Prom Spot - Prom Dresses: Find Your Perfect Fit

Sure, you can spend all day looking at models in magazines -- but they won't necessarily help you need to find a dress that helps you look your best. That means fixing figure flubs as well as playing up your bod's personal bests. Check out our foolproof plan for finding a dress that works with your body type.

Figure Fix: Downsize My Hips!

Look For: A full-skirted ball gown or any gown that draws the focus upward (see illustration 4, below). With this style, eyes will be off your hips -- and on your slender waist. Remember, you don't have big hips: You've got killer curves!
Skip: Sheaths and other superfitted styles, or V-necks, which lead the eye downward.

Figure Fix: Give Me Some Curves!

Look For: Since so many girls would kill for a superslim figure, consider showing yours off in a fitted style like a sheath (illustration 2). If you want to look a little more voluptuous, try an A-line style (illustration 1). It'll show off your slender frame while also creating the illusion of curviness with a fuller skirt.
Skip: Strapless and halter styles if your collarbone and shoulders are on the bony side -- they'll make you look even skinnier.

Figure Fix: Flatten Out My Tummy!

Look For: Empire-waist gowns will give you a long, slim look (illustration 3). Or try a style with a corset-style bodice, which will whittle your waistline while emphasizing your bust.
Skip: Princess-cut gowns (illustration 1), basque waists, and sheaths (illustration 2), which will draw attention to your midsection. Other no-nos: sashes and horizontal stripes.

Figure Fix: Hide My Heavy Arms!

Look For: Short sleeves, off-the shoulder necklines, or see-through lace sleeves will all camouflage upper arms that aren't super shapely. Look for a dress that has a sweetheart neckline, which will draw attention to your bust instead of your arms.
Skip: Sleeveless, strapless, and spaghetti-strap dresses (clearly!). If you have your heart set on a strapless style, look for a dress that comes with a wrap (or find one that goes with your gown). It won't seem strange at all -- cool cover-ups are huge this year.

Figure Fix: Help Me Look Taller!

Look For: Petites look sweet in sheaths (illustration 2) and A-lines (illustration 1). It's best to keep it simple, and these silhouettes will help you add some length.
Skip: Big ball gowns (illustration 4) -- if you're on the small side, too much dress will look overwhelming.

Figure Fix: Minimize My Big Booty!

Look For: A strapless ball gown or any other full-skirted style (like the ball gown in illustration 4) will camouflage your rear. Look for a corset-style or other type of fitted bodice. A slim waistline plus a flared skirt equals a sexy hourglass figure!
Skip: Sheath styles (illustration 2) or anything made with mega-clingy material.

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