Choosing a modest dress for Prom, a wedding, or even for your bridesmaids can be a tall order, indeed. There's also an assortment of reasons to why you would want or need a modest dress:

• Feel uncomfortable showing too much
• Personal preference
• Church standards
• Other religious reasons

A lot of your standard shops for dresses are going to be more "modernized". Meaning they'll be low cut, sleeveless, or other modern fashions. However, finding a modest Prom, wedding or bridesmaid dress can be easy with the right information.

Modest Prom Dresses

Fashion styles are continuously changing. Likewise, Prom dresses are adapting to fit all of these growing trends. Modesty was down for awhile, but is now making a come back. For many young ladies, finding a Prom dress is a stressful time. Finding one that is modest, beautiful, elegant, and affordable yet stylish is an even more difficult task. However, finding a dress that fits all of those specifications is even easier than ever.

It helps to know the basic fashion terminology concerning prom dresses. Knowing all of the different fashion terms can help you choose the modest prom dresses you want.

Listed here are a few, but definitely not all of the Prom dress styles you might see.

Ballroom gowns are classified by their very large skirt that billows out from the waist to the mid-calf or ankles. Ballroom gowns could have a fitted waist and matching or a corset type top.

A-line or princess dresses differ in that they flare out to the hemline. They are also narrow near the waist. It forms an “a” shape as it fits to your body from top to bottom, hence the name A-line. These types of dresses are modest by default, and can be found online as well as from regular dress stores.

High-low dresses zigzag vertically at the hemline so it is short in some spots and long in others. This sheath prom dress is one that clings to the body. It will hide nothing concerning your figure, so beware. Not exactly the most modest of choices, but it can be tailored to a more modest fit.

The lace-covered dress can be a satin or satin-like material underneath with lace as a top layer. Chiffon dresses look similar to a fancy night robes worn in old European times. That might sound like something you don't want to wear, but they are beautiful and elegant. With a high empire waist, the dress is long and flows from the hips down to the ankles. It is great for all figures.

The baby doll prom dress is typically very short and cute. It usually fits at the top and flows at the bottom with a high waistline in between. Baby doll dresses usually come with a tied ribbon or belt around the stomach. This is what classifies it as a "baby dress".

One-shoulder prom dresses have only one shoulder strap, of course. The side opposite of the shoulder strap being sleeveless. These are usually long and elegant gowns. There are also completely strapless formal gowns and prom dresses. These can be worn with or without a jacket or wrap.

The halter prom dress looks similar to a halter top at the sleeves and then flows toward the knees. It is usually no longer than just below the knees and may look similar to a high-low dress at the hemline.

The golden glamour dress is usually shiny gold to appear like “Hollywood” style apparel. The modest prom dress is beautiful, simple, and modest. It covers everything while still giving the wearer a touch of glamour and elegance.

Cap sleeves are short and cover only the upper arms and shoulders. Juliet sleeves are puffy at the shoulders and taper all the way to the wrist. Some sleeves start below the shoulders or appear to “hang off” the shoulders. Also, spaghetti straps are thin straps with no sleeves.

Necklines are also important when choosing a modest prom dresses. The empire neckline scoops out and then connects with a very high waistline. A sweetheart neckline looks like the top of a heart. A jewel neckline is simple and round, located just above the collarbone. The boat neckline (Bandeau) comes around to each collarbone, similar to a sailor’s suit.

A lot of the dress retailers and manufactures offer a plethora of options that are both modest and affordable. The initial search for a gown is also made easy with growing modest Prom Dresses websites and store locations.

If you happen to be searching for a less expensive alternative to purchasing a gown, you should consider sewing your own. Sewing your own gown doesn't have to be as daunting as the TV makes it look. You can use any of the commercial patterns available to make it easy. You can always ask your high school Home Economy teacher for help!

Altering a gown you already purchased is yet another great option for a modest prom dress. Alterations can be as easy as purchasing a shawl or a complimentary cover for your dress. You could also sew on sleeves and front or back coverings. Many retailers provide alteration services as well with an added cost. Finding modest Prom dresses are now the least of your worries for Prom night.

Modest Bridesmaids Dresses

Your wedding day should, and will be, one of the most special days of your life. Even though the bride is the center of attention, she should still be concerned with making everyone at the ceremony as comfortable as possible. One of the many ways that a bride can show she cares for her friends is by choosing modest bridesmaids dresses.

Modest bridesmaids dresses are flattering for all figures of women, that's what modest means. Not everyone happens to have a super model physique. This is one way choosing modest dresses helps out your bridesmaids.

Your bridesmaids will also be more comfortable in modest dresses. In modest dresses, your bridesmaids will be able to enjoy their day more and be less self-conscious because they will not constantly be worrying about "wardrobe malfunctions." Let's face it, the wedding ceremony and reception are long, but joyous, events. Being comfortable the whole while makes it much more enjoyable.

Lovely and modest bridesmaid dresses really can be worn again for multiple occasions. Your friends will definitely love that they can get a greater return on their investment by being able to wear that dress again and again. But you'll have to buy a matching one to fit in with them.

Weeks, months, years and even decades from your wedding you will catch yourself looking at your pictures. Then you will be glad you chose modest bridesmaids dresses, because they won't be distracting and taking away from the seriousness that is a wedding.