Unless you're a celebrity, a bride, or perhaps a duchess, there really isn't a lot of opportunity for a normal gal to wear a glamourous long gown. That's why prom is a perfect opportunity to go all out in a gorgeous floor-grazing silhouette. We compiled the hottest red carpet trends to make gown shopping a breeze.

Now that we've taken the research out of prom dress shopping, you have more time to spend practicing for pictures with one hand on the hip, head slightly tilted, and "Smeyes" (ask Tyra Banks about this)—the clear choice of "it pose" by nearly every red carpet celeb.

Elegant Metallic

Selena Gomez (via thehollywoodgossip.com), Heather Morris (via style.mtv.com), Carrie Underwood (via starandstyle.com)

If there was ever a time to go all-out in metallics and sequins, it's prom. These celebrities demonstrate that shiny can certainly still be classy.

Nicole Miller Sequin One Shoulder Fishtail Gown $695, Scala One Shoulder Sequin Dress $298, Sherri Hill 2455 $590


Jewel Tones

Sofia Vergara (via), Kim Kardashian (via fashionfame.com), Mila Kunis (via sugarslam.com)

Glamorous jewel toned gowns were all over the red carpet this past awards season.  Go for one statement piece of jewelery like earrings or a cuff.

Alyce Designs Beaded Necklace Ruched Gown $358, Atria Elegant One Shoulder Dress $250, Alyce Designs Sweetheart Neckline Evening Gown $212


Lace

Christina Aguilera (via blackvoices.com), Diana Agron (via cocoperez), Mila Kunis (via starandstyle.com)

Lace was another big hit this year.  Christina Aguilera's red lipstick adds a sexy compliment to her body hugging lace gown, but lace is just as stunning with minimal makeup.


Tadashi Shoji One Shoulder Lace Gown $388, Blush Floral Prom Gowns $358, BCBG Moriza Strapless Gown $398


Ravishing Red

Jessica Biel (via thehollywoodgossip), Katrina Bowden (via thefashionpolice.net), Jennifer Lawrence (via theluxuryhub.com)

An incredible floor grazing gown in the brightest red is pretty much always in vogue.  Exhibit A: Jennifer Lawrence.  The red gown she wore to the Academy Awards is mega simple, but it had entertainment and fashion media (including us) talking for days after the ceremony!

Sherri Hill 1422 $450, Jovani Strapless Semiformal Dress $570, Atria One Shoulder Prom Dress $230


Ruffles

Jenna Ushkowitz (via zimbio), Kate Mara (via justjared.com), Carla Buona (via Zimbio)

Big ruffles are fun, feminine, and perfect for prom.  We love how all 3 of these celebs went for simple makeup and updo's, which is ideal when you're wearing such a standout design.

Sue Wong Strapless Feather Gown $630, Alberto Makali Mauve Silk Strapless Rosette Gown $594, Betsey Johnson Evening Pink Star Strapless Gown $525


What are you wearing to prom?

Already been to prom: did you wear a gown or a short dress?