The 2009 prom season is just a few short months away. Across the country, girls are hunting out the latest prom trends and fashions. With so many dress options to choose from it can be difficult to figure out what dresses are in style and what dresses are last year's news. As a rule of thumb, if you like the dress and it fits your body well, you should wear it and enjoy it! Here is a guide to some of the hottest prom gown styles this year:



Bold, Colorful Prints

Prom dresses do not have to be a single color with beading or bows like they often were years ago. Prints are extremely popular this year, especially charmeuse prints that are colorful and bold. You can find tons of styles in stunning fabrics combining lines, floral designs, or even animal prints. Do not be afraid of the audacious prom dress choices now available. If prints are not your forte, try first considering vivacious, exciting colors. Instead of a pale green, bland dress, opt for choosing a grassy color. Instead of that powder blue gown, try on choices that are brilliant sapphire and sky blues. This is not the year to be subtle with color.

Open Backs

If you want to be daring with your prom dress, consider a style with an open back. You can find designer looks with a swooping back or straps that cris cross across your back. Before you buy a dress, make sure that it follows all of your school's prom dress rules as well as approval from your parents. Many schools have dress codes during outside events such as prom.

Trains

Bridal gowns are not the only dress that can have an elegant train. Dresses with trains are all the rage for proms this year. Do not worry; most dress that have trains are detachable so you do not have to worry about your date stepping on it as you happily dance the night away. You can also find trains that bustle up and attach in the back so that you do not have to worry about the train tearing or dragging on the ground all night.

Short- Length Dresses

Over the last few years, short dresses have grown in popularity, and that is no exception for prom season 2009. Instead of a long gown, consider a tea-length ensemble that shows off your fabulous shoes without being an inappropriate length. Classic short silhouettes are extremely fashionable and look great on just about any body type.

Beading

While in 2007 and 2008 prom dresses with sequins were extremely popular, this year beading is all the rage. Beading on dresses can add a little sparkle and even create prints using contrasting colors. If money is tight, look for dresses that have just a few beads sprinkled around the top of the dress. They are typically less expensive than dresses with all-over beading.

White and Black Options

Even though bold, bright colors are popular this year, an all black or all white dress is always a classic style to wear. Look for a dress that evokes feelings of Hollywood glamour like Jackie O or Marilyn Monroe. When wearing an all black or white dress, you can accessorize with jewelry in any bright colors such as sunset orange and neon green. You can also find black or white dresses with rhinestones and beading that sparkle for an added hint of style. Try looking for classic shapes that flatter your body type. A white or black dress is all about the silhouette you create.

Tulle and Feather Skirts

Along with the in-style shorter length dresses for prom, a short, belled-out skirt made of tulle or feathers can be fashionable as well. Choose a skirt that creates a shape flattering to your body. When you go for a tulle or feather skirt, keep the accessories light. Your dress material is already an embellishment, so too much jewelry can often be overwhelming.

Gold and Pink

While bright colors are in style this year, gold seems to be the metallic jewelry of the season. If you choose to wear a gold dress, non-gold simple earrings and a few chunky bracelets can easily complete your Hollywood look. If you are going for another colored dress stick to gold-toned jewelry instead of choosing silver this year. Gold looks great with just about any color. If you are not the gold jewelry type, pink is another popular accessory color for the season. All bright hues are popular as the summer months approach, but pink jewelry is especially fashionable in 2009. All shades of pink, including pastel pink and hot pink are favored by style magazines and retailers. No matter what your skin type or body type may be, you can find a shade of pink that works well for you.

One-Shoulder Gowns

Prom dresses this year are taking cues from the Hollywood's runway and the red carpet. Celebrities such as Michelle Obama, Kate Winslet, and a number of other celebrities have been wearing one-shoulder gowns to show off just the right amount of skin for any occasion. A one-shoulder dress looks great on just about any body type.