Gown Time

Illusion necklines: If you like the look of strapless dresses but not the hassle of wearing one, try an illusion neckline. This chiffon showstopper, by Clarisse (No. 2540, $425), includes leaflike glass and crystal jewels on the bodice. "[The neckline] gives the girl a little bit of modesty but yet they still get that glam and glitz," says Brenda Kucinski, event planner and director at Catan Fashions. 12878 Pearl Road, Strongsville, 440-238-6664 catanfashions.com

Two-piece gowns: Not for the timid, two-piece dresses are pushing the prom-attire envelope. "A lot of the ladies are wearing the short shirts now, so they started making formal gowns with the short shirts," says Fashions by Fowler co-owner Tracy Fowler-Affrica. Embrace the trend with this Alyce design (No. 2432, $523). Not only is it full of jewels along the collar and wrists — the back is a bedazzled work of art. fashionsbyfowler.com