• Long dresses should be about an inch or so off the floor so you - and your date -- avoid a tripping embarrassment.

• For an hourglass shape, look for a fitted, column dress.

• A large or small derriere can be camouflaged with a ballgown-style skirt.

• Cap sleeves or a wrap can conceal less-than-shapely arms.

• Bottom-heavy figures look best in brighter colors or patterns on top with solid skirts. Great jewelry, such as oversize accessories (drop earrings) also will draw attention upward.

• Thinner girls should look at fuller cut designs in "floaty" fabrics that don't cling. For a more busty look, choose an empire design.

• Two-piece gowns can be the salvation for those who have disproportionate measurements.

• If your budget is tight, shop thrift stores for costume jewelry and accessories.

• If you wear a strapless dress, and there's no built-in support, sew your own bustier into the dress to keep from tugging all night long.

• Less is more. If your dress is dripping with sequins, choose shoes and bag in satin, minus the glitter, and consider a smooth ribbon choker instead of more gemstones.

• Slits and diving decolletage may look good standing still in a dressing room, but you will be sitting, bending over and dancing at a school event. Keep that in mind.

• A midriff-baring or sexy top should be paired with a conservative skirt style. Conversely, a slit skirt should be paired with a more conservative cut top.

• If you are not used to stiletto heels and insist on them for your big night, practice walking - and dancing - in them beforehand, though most kick their shoes off to dance.

• Do borrow or buy a small evening bag instead of hauling everything you own in a backpack-type purse and ruining your look.

• Don't try a new hairdo the night of the prom. Give yourself a few dress rehearsals with makeup, too.

• Make your dress your own. Be natural. Don't try to be something you are not.