From its conception, prom has been a highlight of almost every girl’s high school experience. How often does a young woman get to dress up in a gorgeous gown, fabulous shoes, and a glamorous handbag or clutch? The styles have changed, but not the concept. So just what makes for an amazing prom dress these days? There are a lot of factors like body type and skin tone, plus whatever embellishments you want in the design you choose. You also need to decide if you want a sexy gown or a prom dress that’s more demure and modest. Probably the key consideration, though, is the fabric you want for your dress. But there are so many to choose from—jersey, silk, knit, satin, sequin, and that’s just a few—which one to choose? Our designers have some answers, though, so they’ve put together a little primer for you with all the different fabrics available—some traditional and some cutting edge—to help you make the decision on the type of material you want for your dream prom dress.
Jersey
Jersey is a type of knit made from either cotton or a cotton and synthetic blend. You’ve probably seen jersey in bedsheets, so you know it’s soft, can be comfortably warm, and is highly insulating. It’s stretchy which makes it a popular choice for dresses when you want a fabric that will cling to your curves. Jersey also contracts and expands, which adds significantly to its comfort factor. It’s available in a broad range of colors and patterns to suit virtually any taste.
Shown above is one of our new Sparkle Prom designs, Style #71664. It’s shown in Claret but also comes in Gray and Sapphire.
Tulle
Tulle is made from silk, nylon, or rayon and is commonly used for gowns and dresses to add bulk and that “poof” factor. Tulle comes in multiple colors, so just choose a shade to flatter your skin tone, and your tulle prom gown will definitely make you look and feel like a princess!
Our tulle dress (above) is Sparkle Prom Style #71631. Shown in Red with a Nude illusion bodice, it’s also available in Ivory and Black, both with a Nude illusion bodice.
Chiffon
Chiffon is made from silk or polyester and is very popular for evening wear because it’s so lightweight and sheer. Its simple weave and subtle shimmer call for multiple layers for a luxurious effect. About the only drawback to chiffon is that it can snag and run if you’re not careful. Beadwork on chiffon—like our dress shown above—is indeed beautiful, but may also cost just a little bit more because beading on delicate chiffon requires more care in construction.
Sparkle Prom Style #71690 shown above in Navy, is also available in Lilac and Sunrise.
Knit
If you have lovely curves, why not choose knit for your prom dress? Knit fabrics have always been used for sweaters and shirts, but modern design techniques have broadened its scope to beautiful dresses. It has a lovely drape and just enough stretch to give you a little breathing room if your prom includes a full dinner entree. Knit fabrics can have either a matte or glossy finish, so any shade that flatters your skin tone will look lovely on you.
Charmeuse
If you want the ultimate in vintage style, choose a dress made of charmeuse. This material is often used only for the bodice because of its satin finish, but it’s very lightweight and glossy with a breathtaking drape that’s the ultimate in classic elegance when used to make a full dress. Do be aware that charmeuse is delicate and can snag easily, but it’s ideal for all types of weather, although, in the colder months, you’ll definitely want a wrap, shawl or cape.
Taffeta
As compared to other evening gown fabrics, taffeta is a bit stiffer, so if you’re planning a mermaid or trumpet dress for prom, consider taffeta. Constructed from silk or other synthetics, taffeta is preferred for more structured silhouettes. It also has a soft and smooth feel which adds to its elegant appearance. Taffeta’s one outstanding feature is the distinctive “rustle” as you walk and move around.
One of our newest taffeta designs, Sparkle Prom Style #71661 shown above in Black, is also available in Claret and Lavender.
Organza
Sheer, slick and often iridescent, like taffeta, organza is used for dresses with a more structured silhouette. It’s smooth and lightweight but without much drape, still organza’s sheer properties make it perfect for ball gowns with a princess look. Experiment with light and dark colors against your skin, and also consider taffeta for a short cocktail dress if you plan to dance the night away.
Satin
Satin has always been popular, and in spite of being around half of forever, it’s still very fashionable and is perfect for just about any dress design. It has a distinctive weave that produces a shiny and a matte side. Satin is ideal for evening events due to its glossy appearance.
