CafeYak Shop

Take Up to 30% off Longitude & Delta Burke – code SAVE

Free Shipping on any order over $100 at Timberland.com! Use code SHIP100

Winter Clearance Sale at Altrec thru 2/10 - Up to 60% off

All denim is Buy One Get One 50% off at HotTopic.com! Save on brands like Tripp, RUDE + more. Limited Time Only - Shop Now!

Altrec Outlet Sale - 1000's of deals at your fingertips. Ends 2/2/12.

Every Saturday and Sunday take 25% Off All Regular Priced Items at Ed Hardy through February 12, 2012. Use code: THANKU

Boutique to You - 35% OFF already reduced SALE Items - of the moment celebrity fashions! Use code: StarSave35

65% Off select Prom Dresses 2012 at eDressMe

Free Shipping on orders over $50 at AMIClubWear! Code: AMISHIPPED

Top 10 Shapewear at BareNecessities.com

Embellishments

According to designer Laura Dawson, black sequins are one of the biggest trends this season, as well as lingerie-inspired designs. A great dress idea for prom is the wrap dress with comfortable microfiber undergarment built into it, to eliminate the need for a bra worn with the dress. "It strikes a great balance between appropriate for prom and in with the lingerie trend", says Dawson. Rhinestones, sequins and stones show up beautifully on the dance floor and create an eye-catching look. This also explains why necklace dresses are so extremely popular this Prom season. "They offer an easy look with no need to really accessorize", says Denise Weaver of Pistol & Stamen, an agency for designers like Adrianna Papell, Hailey Logan and Aidan Mattox.

Color

Color continues its reign down the runways for Spring and it is reflected in the Prom fashion. Elena Victoria, a high school student and a budding Chicago-area designer, says designers use lots of pantones, particularly the jewels (turquoise, violet, coral) and champagne, herb, and eucalyptus. The combination of neutral, bare tones with vibrant colors of Spring creates for a beautiful gown, she says. "This year for the Prom dresses I'm designing, I am focusing on delicate fabrics and vibrant colors, with simple yet detailed embellishments".

Sleeker and shorter

Designers are looking for silky, sleek, delicate fabrics. It's no longer the world of ruffles and poofy skirts and sleeves. The gowns are fitted, gently draped and flattering. "Many of my friends are wearing relaxed, loose fitting dresses that fall above the knee. This creates for a comfortable yet expensive look. Prom styles are getting less and less formal as the years progress, and many girls choose to wear above the knee styles now rather than to the floor", says Elena Victoria. Denise Weaver says short dresses with interesting skirts are selling well for spring, very "Katy Perry-esque".

Asymmetrical

According to David's Bridal, asymmetrical cuts are one of the top trends now. Prom fashion is taking a cue from red-carpet asymmetrical detailing and unusual pleating to create unique silhouettes, and doesn't every girl want to look unique for her prom? Look for unique straps, necklines and draping to make this look pop.

Prints and cut-outs

Cut-outs, particularly on the side, create dramatic look in a variety of shapes. Circles, diamond cut-outs and deep Vs, or open backs, create unexpected details in an otherwise simple dress, say David's Bridal designers. The cut-out approach looks better in one-tone dresses. On the other hand, prints - zebra, leopard, florals, abstracts - elevate a basic dress to a chic stunner.

Our 2012 Charity is March of Dimes. We will donate a portion of our commissions on all purchases through CafeYak.com to the March of Dimes this year. Every year, more than 21 million babies worldwide are born prematurely or with a serious birth defect. The March of Dimes works hard to change this.