Current Trends.

While many schools and regions have their own traditions and trends when it comes to what kind of dress is right for prom or homecoming, there are some prom industry fashion trends you might want to know about if you're looking to make the perfect dance floor statement. Sophisticated crystals and sequins are hot, so a dress from designers Alyce, Jovani or Sherri Hill, for example, will have you sparkling in style all night long. Other trends for Prom 2013 include pretty pastels, lots of luxe lace, and plenty of sheer details!

School Rules.

While you might be madly in love with the idea of a form-fitting dress with a low back or side cut-outs for your prom or homecoming, it's entirely possible that your school might be less in love with the idea of a girl wearing those styles to a school event! Many schools have dress code rules for homecoming, prom and other formal events so it's important to check out your school's policy before you buy a dress to ensure that you're getting a dress appropriate to (and permitted at) your event.

Short Vs. Long?

Again, this is often dictated in part by prom dress trends or traditions at your particular school or in your particular area, but if you're open to either you might want to ask yourself a few questions to decide - Can you dance in a long dress? Do you want to look more or less formal? And finally, what's more you? Short dresses might be a better choice for a girl who plans to be on the dance floor all night long, and a girl who is going for a more formal vibe might be happier in a long gown (either a ball gown or a slim elegant sheath).