One of our hottest new designs, Sparkle Prom Style #71630 is shown above in its one-of-a-kind white bodice with a white and floral print satin skirt.
Shantung
Another fabric with a decidedly vintage feel, shantung is perfect for evening gowns and cocktail dresses. Highly sophisticated and traditionally made from silk, shantung is shiny with a distinctive texture. It’s also available in just about any color so you can have fun finding just the right shade for your skin tone.
Lace
Having never really been “gone” from the fashion scene, lace is most decidedly back and is one of the hottest looks today in everything from casual lace skirts to full lace evening gowns and bridal wear. Lace is so unique and comes in so many weights and weaves that if different types are used to make the exact same dress pattern, you’ll still end up with an entirely different look for each dress! Certain kinds of lace are more delicate and can snag, while others are quite sturdy. But if you want The Look in fashion fabrics today, choose lace for your prom dress.
Our brand new, straight off the runway design—a mini sheath with a sheer lace overlay and sexy sheer lace skirt—Sparkle Prom Style #71650 is shown above in Ivory lace over a Nude underdress. It’s also available in Midnight and Red.
Velvet
Velvet is one of those fabrics that can be both demure and daring, depending upon how it’s used. This fabric is perfect for winter weather because it’s thick with a deliciously “fuzzy” nap. If you want a vintage look, velvet is perfect for you.
Depending on the design, velvet can seem out of place for a prom dress, but not necessarily. Just like the dresses shown above, you can go runway chic, understated sexy, or very decidedly demure and still look fabulous. Do keep design embellishments like beads or crystals to a minimum because velvet has a strong “presence” of its own. Still, velvet will show off your statement jewelry in a way few other fabrics can match.
Neoprene
There’s no doubt whatsoever that neoprene is an unusual and standout choice considering it’s traditionally used for swimwear and aquatic clothing. Today’s designers have taken it to a whole new level, though, so if you dare, choose neoprene for your prom dress. It’s obviously perfect for winter weather (they use it to make wetsuits!), but its soft, smooth and stretchy nature looks amazing especially with structured trumpet silhouettes.
Mikado
Looking for a dramatic silhouette effect? Then choose mikado. It’s heavy and is perfect for curvy designs like a mermaid, trumpet, or fit and flare dress. Beading and laces incorporate beautifully with mikado, so be as creative as you wish with your ideas. You don’t want to be ordinary if you want to be prom queen, right?
One of our newest designs, Sparkle Prom Style #71669 shown above in Ivory Mikado, is also available in Coral and Prussian Blue.
Sequin
If you want to be the knockout diva on the dance floor, a sequin dress is perfect. Made from a mesh-type material with sequins either of plastic or metal, you’ll definitely draw “oohs” and “aahs” from the crowd. So if you’re daring enough, a sequin dress is tailor-made for you.
To tone it down a bit, either opt for smaller sequins for a shimmer look rather than “flash,” or opt for sequins either on the bodice or the skirt of your dress, but not both. Just don’t embellish a sequin dress else you’ll look completely overdone. And also stick to toned down jewelry, perhaps with a smooth finish like satin finish gold earrings and bracelet.
Our stunning, brand new Sparkle Prom sequin dress, Style #71667 (shown above in Rose Gold) is also available in Gun Metal gray and Red.
If you’d like a short and sexy sequin dress, check out our DaVinci Occasions line. Here are 3 of our top sellers available in 8 of the hottest colors of the season:
Racy Little Mini – DaVinci Occasions Style #S1010 (shown in Rose Gold)
Serenely Sparkling – DaVinci Occasions Style #S1006 (shown in Fuschia)
Convertible Sequin Sheath & Removable Chiffon Skirt – DaVinci Occasions Style #S1007
All Da Vinci Occasions dresses come in these 8 fashion colors:
- Aubergine
- Black
- Blush
- Cobalt
- Fuschia
- Gray
- Rose Gold
- Silver
To see our complete collection of short and sweet Sparkle Prom dresses, check out this blog: Short & Sweet 10 Ultra Cute Knee Length Prom Dresses
