Girls’ night out

Looks that will get you noticed

By Cassie Costantini

McClatchy Newspapers

What will you wear to the prom?

We got a preview of prom fashion trends at Seventeen and Macy’s Prom Fashion Show held recently at Arden Fair Mall in Sacramento, Calif.

This year, there seems to be a similar silhouette for all dresses with a short, bubble-skirt look that is classic, elegant and subdued.

Here are five prom trends to watch for:

Show off!

This look is for girls who want to be different and sexy at the prom, with classic lines in front and a surprising, daring back. It is like a mullet: business in the front, party in the back. They are aiming for everyone to be shocked once they turn around.

The Morgan and Co. canary-yellow tie-back gown reminded me of the dress Kate Hudson wore in "How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days," and I think that it definitely could make anyone look like a star.

The canary yellow was such a rich and warm color that it really could work with skin that is dark or tan to contrast against the bold color. The satin on the dress had a sheen that moved with the dress and seemed to make the dress flowy and light. The straps looked as if they had some small rhinestones on them to make them shine brightly, but they were actually tiny beads that made the dress look so expensive. People will definitely be jealous of you and wonder where you got your dress; it looks custom-made.

All that glitters

This look is obviously all about glitter, sequins and rhinestones incorporated into each dress, and its goal is to get you noticed as you glow on your prom night.

If you are looking for a more classic and demure look, try the City Triangles spring-lime tiered gown. It has a princesslike feel and shows a softer side.

It was one of the few longer dresses in the show and I think the color was not as bright and harsh as other dresses; instead, it was light, fresh and springlike.

The floral bead detailing was exquisite, and it really made the dress look feminine. It also is a bit regal because it has a train that makes people notice you.

Create your own signature style

This look is a standout and really lets you express who you are. Each dress seems to have an individual aspect somewhere on it whether it is the back design, the color or the detailing.

The first thing I thought of when this Morgan and Co. ivory-gold beaded dress came out was that it looked like the model was going out to have a great time. It really was such a fun and interesting dress. The best part about it was the unexpected color because few people wear ivory to the prom and the gold beading made the dress glitter and really made you want to look closer.

Also, the pairing of a longer pearl necklace really looked great next to the color of the dress. It had a unique and different look like none of the others and exclaimed fun.

Bright idea

This look includes bubble-banded waistlines, bright colors, and gold and silver accessories. The dresses show off the legs and are edgy and stylish.

The Jessica McClintock sweet pea geometric print strapless ruffle dress was a standout to me, because the moment the model stepped onto the runway, everyone in the audience gasped. It offered a different look for what a prom dress could be, with bright green and white circles and big accessories.

The look is a bit abstract and vibrant and extremely fun.

New romance

This look is about sophisticated and classy dresses with a lot of ruching. They hug your curves and make you appear taller. They include a lot of embellishments, and the look makes all body types feel beautiful and confident.

I thought that the XOXO hot-pink gathered halter gown really embodied the look that girls want at prom: stunning and making a statement.

The vibrant color made this dress stand out in my mind, and it was a color that would go with many skin tones and definitely has a "wow" factor. It included silver accessories to contrast with the bright color, and it really worked well together.

I know that I have tried on dresses that have ruching all down the front, and they usually do not look flattering, but with the interesting neckline and the cut, it looks absolutely flirty without showing off the wrong curves.

Cassie Costantini is a student Folsom Lake College in Folsom, Calif.