Either choice is not only sophisticated and sexy, it is also nontraditional. More traditional colors for prom dresses are prints, brights, pastels, and even white, because not only do colors say "spring!" but also prom dresses can easily be worn as bridal gowns, bridesmaid's dresses, and for other spring and summer formal occasions. But to the modern eye, light-colored dresses seem less like formal attire for an evening of dinner and dancing than red or black.

The "woman in the red dress" is a siren; the red dress speaks loudly ! When choosing a red dress, be prepared to receive a lot of attention. Focus on a dress and fabric that will enhance your body style by framing your best features. Consider keeping your shoes, bag, and other accessories neutral and classic so that they don't "fight" with the dress. While the red dress will be something everyone remembers, you will be able to use the accessories again and again. Decide which colors flatter your skin tone

If you choose a full length red dress, particularly one of shiny satin, taffeta, or a great deal of tulle, consider getting one which can be altered for club wear and semi-formal occasions . Even a short red dress is more formal than a short dress of another color, however.

The "little black dress" is a style staple, but it is more common for cocktail, not formal (black tie/white tie) events like prom. Should you choose a short black dress for prom, you will probably want to choose something which is simple and chic, because you will undoubtedly be wearing the dress again and again, for all different sorts of events. Look for a style you can dress up for prom and other formal occasions, perhaps with stockings with rhinestones or seams or patterns, with unusual shoes of any color, and with a suite of elegant accessories: evening bag, shrug, jewelry, and your flowers. You can dress it "down" with simpler accessories for openings, concerts, and dinner out on the town. You can also jazz it up for clubbing.

If you choose a full length black dress, you may want to consider getting one which can be shortened into a "little black dress," such as a streamlined gown with an unusual neckline or back, but with a relatively simple waist and skirt.

If you don't shorten your black dress, you'll be able to wear it for formal evenings, on the prom night, to look gorgeous and to hear the wow!

Although it used to be a "fashion don't" to wear red or black to a wedding, this is no longer a hard and fast rule. If your friends are as style-aware as you are, and/or it is an evening wedding, just ask the bride or ask the maid of honor the bride's wish.

If you don't have to worry about wearing your prom dress a second time, go wild! And either a red dress or a black dress IS wild.