DRESSED TO IMPRESS : WHILE CLASSIC LOOKS RULE PROM FASHION PARADE, OTHERS PREFER MARCHING TO THEIR OWN BOLD BEAT.

Byline: Barbara De Witt Daily News Staff Writer

Demon dates aside, the prom is still a big deal.

Whether you're Cinderella, Audrey Hepburn or the vamp you've kept hidden under jeans and a T-shirt all year, it all begins with the perfect dress.

For Calabasas senior Sarvenaz Zand, who's just starting her prom gown search, image is everything.

``I want to look sophisticated with my hair done up with those little wispy curls, have my nails painted red, and wear a really elegant and simple dress that will make people say, `Wow, she looks good!' '' Zand said.

Classmate Sara Leibman has a similar vision in mind. ``I'll be wearing a long sheath with spaghetti straps that will make me look more dressed up than I've ever been,'' Leibman said. ``I considered a ball gown, but I think that's too attention-getting. And looking taller and thinner is always a hope.''

Both girls say the senior prom isn't the night for a trendy statement, but rather for looking grown up and arriving in a limousine. ``You also want a dress that you can dance easily in, so many girls will wear short dresses or dresses with a slit,'' said Zand.

``For many of our students this is the big night of their lives, and they go all out with expensive dresses and hairdos,'' said Donna Finkelstein, coordinator of the May 17 prom at James Monroe High School in North Hills. The Valley school recently held a pre-prom fashion show, and, judging from student comments, Finkelstein thinks low-cut black dresses and satin slip styles will be the trend. She said the girls generally do their own thing, though, so she expects at least a few to attend in tuxedos.

The trend to personal style statements is the biggest news in prom fashions, according to Seventeen magazine merchandising editor Nicole Kenneally, who recently hosted a prom fashion show at the Glendale Galleria. ``Unlike other years, there is no screaming trend. It's a variety of styles from sophisticated columns slit up the leg, to bridal-looking gowns with tulle skirts, to retro Audrey Hepburn styles.''

Although short swing dresses and A-line silhouettes are looking great on the dance floor again, satin pants with a sequin top and a bright vinyl jacket are certainly an option this year, Kenneally said.

Rondi Cooler, fashion director for YM magazine, predicts ultragirlie gowns in pink and black with modest necklines and plenty of bows. But she also sees classy black gowns with bare shoulders, red-hot dresses and gorgeous ball gowns as great night moves.

A quick flip through any teen mag will show you that slippery satin dresses, both short and long, are hot in silver or citrus shades. Yet there's still a romantic interest in fairy-tale ball gowns in pale pink or gold with billowy skirts that pouf way out with tulle and organza. That look is perfect for a matching stole, long gloves and hair swept into an up-do like movie fashion icons Doris Day and Hepburn. ``But make your twist loose, slightly messy, with streaks of color from dye or hair pieces pinned into your hair,'' Kenneally explained.

For satin slip dresses, Cooler thinks the cropped cardigan in black or white looks the most modern, like something Alicia Silverstone or Drew Barrymore might wear.

``If you're taking that fashion stance, pass on the clutch purse and the Kelly bag and carry a mini-tote. Or better yet, tell your boyfriend to hold your lipstick. After all, on prom night you want to be comfortable, and shoulder bags, even if they are tiny, get in the way,'' said Cooler.

Prom '96 trends Cinderella ball gowns

Pale satin sheaths

Ravishing red dresses

Short swing styles

Stoles and cardigan sweaters

Bateau and scoop necklines

Princess and A-line silhouettes

French twists and chignons

Pastel nail polish on short nails

Pearls, rhinestones and Y-necklaces

Small handbags that make a statement

Long gloves in black or white

Rose-bud wrist corsages

Classic black tuxedos

The prom tab Cinderella had a fairy godmother, but most of us have to pay for a magical night.

According to local businesses, here's how much you'll pay for prom perfection:

The tickets: $55 each. Proms are no longer a couples-only event.

The dress: $100-$300.

Fancy upswept 'do: $30-$40 plus tip.

Manicure: $15.

Rosebud corsage: $16.99.

Matching boutonniere: $5.99.

Tuxedo rental: $40-$80.

Limo rental: $400. Usually this amount will include pickup, prom and post-prom parties, and the return home.

Prom do's and don'ts YM magazine offers these tips for enjoying the prom:

Pre-prom Do ask your parents for a curfew extension.

Don't sulk when parents get photo happy.

Do buy a dress and shoes you can move in.

Don't try last-minute hair overhauls.

Do offer to help your date with finances or offer to cook dinner before the prom.

Don't forget to tell your date that he looks great in a tux.

At the prom Don't flirt with other people.

Do be friendly and socialize.

Don't act like a vanity case, touching up makeup all night long.

Do hit the dance floor.

Don't drink the spiked punch, especially if you're driving.

Post-prom Don't forget to bring a wallet. Bring enough cash for a cab home - just in case.

Do thank your date.

CAPTION(S):

8 Photos, 3 Boxes

Photo: (1--Cover--Color) Fairy-tale fashions li ke this pink organza ball gown were the stars of the recent prom fashion show sponsored by Glendale Galleria and Seventeen magazine. The gown is by Roberta, $178, available at JC Penney stores; shoes from Payless ShoeSource.

(2--Color) Start your own Cinderella story in this pink ball gown with a frothy tulle skirt, $240 at Jessica McClintock in the Glendale Galleria.

(3--Color) Show your flair for the dramatic in a red satin column with a quilted bodice by L.A. Glo, $124, at JC Penney stores. Accent with long black gloves and strappy black sandals.

(4--Color) Prom-perfect are ball gowns with matching stoles, like this ensemble in baby blue satin by Jessica McClintock, $325.

(5--Color) Short on fabric but big on style are a gold satin halter dress by Up Beat, $79.99 at JC Penney, and a black A-line style by Rex Lester, $265, from Shaya at the Glendale Galleria. His classic tuxedo is from Gingiss Formalwear.

(6--Color) Brightening up the dance floor this spring are an orange satin halter gown by Zum Zum, $99.98, from Windsor Fashions, and a petal pink bateau-neck gown, $126 at Jessica McClintock boutique, Glendale Galleria.

(7--Color) This season you can go long or short in style. Fresh ideas include this icy green satin gown with lace-up back by Zum Zum, $119.98 at Windsor Fashions, and a sparkly black swing dress, $88, from Bari-Jay at JC Penney.

(8) She'll be memorable on prom night in this ice blue shimmer pleated gown with delicate strap neckline, $88, from Steppin' Out at Sears

John McCoy/Daily News

Box: (1) Prom '96 trends (See Text)

(2) The prom tab (See Text)

(3) Prom do's and don'ts (See Text)