For thousands of years people have made a special effort to dress up for extra special events.
In the USA, the tradition developed of holding a special ball to celebrate young people reaching the end of high school. This was called the Prom Ball and young women attending these would make an effort to dress up in something that was both beautiful and a fashion statement - with perhaps a certain emphasis on formality irrespective of the style chosen.
Today, that tradition has spread and diversified. There is now a vast range of prom dresses that are made to cover just about any social event and they are no longer restricted simply to use at school parties.
They may be suitable for just about any situation where you wish to make a positive statement to show that you are taking the event and more importantly, yourself, seriously. They also incorporate styles that may sometimes otherwise be called cocktail dresses, evening dresses or party frocks etc.
Of course, over time fashions have changed in just about every dimension imaginable. What is comparatively unusual today though is that at special dressy events, styles and fashions of almost any time are acceptable - be they ultra modern or retro.
What that means is that you are free to choose the style that fits your personality and figure rather than feeling you need to conform to a prevailing fashion norm.
If you are looking, you may find beautiful prom dresses for 2012 at Zalando and other online stores.
These great dressy traditions are not just restricted to women. Men are also expected to make an effort and even if black tie would be unduly formal for many events, it is still possible to find a range of extremely smart men's fashions that will superbly complement the dresses and accessories of the women involved.
Going out for a special event is, by definition, not something that most of us do regularly. When we do get the opportunity to do so, it is nice to make that extra special effort and having the right type of prom dress might be part of that.
Contrary to what you may imagine, it does not have to cost a fortune and it just might help you make your evening one that will stay with you forever as a fond memory.
So there is no need for any further delay - start checking out prom dresses for the seasons ahead!