Teen Dresses

Teen dresses are not just about fancy parties and dances; they are also thrown on over a pair of jeans. Short and skimpy or long and full, both are hip in the world of teen dresses today.

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The Basic Everyday Teen Dress

An extension of the skirt, teen dresses can be a casual one-stop outfit. Whether going out to your local rave or simply relaxing in front of the television, a dress is an easy closet choice. You will find them in all fabrics, materials, and designs. Wear them over your jeans or with footless leggings in the colder seasons or barelegged in the summer heat. Whichever way you wear them, make sure you have at least one everyday favorite.

That Special Teen Dress

Prom is always just around the corner, and showing up in that special teen dress is a big part of what school prom is all about. So what should you look for when it comes to buying that special occasion dress?

This year’s hottest colors are bold jewel tones in fuchsia, blue, green, orange and purple. Low plunging necklines and low backs are trendy and sexy. Sequin trim and beading are showing up on teen dresses this season. Two of the hottest styles in teen prom dresses are Cinderella-style ball gowns and Empire dresses.

For a fairy tale experience, Cinderella-style ball gowns are a great trend. The teen dress has a bubble style skirt that is flattering to almost any figure and is perfect for prom night magic.

Empire dresses are also a big item, both in casual and formal dresses. The dress sports a high-waist that sometimes goes all the way up to the bust line. A unique youthful look that adds a special level of elegance, especially in the longer prom dresses.

Flattering Your Beautiful Body

That perfect dress won’t be so perfect unless it flatters you. Trying to decide what style of dress will look good on you will require a few simple tips. First, decide whether you want to hide a fault or flatter an asset, or both. If you can’t make up your mind, ask a friend’s opinion and consider these tips:

• For a thick waist or large bottom, wear a longer style dress. Avoid low plunging necklines that can put emphasis on the lower half of your body.
• The empire dress is great choice for those who are petite and want to look taller. Avoid the Cinderella-style ball gowns or the casual long dresses since they can be too overwhelming.
• If you have terrific legs, why not show them off in a high-low hem style dress or a skimpy mini skirt dress. Skip anything with long length in the front.
• If you have a flat-chest and would like to emphasis it, try wearing a dress that gathers at the bust line. These are available in both casual and formal fabrics.
• On the other hand if you have a big bust and want to play it down, try an off-the-shoulder style dress to balance your look.
• While black is always an excellent, safe choice, when shopping for a flattering dress, it’s not everyone’s favorite color. The good news is you don’t have to wear black to look slimmer. Look for deep blues, greens and purples that can slim your figure as well.
• To trim your tummy, try wearing an empire waist dress that will give you a slimmer look. Avoid anything bearing horizontal stripes, since the stripes will make your middle look wider.
• If your arms could use a little camouflage, try a sophisticated wrap, casual poncho, or an off the shoulder neckline.

When buying a formal dress, don’t expect to take it home immediately. Sometimes even the right size dress needs a few alterations to make it perfect. Allow time for alterations because it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks before your dress is ready.

Don't Break the Piggy Bank

Many places offer teen dresses at a discount price. Also, don’t forget to hit the sale rack at your favorite department store. While you are there, find out about their return policy. You don't want to buy a dress, then find one the next day you like better, only to find out you can't return the first one. Many stores have separate return policies for dresses as some customers try to return the dress after they have worn it to a special event. So, it is important to ask upfront at the time of purchase.

Here are some other budget-wise options:

• For a formal occasion, rent that killer dress your wallet may not allow you to purchase. Some shops allow you to rent or return special occasion teen dresses, so shop around and ask.
• If you’re a master at the sewing machine, pick up a pattern and fabric at your favorite fabric store and sew your own dress.
• If you’re on a budget, try shopping at your local thrift store for that perfect dress, since the vintage look is very trendy right now.

Shop Wisely

For special events like prom, start shopping early to avoid the crowds and missing out on the latest trends.

If you’re going to shop online, be sure the company is reputable. They should have a customer service phone number where they can be reached and a reasonable return policy, just in case your dress happens to be the wrong color, etc. Also make sure you know the store's sizing chart, since not every company’s is the same.

If you’re shopping offline, bring along mom or a friend, so you can get a second opinion. Avoid unnecessary returns by trying the dress on, this is true for almost any teen clothing item. Not every designer’s size will fit the same.

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