Searching for the perfect dress to wear to prom? If you’re looking for some prom dress inspiration, Ericka Larva, fashion consultant from Square One Shopping Centre, has some great advice on the hottest trends for prom. This year, prom dresses are all about vibrant colours, daring cuts, sparkling sequins and jewels, floral motifs and luxurious fabrics.

A gorgeous sorbet yellow dress from Marla’s is a ballerina inspired showstopper. The waist is accentuated with a horizontal band of reuching from which a layer of sheer organza flows, giving the dress a romantic, fairytale feel. Not wanting to take anything away from the dress, Larva accessorizes the outfit with two chunky bracelets from Marla’s and coppery brown satin stilettos from Browns. The shoes are simple, yet elegant, with bows adorning the heels.

Showcasing the hot sorbet colour palette is a cocktail-length pink dress adorned with sequins and jewels from Marla’s. A band of gold detailing accentuates the plunging v-neckline and mirrored v-line open back, as well as the waist. A chunky gold gemmed bracelet and pink tulle scarf worn around the neck accessorize the outfit.

“When you have a bejeweled dress, you don’t need to add a lot of jewelry,” explains Larva. The open toed, satin pink stiletto shoes from Browns are adorned with small bows on the front and ruffles on the heels.

With a sophisticated silhouette, a pewter dress from K. Barketti is an elegant prom dress choice. The crisscross reuching of the material carries the eye down the lines of the dress to the hemline, which is embellished with an interknit design of sparkling beads and sequins.

“The shoes and handbag, courtesy of Town Shoes showcase a floral motif, which is a big trend this season,” says Larva. Ruffled flowers adorn the strappy black stilettos, the shoes would also look fabulous with a pair of jeans and white blazer, she suggests.

Following the theme of vibrant colour, Norma Reed is showcasing a beautifully feminine fuchsia dress. Highlighted with purple and pink beading on the shoulder straps, bodice detailing and waste band the dress combines a fitted top with a flouncy, layered skirt ready to swirl on the dance floor. Sparkling in a sapphire blue metallic, the shoes from Town Shoes and a purse from Marla that showcases the popular floral motif, complete the look.

“The purse is just big enough to carry a lipstick and cell phone and you’re ready to party,” says Larva.

For a look that provides more coverage, a long elegant royal blue dress from K. Barketti is a regal alternative to short prom dresses. The popular single shoulder strap design features a little train that flows from the back of the dress, creating a “red carpet feel.” Although the purple handbag from Town Shoes does not match the dress or the shoes, Larva explains that it complements the outfits because all three pieces share the same tone. The shoes from Town Shoes are embellished with a jewel encrusted buckle.

“I love the idea of going to a party and seeing lots of colours, instead a sea of black,” says Larva. “Always make a statement and stand out by wearing colour.”

The layered organza skirt of a royal blue strapless dress from Norma Reed has an iridescent quality, changing its hue from blue to turquoise in different light. The fitted bodice with its sweetheart neckline is primed for the prom, shimmering with sequins. To create a more casual look, Larva chose to add a short tuxedo jacket from Bedo. The black strappy stilettos from Town Shoes have floral embellishments on the ankles.

While the prom is not all about the dress, these dresses are all about the prom. Visit www.ShopSquareOne.com