This turquoise blue gown from Zac Posen is a hot choice. It features a deep v-neck and criss cross back for a sexy appeal.

The highlight of this gown is definitely the cascading ruffles down the front. They are flirty, feminine and fun. The ruffled back leads to a short train.

This gown is perfect if you really want to make a grand entrance. Much more bold than black, and quite different from red, you will certainly turn a lot of heads in this dress.

You can order this Zac Posen gown right now from Neiman Marcus for $4,900. With a gown like this, you don’t need much jewelry. Just a pair of dangling earrings and you’ll be all set.

Photo credit: Neiman Marcus

Oftentimes we stick to black when shopping for an evening dress. However, you shouldn’t be afraid to experiment with color. From daring reds to bold yellow, formal gowns come in an array of fantastic colors.

This is one of the colorful gowns that I really like right now. This Marc Bouwer Glamit! beaded ombré gown features purple and pink shades that are dazzling.

The neckline features unique asymmetrical straps and the empire waist is highlighted by beaded detailing. You can get this silk gown right now at Neiman Marcus for just $795. You will definitely turn some heads in this dress!

Photo credit: Neiman Marcus

This JS Collections dress is fantastic.  A lot of clothes tend to follow the same pattern, but this one is different while still being in line with current trends.  I love the sleeves on this, the little bows on the sleeves, and the piping; the black floral print against the white background is really exquisite.

Available at Barrie Pace which ships to the United States.  See their women’s clothing sale section, too.

Photo Courtesy of Barrie Pace

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Nordstrom has a list on their site of 10 Things To Add A Glamorous Global Twist to Your Look for Spring 2008.  Want to know what’s in style right now?  Let Nordstrom point the way.

1. The Gladiator:  This look features any kind of shoe reminiscent of ancient rome.  Shoes come in all heights, from heels to flat sandals.  It’s all in the straps.  This L.A.M.B. stiletto heel is made of metallic leather.

Explore more of the Gladiator Look. 

2. Primitive Prints: Animal prints, batik, and geo-ethnic designs define this style.  A good example is the pattern on this Diane von Furstenberg dress, made of silk.

Explore more of the Primitive Prints Look. 

3. Organic Stones and 9. Exotic Rings:  For Organic Stones, look for natural materials (as opposed to precious stones) like crystal, agate, and quartz.  For Exotic Rings, go for big and over-the-top.  This Argento Vivo white cat’s eye pendant dangles from not 1, but 3 gold chains.  The white cat’s eye ring is big, bold, and attention-getting.

Explore more of the Organic Stones Look.

Explore more of the Exotic Rings Look. 

4. Ornamentation: Metal, beads, jewels, sequins – this season’s look features clothes that are decorated and adorned.  Like this cute swing coat from L.A.M.B. with metallic beading.  Pair it with the L.A.M.B. pencil skirt, called Bombshell, pictured below.

Explore more of the Ornamentation Look. 

5. Natural Materials: Look to accessorize with earthy materials like wood, cork, wicker, and bamboo.  This slingback Jessica Simpson pump features blue leather atop a wooden heel.

Explore more of the Natural Materials Look. 

6. Mixed Stack of Bangles:  When it comes to bangle bracelets, choose from a variety of different materials from wood and stone to metal and enamel.  Just make sure that no matter what type of bangle you’re wearing, you have lots of them.  For a glamorous touch, try these Swarovski crystal bangles.

Explore more of the Mixed Stack of Bangles Look. 

7. The Caftan:  The sixties are back in full force, including the caftan.  Try this Tory Burch tunic caftan in a yellow print.

Explore more of the Caftan Look. 

8. Safari Style:  Cargo pockets, khaki, and more animal prints define this look.  These Via Spiga wedge sandals sport a giraffe-print heel.

Explore more of the Safari Style Look.

9. (see #3)

10. Handmade Details: Attention to detail is the name of the game, whether it be embroidery, cut-outs, applique, ruffles, or something else.  Look for clothes with that extra touch.  This Phillip Lim dress features incredibly detailed embroidery and teeny tiny ruffles along the collar and sleeves.

Explore more of the Handmade Details Look.

Nordstrom ships to the United States.

If you liked this post, you might also like my previous post: Designer Dress Has Fresh Look in Gray, White, and Beige.

Photos Courtesy of Nordstrom

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The Audrina dress pictured below features draping reminiscent of ancient statues of greek goddesses, a style that’s very *in* right now.  What I especially like about this dress is that it has the fittied piece beneath the draping.

Available in other colors, as well; get it at Lauren Conrad which ships worldwide.

If you liked this post, you might also like my previous post about another dress with a draped effect:  Mini Dress — Pale Blue and Just Right for You.

Photo Courtesy of Lauren Conrad

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The draping at the neckline and the jewels on the shoulder straps contribute to the chic look of this little black dress.

Notice the ruching on the entire dress and the little upturn at the side seam hem, which show off the figure.  This dress is sexy while still being elegant.  It’s currently on sale.  Complete the look, and pair it with these silver T-strap high heels:

You can get both at Carabella, which ships worldwide (non-U.S. shipments go through a third part; see their shipping page for more information).  They have a lot of clothes on sale right now, so be sure to visit their women’s clothing sale page, too.

Photo Courtesy of Carabella

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A prom dress can take weeks to be made and more time to ship to you.  It’s never too early to start looking for that perfect dress.  Following are 5 online stores where you can find formal and prom dresses.

• Christina’s (ships to the U.S.)

• Tiza (ships worldwide)

• New York Prom (ships worldwide)

• Find My Prom Dress (ships worldwide)

• Sophisticated Lady (ships worldwide)

If you’re last-minute shopping, many prom dress stores also have web pages that contain pre-made, in-stock dresses which they can ship out quickly.  The bad news is that you’ll have to search through them for your size, but the good news is that the pre-made dresses are often offered at a discount.

If you liked this post, you might also want to browse through my long dress category for lots of beautiful formal dresses.

Photo Courtesy of Jan Sundstedt

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Jennifer Lopez just launched a new line of fashion called JustSweet.  The clothes are really cute and really trendy.  I especially like this dress:

Here’s a closer look.  Notice the subtle metallic sparkle in the fabric.

Get it at JustSweet.com for less than $100.  They ship worldwide.  She has a lot of cute footwear you can buy, too.  For some super low prices, check out the sale page.

If you liked this post, you might also like the previous post: Trendy Pink Silk Floral Dress.

Photos Courtesy of JustSweet.com

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Flatteringly fitted yet full and feminine, this dress is perfect for when you want the best of both worlds.

I like the pink gloves with it, too.  This dress is called Satin Doll, and the bodice is bejeweled.

Pair it with this cute little prim and proper clutch:

All of the above items can be ordered from lorelie.com, which ships worldwide (customers outside the continental U.S. should visit their shipping page for more info).  Visit the sale rack for more beautiful dresses at bargain prices.

If you liked this post, you might also like my previous post featuring a long pink dress called Versatile Evening Gown Can be Worn 3 Different Ways.

Photos Courtesy of lorelie.com

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Short in the front and long in the back, this halter dress by La Femme shows off your legs while giving you the elegance of a longer gown.  I love the multiple satin bands around the middle which end in the bow.

It’s available in gold and a variety of other colors (including white, which isn’t shown).

Get it at Prom Girl, which ships worldwide.  They have a great Prom Tips section on their site, too, and much of the advice could apply to other formal events or nice outings, as well.  If you’re looking for a bargain, see their sale page.  If you’re looking for formalwear for men, visit Prom Guy.

Photos Courtesy of Prom Girl

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