Prom and Homecoming Dresses: Design Trends For 2012

                                    Many teens consider prom and homecoming as one of the most special, if not the most special highlight of their high school lives. Having gone through changes in their lives and the challenges of adolescence, these are the few times where they can celebrate their youth and transition to adulthood with friends and loved ones. Some consider both as a rite of passage which they will remember forever, which is why, aside from getting the right makeup and hair style, it is every girl's dream to find those stand-out prom and homecoming dresses this year. To help you find outfits that are trending in 2012, here are some of the current Hollywood trends when it comes to evening and formal wear.

• Prints - Prom is about showing off who you are, and there's no better way to do that than getting vibrant dresses for prom and homecoming. Embody that unique, playful persona with striking watercolor, floral, abstract and ombre prints. Be careful of choosing what print you get though, because you can just as easily go tacky with them. If you have a straight, rectangular body shape, go with graphic straight lines. If you are a bit curvy, buy garments that have rounder, softer shapes.

• Bejeweled - Of course, you could also stand out by literally lighting up the room with sequins and rhinestones. Keep the shiny accents in one area of your body though, to avoid looking like a Christmas tree in prom. Go for beaded necklines, bodices, cut outs and cross backs. If you are wearing this type of dress to homecoming, don't wear too much jewellery.

• Peek-A-Boo Cut Outs - It wouldn't hurt if you brought in the sexiness through your prom or homecoming dresses. But instead of wearing outfits plunging necklines and miniskirts, you should go with conservative peek-a-boo cut outs on the back and slitted shoulders. A flash of skin is all you need to pay tribute to your beautiful and maturing figure.

• Mullet and Asymmetrical Hemlines - Be adventurous with a dress that gives you the best of both worlds - glamour and comfort. In 2012, it is all about being unique and versatile with high-low hemlines, and during prom or homecoming, you'd definitely want to look elegant and mature without taking away that youthful spirit.

• Feather, Ruffles and Lace - Although these may be dated about a year, the following flirty accents still remain relevant in 2012 and will go well on any young woman going to prom and homecoming dance for the first or last time. Again, the events are all about having fun and embracing innocence. So, you'd definitely be in style if you get ensembles that have these embellishments. It would be preferable if you have a solid colored bodice as base, since it's quite easy to look awkward if you go overboard with the design.

You should also consider your body type and tastes when you are choosing prom and homecoming dresses, since it could very well affect your overall confidence and appearance