Let the red carpet and runways inspire you to find a prom dress that's both fancy and fashionable.
White
White gown, Nordstrom.comWhether you tuned into the Golden Globes or just caught the red carpet highlights, the single trend that stood out in a sea of gorgeous gowns was the fresh, innocent shade of white.
If you feel too much like a blushing bride dressed in a white gown, opt for warm cream shade or a classy black and white number.
Prom night is the perfect time to pull out all of the sparkly stops: sequins, beading, rhinestones, paillettes. You can shine in small doses – a little trim here, a little beadwork there – or you can shimmer head-to-toe in a gold or silver gown. Let your dress take center stage and stick with minimal accessories.
If you feel a little too shiny in a metallic frock, stick with a simple dress and accessorize with shimmery extras like gold heels, stacks of bangles, or layered necklaces.
To avoid resembling your Grandmother's doily tablecloth, seek out lace dresses in sleek, sophisticated shapes. Stay away from ruffles, bows, and frills of any kind; instead, look for strapless tops, slim silhouettes, and short hems.
With a fabric as undeniably feminine as lace, accessories should be sassy, not sweet. Wear stiletto heels instead of mary janes, long chandeliers instead of button studs, and chunky bangles instead of delicate tennis bracelets.
The addition of a ruffle at the hem, neckline, waist – or all of the above – adds a feminine elegance to any dress. One of the best gown trends of the season is the Marie Antoinette-inspired tiered ruffle skirt. Fit for royalty, the flouncy look is a throwback to the fashion-loving queen.
Consider your body type before splurging. If you aren't fond of your legs, full ruffled skirts are a great option. If you want the emphasis on your smiling face, ruffles around the necklace will bring the attention upwards.
During the '80s, full-length dresses were unheard of. Prom-goers favored short, beaded pouffed hem numbers inspired by movies like Pretty In Pink. Though full-length formals are far more common today, why not opt for a chic version of the rocking retro mini? 
Concentrate on balance with a short dress. If you're showing off those stems, make sure the neckline is on the conservative side. It's best to leave a little bit to the imagination - especially on prom night.
