Short prom dresses project a sweet and innocent for young women who prefer a more casual experience. The most popular among young sophisticates is the little black dress, but also being seen more often are the sequined asymmetrical hemline, the pretty-in-pink baby doll look, the sexy ruffled and flounce salsa dress and finally, the ballerina. Some may prefer a vintage prom dress of satin, ruffles and lace.

Sought after designers include Flirt by Maggie Sottero, Niteline, La Femme, Mori Lee, Tiffany Designs, Alyce Designs, Night Moves, Faviana, Jessica McClintock, Anna Scott and Riva Designs. For more diversity, look for Aurora Plus Size, Beyond by Jovani, Cassandra Stone, Jasz Couture, Joli Prom, Jovani, Landa Designs, Le Gala, Mystique, Panoply and the dependable Party Time Formals, among others. Of course dresses are available in all sizes from petite to plus and can be custom designed or altered to fit and flatter your body type.

Before you shop for your prom dress, be sure to have you measurements-bust, hips and waist-handy since not all designers' size charts are the same. And know your body: Are you an H (not so curvy), an A (smaller on top), or an hourglass (curvy)? Then try on different styles to find the dress that will flatter your figure. Pay attention to the length, color, the material, neck line, sleeves and the way the dress falls on your body-you want to be comfortable, too.

Information about short prom dresses is available in special magazines like Your Prom, Prom Magazine and Seventeen. There are several online stores that provide a wide range of short prom dresses that can not only be ordered but also designed online. Online stores are a great way to shop since they have various options that may not be there at the local stores. However, make sure that there is sufficient time while ordering dresses online. Also check with the return options since most suppliers do not take back the dresses once ordered. These websites also offer advice on choosing the right kind of short prom dress to make the prom night a most memorable affair.