Prom tips from a pro

According to Gina Kelly, the fashion director of Seventeen magazine, prom is a major fashion opportunity. "This is a girl's red carpet moment. She's thinking about it and tearing out magazine pages," she said. Here are some of Kelly's top trends:

Short: From the knee to cocktail length (midcalf).

'80s-influenced: More poof styles and vintage '80s shapes.

Bright colors: There are lots of jewel tones, especially pinks and purples.

Red carpet looks: One-shoulder and strapless dresses. You can go glam with paillettes, sequins and all-over beading.

Water-color prints: Floral prints and subtle ombres. There aren't tie-dyes, but there's a glamorous, beachy, boho feel.

Traditional: Big dresses with crinoline and hoops in candy colors. Fluffy cotton-candy dresses with layers of different colors.

Accessories: The easiest, least expensive way to transform a dress and get more than one wearing out of it. Hair accessories, little feathers, bows. Headbands are back, thanks to celebrities wearing the hippie look.

SARA GLASSMAN