Take a look at these seasonal prom dress trends before you hit the stores.

Dramatic Ball Gowns: Prom is the biggest dance of the year, which means it’s your time to look and feel like a princess.  This 2011 season, expect a lot of dramatic ball gown skirts usually consisting of tulle and sequins, flower embellishments, over the top ruffle skirts, as well as many other styles. Ball gowns are dresses that look great on all body types, making every body type just as flattering.

Floral Prints: Printed floral patterns have been a popular style in the years past, and have continued to gain popularity. This year, choose from bold and extravagant floral patterns or settle for a dress more feminine and romantic with a pastel print. A floral printed pattern prom dress will definitely have you standing out from the rest of the crowd.

Oversized Ruffles: Ruffles are by far on the biggest and most interesting trend of the 2011 prom season. Ruffles have become a feminine and romantic trend that will be a fun and flirty look to set you apart from the rest of your friends.

Crystal Embellishments: Crystal and rhinestone embellishments are back! You won’t understand until you try one on for yourself. Crystal embellishments can take an ordinary dress and make it extraordinary. It’s all about the bling this season! Wearing one of these extravagant dresses will not only make you feel beautiful, but everyone will take note how beautiful you truly are.

Varying lengths: Another popular trend this season is prom dresses with varying lengths. High-low prom dresses are a mix between a sassy short prom dress in the front and an elegant long formal prom dress in the back. This is such a popular trend because, for most girls, trying to make a decision between a short and long dress can be nearly impossible. If you purchase a dress with varying lengths, you get the best of both worlds—both a short and a long prom dress.

One shoulder: One shoulder prom dresses are a great option to consider when you go to find the perfect dress.  Not only do they look great on, the style is very comfortable not having to pull your dress up every five seconds. One shoulder dresses are both sleek and sophisticated, as well as a must have trend this season. 

Sweetheart Neckline: Some of the best fitting and most complementing strapless prom dresses are dresses with sweetheart necklines.  The sweetheart neckline is an extremely popular alternative to the straight across strapless neckline looks good on many different body shapes and bust lines.