It's the season for tuxedos and pretty prom dresses
By David Haut Specialty Publications

It's one of the highlights of the senior year. Prom. It's the one, magic night, wherein formal dress, fine dining, dancing and limo rides rule the night. For some, it's a rite of passage. For others, it's a fun excuse to get dressed up and act silly with friends. Whatever the case, prom is a fixture among high schools, and the highlight is the dresses the ladies will be wearing.

Similar to a wedding or even the Oscars, the prom dress is nucleus in which several things are built around. Hairstyles, flowers, shoes, accessories - even vests and ties hang in limbo until that final choice is made.

So, what's hot this year?

Dress retailer Kara Hill says Jovani is a hot designer this season.

Colors are a big deal when it comes to dresses. Ladies with lighter skin are usually advised to watch for lighter colored dresses, such as light pinks and peaches could wash out lighter skin tones. Deeper colors are suggested for lighter skin tones. Darker skin tones have more color options.

Hair color is also a factor. For example, strawberry blondes may consider a green or a blue to compliment their hair color.

Finding that perfect dress isn't simply a matter of pick and choose, though. Sure the models sporting these beautiful dresses have the ideal body. This isn't the case for teenagers, who don't necessarily have the ideal features for certain dresses.

Retailer Roanna Rose offers a little bit of advice when choosing a dress.

"Halters are good for plus size women and those who are larger on top," she said. "A lone looks good on everyone, especially women with larger hips. Strapless (dresses) are good on most but difficult to wear for those with larger busts."

Rose adds Mermaid and fitted gowns look best on tall, slender figures.

It's best to buy a dress that fits now. Buying a dress that's too small, while planning to lose weight is usually a lofty goal, and there's nothing more frustrating than trying to squeeze into that dream dress the day of prom. If anything, buy a little too big, which is easier to alter.

Of course, price is always a factor when it comes to prom and the dress is no exception. Parents, remember, it's the prom, which is a big night for your daughter. Dresses aren't going to be cheap, but that doesn't mean you'll have to drop a bundle. There are several designers out there who have fair prices on gorgeous looking dresses.

No matter what dress you get, remember, prom is about fun. For seniors, it's one of the final hurrahs of high school. In all the fashion buzz, don't forget what's most important - enjoying your senior prom.