Prom Dress Necklines & Silhouettes

Of the top 3 prom details—hair, makeup & outfit—choosing the best dress can be easier with our guide to Prom Dress Necklines & Silhouettes.

No way will you want to look “only average” on prom night. But what exactly do you want in a dress? Do you know what necklines appeal to you? Do you know what silhouettes are available?

We can help. Just study out little primer—and take it with you when you go shopping. It’ll get you started in your search and will help you navigate the scary waters of formalwear lingo.

Prom Dress Necklines & Silhouettes: Necklines

There so many different types of necklines to choose from—one flatters your shoulders, another elongates your neck, and others can even help define your shape. Here are some of the necklines you’ll find in the prom dress section:

· Bateau Neckline

Available in: Black, Burgundy, Purple

To see more details Click HERE Sparkle Prom Style #72111

· Halter Neckline

The halter is a classic that will never go out of style. It covers the torso—usually riding high—then goes around your neck to show off your shoulders and back.

Available in: Red/Black, Silver, Teal/Black

To see more details Click HERE Sparkle Prom Style #72082

· High Neck

This neckline can be very fitted while still being modest. It’s often used as the front of the bodice in a dress that has a particularly revealing back design.

Available in: Blue, Pink

To see more details Click HERE Sparkle Prom Style #72095

· Scoop Neck

Scoop necklines vary so much, we simply can’t show them all. They can be cut higher or lower depending on the style of the dress, but the idea is that the neckline is rounded and not squared off or has any kind of definitive line—just a soft rounded look.

Available in: Gray Blue

To see more details Click HERE Sparkle Prom Style #72052

· Strapless

You can’t beat a strapless gown for showing off hair, makeup and accessories. If you love the style but want a little coverage, splurge on a pretty cover up like a shawl, pashmina, shrug or bolero.

Available in: Burgundy, Hunter Green

To see more details Click HERE Sparkle Prom Style #72054

· V-Neck

The V-neck is one of the sexiest necklines, but just like the scoop neck, it can be higher or lower, depending on the dress. If you need or want more support, stick with a structured fabric. If you’re comfortable rocking a Kate Hudson-type silhouette, then go for a V-neck as low as you dare!

Available in: Black, Pink, Red

To see more details Click HERE Sparkle Prom Style #72043

· Illusion Neckline

If you want your look to be sexy but modest, then the illusion is the best neckline for you. You can wear a strapless dress but have your shoulders covered and still have the full support of a full opaque bodice. Illusion necklines are stunning either to show off the intricate beadwork or the dress itself or to frame a gorgeous statement necklace or earrings.

Available in: Burgundy, Ivory, Rose Gold

To see more details Click HERE Sparkle Prom Style #72037

· Off the Shoulder

This is a stunning look if you want to be a little flirtatious but still have good support and possibly some coverage. Choose the sleeve of your off the shoulder dress to either complement or camouflage your arms.

Available in: Sand, Silver

To see more details Click HERE Sparkle Prom Style #72044

Prom Dress Necklines & Silhouettes: Classic Silhouettes

The word “silhouette” refers to the overall cut of the dress. There are a million guidelines out there as to which silhouette looks best on which body type, but for now, we’re going to stick to a primer on the basic silhouette styles you’ll find in formalwear.

· A-Line

This is a classic silhouette that elongates and can make the waist appear slimmer. As its name suggests, the basic outline creates a letter A. Choose any fabric and skirt type you like—structured, silky, flowing or fitted. There are plenty of A-lines to choose from!

Available in: Black/Gold, Purple/Gold, Teal/Gold

To see more details Click HERE Sparkle Prom Style #72087

· Ball Gown

This is the definitive fairytale silhouette. Ball gowns can be made of unadorned fabrics like satin or velvet, but even if the fabric lines are “clean,” the silhouette itself will always be grand. If you choose a ball gown, stay a bit on the minimalist side when it comes to accessories.

Available in: Bordeaux, Bronze, Midnight

To see more details Click HERE Sparkle Prom Style #72071

· Mermaid

This silhouette is perfect for taller girls, curvy girls, and even a shorter girl whose legs are longer than her torso. A mermaid dress will always fit closely, so make sure the style you choose lets you move, particularly in the knee area.

Available in: Champagne, Navy

To see more details Click HERE Sparkle Prom Style #72122

· Sheath

A sheath dress can come in many variations, but the basic idea is that the dress is a “vertical column” with no specific waistline detail and an overall straight skirt. Sheath dresses aren’t shapeless, though. They follow feminine curves but “skim” rather than cling.

Available in: Black, Hot Pink, Silver

To see more details Click HERE Sparkle Prom Style #72123

· Trumpet

The trumpet silhouette is very much like the mermaid but is less restrictive in the thigh and hip. This style dress is also usually made of a stiffer fabric like satin or Mikado which holds the flared shape.

Available in: Black/Gold, Ivory/Gold

To see more details Click HERE Sparkle Prom Style #72049

· Fit & Flare

Also similar to mermaid and trumpet, a fit and flare silhouette gently hugs the hips and then opens a bit below the knee. It’s not usually as full and gathered as a mermaid and is usually of softer fabric than trumpet styles.