It's tempting to see a beautiful designer prom dress and then go straight out and buy it. However, beautiful it may be, but not every dress is going to look gorgeous on every woman. Certain gowns are made for certain body shapes and you need to make sure that the dress you buy complements your figure, complementing, rather than emphasizing certain parts of your body. Here are some tips to help you avoid buying the wrong gown.

Prom Night is incredibly important for many girls, with many seeing this night as a right of passage from childhood to adulthood. With such importance being placed on this one night, it's of little surprise that many girls want a designer prom dress. They want to be a princess or Cinderella for that one, special night and a designer gown will help make that night something they'll remember for the rest of their lives.

However, many soon discover that the dress they've paid so much for was a costly mistake. It doesn't fit, it's uncomfortable and, worst of all, it just makes them feel unattractive. All confidence is lost and the night is ruined. They've made the mistake of buying the wrong dress for the wrong girl.

This is all avoidable if some thought is given to body shape. Certain designer prom dress styles will flatter some figure types while other will not. Let's have a look at the different figure types and what sort of dresses work best.

If you're one of those rare women with the perfect hour-glass shape figure, then you'll look good in anything. Very few can wear a mermaid prom dress and look stunning. Also sheath dresses look great. Definitely go for either a strapless or halter neck dress.

For those with fuller or rounded figures a dress with a low neckline and dropped waist is very flattering. The low neck line enhances the bust line and the dropped waist lengthens the torso. An empire dress - no waist, instead the skirt begins under the bust - also flatters this body shape.

For women with a boyish figure tight fitting dresses are best avoided. Instead go for an A-line dress that is slightly fitted at the waist. Also, slimmer women look great bare shouldered, so go for a strapless dress. If you're conscious about small breasts then chose a dress with a halter neckline.

Most women are pear shaped. Again, A-line or empire dress styles will flatter as they accentuate the torso but de-emphasize large hips and thighs.

Choosing the right size is difficult when buying any sort of clothing. This can be even more of a problem when buying a prom gown, especially online. To make matters worse, manufacturers' sizes vary; a size 10 from one manufacturer may be a size 12 from another. Fortunately, many online retailers provide a size chart for the brands they sell. If you follow the instructions carefully, you should find one that fits perfectly.

Buying a designer prom dress is definitely to be recommended as they are better designed and crafted to others you find in department stored. If you buy correctly, only buying dress styles that suit your body shape, you can ensure that on the night, you'll look unique, beautiful and elegant.