Prom Trends for 2008

A sophisticated take on the girly frills trimming your little sister's socks, the grown-up ruffle tackles new territory.

Whether they're creating an elegant ruched pattern over the length of your dress, forming a tux-inspired bib on the bust, or adding '20s glamour in the form of a drop-waist, no one is too old for a good ruffle.

Buy Direct

Instead of choosing black (too typical!) or white (too wedding day!), why not combine best of both worlds with a sharp noir-and-blanc gown?

Polka dots, flower patterns, and graphic prints look very Edie Sedgwick, especially when paired with a mod ballerina flats and a swipe of silver shadow.

Buy Direct

An eccentric alternative to ruffles, feathers provides a sense of whimsy to formal dresses.

They frills look especially stylish along the hem, trimming the décolletage, or tiered throughout the gown.

Buy Direct

The sequined dress, a hit in the '80s, quickly made its way to the front of our closets this year.

If you'd rather not look you've been digging around in your mother's retro castoffs, wear sophisticated accessories. Patent leather pumps, a sleek clutch, and minimal jewelry will look modern and cool.

Buy Direct

Chiffon has always been a prom night mainstay, but even famed fashion designers sent the fluffy fabric down their spring runways this past season.

Not into the Cinderella ball gown look? Betsey Johnson did fancy frocks with abbreviated chiffon skirts that were equal parts princess and punk.

Buy Direct

Nothing grabs attention like a va-va-va-voom dress in a deep shade of ruby.

If a red dress is just too much, opt for a neutral frock and strong red accessories. From stilettos to clutches to cocktail rings to nail polish, everything looks better in red this season.

Buy Direct

The body-conscious bandage dress has been a current favorite of glamour girls like Rihanna and Lindsay Lohan.

The key to pulling off the no-secrets silhouette is a set of Spanx and oodles of confidence. Repeat after me: I am fabulous.

Buy Direct

After sending gorgeous floral gowns down his runway, Balenciaga mastermind and designer-to-the-stars set the trend de reiguer for the season.

To avoid looking like you're heading to a garden party, stick with small floral patterns in the boldest of colors, then cap it off with accessories that are as sleek and chic as you can find.

Buy Direct

It seems pushing the limits to expose the maximum amount of skin has become a prom night tradition. Keep your cleavage under wraps and your modesty intact; instead, flash a saucy shoulder and collarbone with a one-strap dress.

To pull of an asymmetrical neckline, skip the necklace and stick with dangling chandeliers.

Buy Direct

If you would rather skip out on prom than wear pastel in public, this season's vibrant technicolor dress has the attitude to match yours.

Celebrities with larger-than-life personalities never shy away from bright blue, shocking fuchsia, or electrifying yellow -- so why should you?

Buy Direct