Short dresses are just as glam as floor grazing gowns for prom. Not to mention that a short dress is generally more versatile, a.k.a. you may actually wear your expensive prom dress more than once if you go short! We poured over countless celebrity looks from the past year and determined the hottest trends to keep your eye on: eye-catching metallics, rich jewel tones, classic lace, knockout red, and oh-so-pretty plumage.

Some of our favourite celebrities went for sassy, standout dresses and really kept their accessories to a minimum. It's all about the dress! Part of the beauty of a short dress is that you can go for super fun styles, embellishments, and colours without the risk of overkill you worry about with a long gown.

Funky Metallic

Jennifer Aniston (via wireimage.com), Halle Berry (via Style.mtv.com), Jennifer Lopez (via CocoPerez)

The spicy mirrored number Jennifer Lopez wore to the Grammy Awards was almost a hotter topic than the actual award winners. Metallics are equally as glam when they are glimmering and obvious like Halle and J.Lo, as they are in a subtle sparkle like Jen Aniston.

Way-in Sequined Party Dress US$74.00, Mandalay Horizon Sequined Dress US$985.00, Aidan Mattox Sequined Mesh Sheath Dress US$295.00

Jewel Tones

Kate Walsh (via Zimbio), Eva Mendes (via Fashlife.com), Selena Gomez (via posh24.com)

Sophisticated jewel colours are flattering on almost all skin tones. Take this trend and pair it with contrasting coloured shoes and fun accessories like Eva Mendes did. Royal Blue looks lovely on pale girls on Kate Walsh and deep purple shows off Selena Gomez's golden-brown skin.

Xscape Ruched Stretch Satin Sheath Dress US$155.00, Tibi Bead-Embellished Silk One-Shoulder Dress US$385.00, BCBG Max Azria Off-the-shoulder metallic taffeta dress $348.00


Black Lace

Taylor Swift (via teenvogue.com), Hayden Panettiere (via Wenn.com), Emma Watson (via starandstyle.com)

We saw lace in many different colours this year, but black lace was the clear favourite. Go for an updo if you have long hair so you don't overwhelm your face like Taylor Swift and Hayden Panettiere's sweet curls.

Tibi Lace and Jersey Dress US$405.00, Way-in Lace One Shoulder Dress US$74.00, Nicole Miller Multi Stretch Lace Combo Dress US$400.00


Ravishing Red

Selena Gomez (via thestylistsit.com), Miley Cyrus (via fashion2model.com), Taylor Swift (via oncelebrity.com)

A simple dress in Valentino red is guaranteed to turn heads. Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus have the right idea with their metallic accessories. Take beauty cues from Selena Gomez and wear matching red lipstick—red on red is the only time it's okay for your lipstick to match your dress!

Adrianna Papell Illusion Bodice Jersey Sheath Dress US$198.00, BCBG Max Azria Drape Front One Shoulder Satin Dress US$248.00, Laundry by Shelli Segal Beaded One Shoulder Jersey Dress US$245.00


Plummage

Blake Lively (via poshposh.com), Jessica Stroup (via coolspotters.com), Diana Agron (via fashionpolice.net)

Feathers are a playful and fun option for prom. The lace on Blake Lively's dress is sweet while Diana Agron's is is sexy but is balanced well with her more demure skirt. (Did you notice the "flamingo"? Look carefully at these celebs!)

Sue Wong Feather-Bottom Sequined Dress US$530.00, Jovani Special Occasion Dress US$640.00, Sue Wong Embellished Ostrich Feather Dress US$438.00 (sale)


Are you shopping for a prom dress this season?  Which trend is your favourite?