-up back makes it unique. Add a jacket and a pair of flat shoes to wear this to school or add jewelry and high heels to make it a date night outfit. Beaded Embellishments The beaded embellishments on this dress add a unique touch, and the purple color is simple, yet still flattering for every skin tone. The backless design adds a flare of sexiness, while the shorter bugle design lets you show off your legs. Pair with a pair of leggings or wear over a pair of skinny jeans to complete this school-ready style. Eye-Catching Patterns Nothing is better than eye-catching patterns if you want to make a statement with your outfit, and this dress is just the thing if you want a unique, versatile dress. The notched hemline and spaghetti straps of this beaded cocktail dress add fun elements. This is another dress that will look great over a pair of leggings for a simple school-day style. Strapless and Stylish Strapless dresses are always in style, and this type of dress is easily repurposed for school or worn to a semi-casual or semi-formal event. The best accessories to make this dress school-ready are flat shoes and a jacket that complements the dress and covers your shoulders should you end up in a chilly classroom. Dresses to Wear to School That Show Your Style Investing in a new dress for your wardrobe is a big deal, and you no doubt want to be as style savvy as possible. Choosing a dress that can easily be worn to school and any semi-casual event you get invited to is the best way to get the most wear out of your new outfit. Keep our style inspiration for dresses to wear to school in mind as you shop for your fashionable new outfit. Tags:  Trending

When it comes to finding their dream prom dress, many individuals feel overwhelmed at the idea of searching through racks of dresses and online pages of prom dress options. This is understandable – there are a lot of prom dress choices out there. Instead of heading straight out to the mall or browsing online stores for hours, you should first review our style guide. We’ll help you understand what you’re looking for in a prom dress so you can more easily find that dream gown. Figuring Out the Prom Style You Want Style 54454 in bright fuchsia Figuring out the exact prom style you want can be difficult, especially if you’ve never purchased a formal gown before. Below, we help you identify the types of styles that you might be interested in wearing and give you an idea of what questions to ask yourself as you shop for your dream prom dress. Things to Consider About Your Prom Style Style 54924 in light orange There are many different prom style items that you might want to consider as you start looking for your dream prom dress. When considering prom dresses, make sure to ask yourself questions about dress silhouettes. For example: Are you looking for a long or short dress? Do you want an off-the-shoulder design? Do you want a specific neckline design? Are you interested in a ball gown or an A-line style dress? Do you want your dress to be revealing? Do you want a solid color or a pattern? Asking these questions about what you want in a prom dress will help narrow down the many options out there and give you a good idea of the types of dresses you should be looking at. What Do You Like Wearing? Style 54907 in red Another important thing to think about when it comes to prom dress shopping is which styles you like to wear the most. If you are in love with full skirts, a ball gown might be the dress for you. If you love a more simple and slim design, maybe opt for a body-hugging mermaid dress or a flowing A-line slip dress. You may also want to consider your figure and which styles or prom dress embellishments will best enhance your natural features and help you feel your most confident. Where Do You Want to Shop for Prom Dresses? Style 55070 in ivory/blue If you know that you want a favorite designer for your prom dress or you love a specific store, you’ll want to browse those options when you start your dress search. You may also want to search for dresses that are similar to a specific designer’s style to help increase your options. You never know where your dream prom dress will come from! Do You Want to Wear Your Dress Again? Style 54893 in peacock When choosing a prom dress, many individuals want to make sure that they select an outfit that can be worn multiple times. After all, a prom dress is an investment, and getting multiple wears out of this dress at different events helps make this gown a valuable piece of your wardrobe. If you do want to wear your dress again, keep this in mind and consider choosing a more versatile, simple style that can be worn on many different occasions. Embrace Your Style and Enjoy Prom Style 55059 in light aqua No matter which style of prom dress you choose, if you are in love with the way the dress looks on you and feel confident in the gown, it’s the perfect choice for you. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed looking for your dream prom dress. – simply sit down and think about which styles you prefer and which highlight your natural features. Then, you will easily narrow down your prom dress options to find the one dress that makes you shine. Tags:  Prom

