mother of the bride long dress with sleeves One Shoulder A-Line Chiffon Dresses w Christina Wu Elegance 17179 intricately beaded formal gown crafted in allover lace with a column silhouette A Line V Neck 3/4

Perfect for prom or any formal occasion, this dress will ensure you make a memorable entrance with its sleek silhouette and radiant shine

Look for a style with a smocked or fitted bodice that provides structure against the fullness of the ruffled skirt

Choose crossbody bags over clutches for practical navigation of barn or ranch venues

- Shawna

At Buzzfeed, writer Claudia Koerner called a lighting expert friend, who had a pretty interesting explanation: After a minor freak-out (because I somehow saw it both ways at different times), I asked my friend Ben, a post production supervisor in Los Angeles, to weigh in

The most flattering formal dress for you is one that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and authentically beautiful, while strategically using design elements to create the aesthetic you desire