FINDING YOUR PERFECT PROM STYLE FASHIONS STEP OFF THE RED CARPET.

Byline: Sandra Barrera Staff Writer

The princess look is passe. Played out.

Today's fashion savvy teens know better than to show up at prom in a poufy, floor-length confection of tulle.

``Girls now ... take their cues from what's happening in fashion instead of what's happening in prom-dress manufacturing,'' says Amy Astley, editor in chief of Teen Vogue.

Hemlines are on the rise as short, vintage-inspired dresses are the latest to come into vogue. Think full skirts with lots of volume and a strapless, corset top.

``Desperate Housewives'' siren Eva Longoria made a glamorous entrance at the Golden Globes in a strapless black cocktail-length dress by Oscar de la Renta.

The advantage of a shorter gown, says Jane Fort, editor in chief of Teen Prom magazine, is that ``they're not quite as dressy, they're fun and sassy, and they're easier to dance and move around in.''

To amp up the '50s flair, define the waist with a cummerbund, bow belt or sash. A belt is also a great way of breaking up color, from saturated to pastel, which is in full effect this season.

``You don't want to be wearing the same color from head to toe,'' warns Jorge Ramon, fashion director of Teen People, suggesting prom-bound girls ``take a note from Cate Blanchett.''

On her big night, the Oscar-winning actress tied a burgundy sash around the waist of her pale-yellow goddess gown by Valentino.

Imagine trying to coordinate your tux with that color, guys.

Fortunately, close enough is good enough these days.

``If your girl's wearing lilac and you don't look good in lilac, wear light blue,'' Ramon says, adding, ``You want to support your girl in her look but also have a style of your own.''

For prom tips, read on.

--Old-world glamour. Look for slinky floor-length dresses with slimmer silhouettes, plunging necklines, low backs or skirts with splits.

--Sole mate. Stay away from slides, mules or wedges. Ballet slippers, peek-a-boo pumps and ankle straps that stay in place will make dancing, party hopping and getting in and out of the limo much more do-able.

--About face. Keep makeup soft and shimmering. Remember - prom night is not the time to start experimenting with makeup-counter makeovers.

--Go costume. Load up on faux pearls, diamonds and gemstones. They're affordable and look great.

--Cover up. A little wrap, cardigan or shrug keeps bared shoulders warm on a chilly night, spring or summer.

--Make waves. Stylist Eric Childress adds loose, feminine curls to our model's hair with Sexy Hair's new Curl Converter, a hot-rod tool meant to create texture for today's looks. Wear long hair down or half-up, half-draped down your back. Or go classic with an Audrey Hepburn ``Breakfast at Tiffany's'' chignon. For shorter styles, finger waves give hair that Old Hollywood glamour.

Sandra Barrera, [phone]

sandra.barrera(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

12 photos

Photo:

(1 -- cover -- color) ON THE COVER: Pink corset dress, $179.99, by Delaru for J.C. Penney. Sizes 3 to 13

(2 -- 3 -- color) Far left: Turquoise halter dress with beaded bodice, lace-up tie back, $149.99, by Delaru for J.C. Penney. Near left: lilac beaded V-neck dress with crossed back, $179.99, by Morgan & Co. for J.C. Penney.

(4 -- color) EBONIE TAYLOR, 18

NEWHALL

(5 -- color) ELEAZAR PAGSISIHAN, 18

ALHAMBRA

(6 -- color) Black tuxedo by Pierre Cardin, $149.99; pink silk tie by Stafford, $25, for J.C. Penney. Sizes 36 to 50 in short, regular and long.

(7 -- color) CHRYSTAL MONTES, 15

ARLETA

(8 -- color) Turquoise matte jersey dress with high low ruffled hem and brooch accented halter top, $89.99, by City Triangles for J.C. Penney. Sizes 3 to 13.

(9 -- color) KIMBERLY DOMINGUEZ, 17

GLENDORA

(10 -- color) Cream strapless split-front dress with gold iridescent flecks and lace-up bodice, $179.99, by Masquerade for J.C. Penney. Sizes 3 to 13.

(11 -- 12 -- color) JEWELS

When hip-hop mogul Jay-Z, left, escorted girlfriend Beyonce to the Oscars, he brightened up his classic tux with a colored gemstone stickpin. For a long tie, try a sparkly tiepin. Girls can experiment with brooches. They may be worn in the hair, right, as demonstrated by the Oscar-going Scarlett Johansson's innovative tiara - vintage diamond brooches stitched onto a ribbon - or clustered at the shoulder, decolletage or hip.

Photos by Gus Ruelas/Staff Photographer