Choosing a prom dress isn’t something you can do in a moment. You might have a theme to meet, or perhaps a color that is behind the theme. With so much to choose from it can become a stressful experience. That’s why we’ve put together a checklist of five things you can do to make choosing your prom dress easier, less stressful, and more fun. Let’s start by talking about body shape. 1: Know Your Body Shape Style 54912 in Ivory/Gold. Every one of us is different. We are humans, and humans come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You may or may not know your body type, but it can be important in choosing the right dress. For example, a girl who is ‘pear shaped’ has broader hips than shoulders. This means wearing a dress that draws attention to the upper body is a good choice. A girl who is ‘athletic’ may want to wear something that highlights their midriff, for example. There is plenty of information on dresses for body types and we recommend you check it out. Our first selection, however, is to look in your closet. You know what you like, and that’s because you know what looks good on you, so following the style of your favorites should be a good starting point. 2: Buy What You Like Style 55001 in Blue. So, buying a prom dress is about buying something special for a one-off occasion, right? It can be, but can you really afford to buy a dress you will only wear once? We suggest that – as with the above point – you stick with what you know you like. This way, you can buy a dress in a different color than that you would normally buy, or perhaps a different top style or other details, but one that you could wear for occasions such as weddings, christenings and birthdays. In other words, something you like rather than something you believe appropriate. 3: Browse Through Stores If you are already a fan of shopping, you will know the benefits that browsing retail stores brings. The main reason people shy away from shopping for fashion online is that they cannot try it on beforehand. We have two suggestions: find the bricks and mortar store that holds the dress and try it on there, you might fall in love and end up buying it person. You get to have to experience, so nice! If you decide to shop online, ensure you shop with one of the many online retailers who offer a free returns deal, which means if you don’t like it you can return the dress without added costs. 4: Don’t Be Influenced by Others Your friends may be planning to dress in a similar way. They might have the theme sorted and may be pressuring you to join in. The question is this: do you want to? Or do you want to do your own thing? Many girls are outgoing, the sort who is always in the spotlight. Others like to stay in the background and just enjoy things. Most are in between and will want to wear something in which they look and feel great. If your friends have something planned and it doesn’t appeal to you, you don’t have to do it. Be you, wear what you like, and choose a dress you love. 5: Wear What You Are Comfortable Wearing The above point leads us to this one, which is being comfortable in your prom dress. We don’t just mean the fit, but also the style and finish of the dress. You don’t want to display too much cleavage, for example? Then you don’t have to as doing so will make you feel uncomfortable. The same applies for dresses that are short, or have a slashed skirt, or are off the shoulder and so on. Any style that will make you feel a little out of place will spoil the prom for you, and it’s meant to be a fun occasion. Take your time picking a prom dress and use the tips we have given you as inspiration, and you will find a dress that fits the bill. So, start browsing now and make a shortlist of styles you are looking for, and you’ll find a beautiful dress in which you can be the person you are. Tags:  Prom

Choosing your best summer style can be confusing, especially with the influx of fashion trends that come and go before you can blink. Our guide helps you narrow down the most popular fashion trends this season so you know how to look your best each day this summer. Review our options for summer 2025 fashion trends below. Popular Fashion Trends This Season The following fashion trends are styles to look out for this season. Mix and match these trends to look your best throughout the summer. Accessorize With Belts Style 54942 in Ivory. Belts are always rising and falling in popularity, and this fun accessory is once again experiencing a resurgence. A large or wide belt around the waist is a great way to define the waistline and accentuate both the bust and hip area. It is great partnered with a maxi dress or another flowing summer style, and you can choose a belt in a more neutral color or select a bold color for a splash of fun. Black and White Styles Black and white styles never go out of fashion, and these classic colors on any kind of clothing are always popular. These neutral colors can be paired together or worn alone and paired with a bright bold color to make a fashion statement. Black and white styles are also great for more formal outfit choices, such as a summer party or a cocktail event. Bright and Breezy Bright and breezy garments always find their place in summer fashion trends, and colorful garments complete with floral prints or other unique patterns are incredibly popular. Flowing skirts, bright greens, pinks, yellows, and oranges, and breezy shirts and skirts are both comfortable and fun ways to show your summer style. One-Shoulder Style One-shoulder styles are another trend experiencing a renewed surge in popularity, and