Long Prom Dresses for a Petite?

Q.  My senior prom is in mid-May, and I'm having trouble finding a dress that satisfies me! I stand at just 5'0", but I want to go in a long dress instead of the shorter ones (even though I do understand that they would lengthen me a bit more), because I find them to be much more elegant. I want the dress to be long, backless, and preferably in white, red, or yellow. Because I'm so petite, would this be out of the question?
-Prom Petite

A.  An elegant dress that shows off your back--especially a long dress--is perfect for a red-carpet worthy arrival at prom. Petite Hayden Panettiere (5'1") and Eva Longoria Parker (5'2") have both walked the red carpet in gorgeous long gowns, and so can you.

Choose long fitted prom dresses in simple silhouettes. Long column-style sheath dresses and simple A-line style dresses that barely flare add the illusion of height and are perfect for your figure. Avoid big ball gowns--they'll overwhelm your frame.

Also, when it comes time to picking out shoes for your dress, choose heels in the same color as your dress to create one, long vertical line on your body.

                                                             
1. Goddess Prom Gown by Jovani, $320 at edressme.com
2. Dazzling Desire Prom Gown by LaFemme, $396 at shopdress.com
3. Embellished Golden Yellow Empire Dress by La Femme, $318 at edressme.com


1. Coloriffics "Sophia" Sandal, $77.95 at zappos.com
2. Dollhouse "Rock" Sandals, $83.95 at zappos.com
3. Guess by Marciano "Merrick" Slingbacks, $99.99 at shoes.com