Trends from the gowns to the tux

e The dress

Elegant column styles or charming gowns with corseted bodices and full skirts are the hottest silhouettes for Prom 2006. Another popular trend is the "high-low" dress (at left), which is full-length in the back but cut away in the front to reveal a little leg.

Strapless styles and sweetheart necklines are in vogue, and they are sexy without being provocative. Scattered sparkles give a glamorous glint to many prom frocks, but gowns awash in glimmer are passe. Ruffles -- beware of too many -- are another trend.

Pale pink is the chicest of pastel choices, white comes on strong as the dramatic un-color, and multicolored dresses will be seen on the most daring trend-setters.

e The hair

To complement the swarms of pretty column and princess gowns that will dominate the big night, the trend is for hair to be tinted or highlighted, and it often has extensions added for more body and design flexibility. Many girls will be putting up their locks in buns, chignons and French twists. For edgier gowns, straight and shiny tresses are a flattering look.

Makeup is fresh and natural, or sun-kissed with self-tanners or bronzers. Lips have naturalcolor and shine. If there must be face drama, smoky eyes with a hint of color rule.

Here, a Marc Anthony stylist knotted and twisted this bun to give some special-occasion pizzazz to an otherwise ordinary look.

e The tux

How will fellows complement their dates? Black tuxedo jackets with a mandarin collar are a big trend. White tuxes are also strong, and longer jackets continue to be popular. Ascot-style neckties are favored over bow ties, and more guys are choosing vests over cummerbunds for a more youthful, comfortable look.

And guys are bringing the bling, from bracelets and earrings to a sparkling brooch like the one worn to this year's Academy Awards by actor Terrence Howard.

-- LaMont Jones, PG fashion editor

Customized prom candy

How can you make a sweet impression during prom? Personalize your M&M candies with the words "Prom '06" to distribute among your friends or to offer at parties.

You can order these in your favorite color through My M&M's at www.mymms.com or by calling 1-888-696-6788. An 8-ounce bag of custom-printed candies is $11.25 (minimum order: four bags). They're also available in gift bags, silver tins and 5-pound bags.

-- Virginia Linn

Dance wit it

This year's crop of dances, gleaned from the latest music videos, will keep chaperones on their own toes as prom-goers tread that fine line between personal expression and appropriate behavior.

Taking the place of the "Macarena" is "Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It," also known as the "Electric Slide of the South" -- just take any song, follow the steps and mix your own flavor with it. Some dances, like the "Chickenhead," have unsavory origins. But to adults' relief, other dances will focus on the footwork, like the "Heel Toe" and its inverted companion, the "Clown Walk." And as for slow dancing, it will never go out of style.

-- Jane Vranish, Post-Gazette dance critic

Boutonnieres, wrist corsages are hot

Colors are the big trend this year in flowers, along with jazzed-up boutonnieres and wrist corsages that become a keepsake bracelet.

Hot colors such as lime and pastels such as peach and yellow are expected to be big this prom season. The traditional rose will be a big choice, with colored gerbera daisies showing up a lot and mixed flowers being popular in nosegays and wrist corsages.

The wrist corsage may be the top choice for girls over nosegays and handheld bouquets. Some are made with a pearl or crystal band that can be worn as a bracelet when the evening is over and the flowers wilt.

Colored wiring, faux gems, beads, crystals and butterflies have become creative additions to prom flowers, and "sometimes even crystals or a jewel in a boutonniere," said Janet Woloszyk, owner of McCandless Floral. "Guys are getting a little more upscale."

A fellow should order his date's corsage several days in advance, making sure it complements the color of her dress. The girl can buy the boutonniere or, if it is to complement the corsage, the guy can order both.

-- LaMont Jones, PG fashion editor

These shoes were made for gawking

Many girls who will be wearing full-length gowns are opting for bejeweled sandals this year. They're more comfortable than high heels for the long night. They're the friend of tall girls who don't want to be taller than their dates. And they still look glamorous.

For traditionalists or those who want the extra height, sparkly strappy heels, transparent "pageant" pumps and shoes dyed to match the dress are always appropriate.

Metallics such as silver, gold and bronze are major again this year and look great with white, black and most colored and metallic dresses. Here, Kenneth Cole's gold and silver metallic leather sandals ($125). Or, for more modest budgets, Target's turquoise rock and coin sandals in tan ($12.99) and woven, studded jewel or beaded medallion designs ($12.99 each).

-- LaMont Jones, PG fashion editor