one-shoulder dresses and shirts are major fashion trends this season. This unique neckline is a great way to add some flare and elegance to any kind of dress or shirt. You can further accessorize your bust and neckline with matching necklaces, earrings, and a unique hairstyle. Bold Maxi Dresses Maxi dresses are breezy, elegant, and simple, and they are a front-runner for one of the most popular summer 2025 fashion trends. Bright colors or monochrome colors and everything in between are excellent choices for a maxi dress. The flowing skirts on these dresses can fall between knee and ankle length, making them versatile for any occasion. Chic Crop Tops Nothing is more fun and freeing to wear than a crop top, and these mini-shirts can be confidently worn by individuals of any body type. Summer crop tops are found in bright styles with fun logos, pictures, and captions that allow you to show off your personal style and look your best while doing it. Selecting Your Summer 2025 Style Fashion trends come and go quickly, but you don’t want to let the popular fashion trends of this season pass you by. Use our style guide to help you find the best summer 2025 fashion trends and browse our collection for more inspiration and summer outfit ideas. Before you know it, you’ll be on trend and looking your best the entire summer long. Tags:  Trending

Choosing a graduation dress is something that you want to take a lot of time over. After all, this is a once in a lifetime occasion that you want to enjoy and remember, so looking and feeling great is important. There are many factors to consider when making such an important decision, and we have put together a guide to help makes things simple. So, let’s begin by considering the occasion you are dressing for. Is Your Graduation a Formal or Informal Occassion? When choosing a graduation dress, it’s important to know what sort of occasion are you dressing for. Have you arranged a casual party afterwards or a formal dinner? Or are you going to go out on the town with friends? The occasion itself will heavily influence the dress you wear, so that needs to be taken seriously. Is There a Dress Code? If there is a dress code, then many of your problems are solved. All you need to do is meet the code within your own style. This point needs to be clarified before you go shopping and buy an inappropriate garment, so check it out before you spend. How Long or Short Do You Want Your Dress? An important choice that can be influenced by dress code and the level of formality of the occasion is this: do you want to wear a long dress or a short one? Long, sleek, and stylish gowns are perfect for an occasion that is more toward the formal side. Short dresses can be seen as slightly less formal and are also more likely to be able to be worn again. What’s Your Body Type? Each of us is different in terms of shape and size, yet the fashion industry classes us into four general body types. These are hourglass, pear (or triangle), athletic, or round. Let’s have a look at what each means, and the type of dress that will flatter that body type. An hourglass body is one that is well proportioned both in the bust and the hips, with each around the same size. Open and V-neck dresses suit this body type, as do dresses that are clinched at the waist. For the girl with the pear body type, the hips are generally wider in proportion to the bust. The best graduation dresses for this type of shape are strapless designs with fitted tops, and A-line dresses flatter this shape, too. The athletic body type has narrower hips than shoulders, and a dress that has embellishments or other added details will help it shine. Of course, these are just guidelines, and the most important factor is wearing a dress that you like and that makes you feel amazing! What Is Your Personal Style? The one factor that is more important than anything else is that you feel comfortable and happy wearing the dress you choose. It’s not about pleasing others or conforming to the fashion rules above, but about making the occasion work for you. Don’t be influenced by what others expect you to wear; instead, choose what you like and enjoy wearing. It’s your occasion, after all! Decide Between Plain or Patterned Both plain and patterned dresses are very much in right now, so whichever you choose is up to your own style. Think about which you prefer: Some girls like to go with jazzy patterns while others love elegant numbers in black, white, or another solid color. If you’re torn on this, think about the kind of accessories and makeup you’re hoping to wear. In general, solid colors work better with bold makeup or elaborate jewelry, while loud patterns often call for understated pieces. Follow Your Instincts If you are down to a shortlist of, say, three dresses then it’s time to trust your instinct. You may have picked out three that are similar, or perhaps you’ve given yourself a choice of bold and brash or simple and demure. When all else is equal, let your heart lead you and pick the dress that makes you feel excited, happy, and eager to wear it! Final Words Style 54922 in blue The above is by no means a comprehensive guide to choosing a graduation dress but we hope we’ve given you some inspiration and ideas as to the best places to start searching. Enjoy your shopping and find yourself the perfect dress for what will be a very special occasion. Tags:  Graduation