And the hot tip for jewelry is chandelier earrings, which

Prom And Homecoming Dresses For The 2006 Season.

Now is the time to start searching for prom and homecoming dresses for 2006. Its nice to allow yourself plenty of time, so you can relax and enjoy checking out all those gorgeous dresses before you decide which one is going to be absolutely perfect.

Before you begin searching for your prom or homecoming dress, you should have a clear idea in your mind of whether youre looking for a full formal, semi-formal or dressy casual style. Most high school proms are full formal, so its the perfect opportunity to wear that full length ball gown youve always dreamed of, or the kind of sophisticated formal dress you would reserve for the most glamorous occasions.

A homecoming dance or event will usually be less formal, but the dress code will depend on the event and on your particular schools tradition. The best way to get an idea of the kind of outfit which will be most appropriate is to just ask the senior students, or graduates if you know any.

Now is the time of year when the major trends are beginning to emerge for the coming season. There are a number of looks which are shaping up to be the big trends for 2006, so you have plenty of choice.

Prom and Homecoming Fashion Trends for 2006

Black is the new fishtail wedding dresses black. Of course, classic black never really goes out of style, but the sophisticated black dress will be one of the strongest trends for the 2006 prom season. Slinky shapes with glamorous floor length skirts are the main focus.

Bold, dramatic black and white will also be an important look, in particular the classic black and white paneled bodice with a solid white A-line skirt. Well also see solid black dresses with dramatic white detailing.

Winter white is still an important look, particularly with silvery beads and details.

Colors for 2006 will be bold and dramatic. Soft pastels have most definitely made way for striking rich reds, dazzling blues, sparkling golds, sunset yellows and even tangy citrus orange tones. If you like to be really daring with color, this will be the year for bold contrasts of two or more strong colors.

The sexy Grecian style gown is tipped to be a particularly hot look for the 2006 season, after Kelly Clarkson really turned heads with the stunning gold silk dress she wore at the VMA Awards in August. If you have a sensational figure, now is the time to really show it off!

Strapless ball gowns were the main attraction at the Golden Globe Awards in 2005, worn by everyone from Kim Kattrall of Sex and the City to Friends favorite Lisa Kudrow, so well be seeing a lot of this fabulous celebrity style in the upcoming prom season.

Fabrics will be shining, lustrous and glamorous, with satin and silk the main focus. Well also see lots of flowing chiffon, classic taffeta and gorgeous organza.

Beads, sequins, rhinestones, glitter, embroidery and and specialty detailing will also be a major trend, so if you love a little glamour its definitely going to be your year. There will be lots of beautifully beaded necklines and embroidered bodices. Extravagantly romantic lace, ribbons, tie-backs and bows will also be very much in vogue.

Theres no single strong trend in hemlines; its really a case of anything goes, be it a full floor length skirt, tea length, short or daringly short. Well also see everything from cheeky handkerchief hems to classic A-line shapes, long skirts with trains, funky asymmetrical hemlines, sexy slit dresses, and even elegant ballerina skirts. Its really a matter of choosing the skirt shape and length which best suits your figure and shows off your assets.

Prom and Homecoming Accessories

Beads and embroidery will also be in very much in vogue for prom and homecoming accessories. There will be lots of beautifully designed beaded and embroidered purses and shawls to complement the seasons gowns.

You can never go wrong with strappy mid to high-heel shoes to complement evening wear. Bear in mind when youre choosing your shoes that you not only want to look sensational, you also want to keep dancing all night, so look for evening shoes which are comfortable as well as stylish.

An alternative shoe style which empire waist wedding dresses will make a surprise appearance in 2006 will be ballet shoes. There will be lots of prom shoes in ballet styles, but theres no reason why you cant wear real ballet shoes, which are inexpensive and easy to find. With the right dress, theyll look absolutely gorgeous.

And the hot tip for jewelry is chandelier earrings, which look great particularly worn with your hair up to show them off. This will be the year for bold, extravagant, sparkling jewelry, including brooches, necklaces, bracelets, rings and tiaras with every kind of jewel, from dazzling rubies and emeralds to classic diamonds and pearls.

Wedding Dress Trains

After you've decided on the style of wedding dress you want, with the perfect neckline and sleeve, the last piece to add is the train. One of the main determining factors in the length of your train is the formality of your wedding. The shorter trains are perfect for informal or semi-formal weddings. The longer, more elaborate trains are best suited for the formal and ultra-formal affairs.

The most informal train is the Brush Train, sometimes called the Sweep Train. It is just slightly longer in the back of the dress than in the front and just brushes the floor behind your dress. This train is perfect for that lovely beach wedding or the semi-formal ceremony and won't add tight homecoming dresses a lot of volume to the back of your dress.

Slightly longer than the Brush Train is wedding dresses sale the Court Train. It travels about 3 feet from the waistline and adds a little more volume than the Brush Train to the back of the gown. It's also great for most ceremonies, formal and informal. It's not, however, recommended for your garden or beach weddings.

The Chapel Train has become a most popular train, due to the elegance it adds sexy wedding dresses to the dress, while still allowing it to be appropriate for the semi-formal affair. This train extends approximately 4 feet from the waist and is very often used by Vera Wang on her designer creations with lovely embroidery appliques and beading. The more elaborate the embellishment of the train, the more formal the gown becomes.

A very formal addition to your wedding gown would be the Cathedral Train. The Cathedral Train trails 7 to 7 1/2 feet behind her waist and makes an incredible statement when the bride makes her entrance. Often, top bridal designers, such as Vera Wang, will design dresses with removable Cathedral Trains. That way, after the pictures and receiving line, the bride can have her train removed and enjoy the reception.

The Royal Train is absolutely breathtaking when seen trailing 9 to 10 feet behind a gorgeous designer wedding gown. You will be in the church while your train is still coming up the steps. Only the most formal of ceremonies is appropriate for the Royal Train, also known as the Monarch Train. The picture of Princess Di walking toward the alter is a perfect example of the regal Royal Train. Now picture it on your Vera Wang original with silk organza bodice and light ivory silk satin with an interlayer of lace leading to the train. But keep in mind, With this much added material, you'll need additional attendants to assist you.

The last train is unique and different from the others in the way it attaches to the dress. Not at the waist, but at the top of the dress; at the shoulders or the back, depending upon the way the top of the dress is cut. It can be any different length, from the same length as the dress to extending well beyond the back hemline. This is the one type of train, if made with a sheer fabric, that would be lovely on a Vera Wang sheath dress for a beach or garden wedding.