The hunt for the perfect Prom gown traditionally heats up just after Christmas. And that's just weeks away.  So waste no time  learning what's hot - and what's not - for the big night.  Let me help.  Here's my 2014 Plus Size Prom Dress Trends. Just just in time for you to go  shopping for the frock of your dreams!

1) Black is Back After a few years of being out of favor,  the timeless color returns to the Prom scene.   I couldn't resist using the elegance of black on several dresses I designed for  Sydney's Closet Prom 2014 Collections.  Black may be a staple, but you still must be careful with that color.  If it is too plain you risk looking lifeless and dull at Prom.  That's why I insisted on featuring a touch of color on my black dresses.  It adds the oh-so important fun factor!

2) Veiled Intentions The idea of seductive peek-a-boo styles piqued my interest.  If Beyonce, Charlie Theron and Marion Cotillard could pull that look off on the red carpet, why couldn't the daring design work for Prom.   And it did!  My favorite is "Come Get Me", a body -grazing mini-sheath with a sheer lace skirt that hits the floor.   3) Sheer Genius Go to the head of fashion class when you wear a Prom dress with netting on the back or the bodice, or both!.  Just a hint of skin sends a strong message you are oh-so girly.  I love that net doesn't have to show it all.   Best of all, you don't risk breaking dress code because you reveal too much.

4) Rock Star Stones Diamonds may be a girl's best friend but I am ready for a change from the clear rhinestones that have dominated Prom dresses for years.   For 2014, I discovered chunky gem stones that change color when thy hit the light. Now you see the hue; now you don't. You're bejeweled for a magical effect on and off the dance floor! 5) Drama Queen: Gold +Black I knew the minute I found a gold and black metallic foil chiffon fabric, I had no choice to design a glam dress worthy of the pattern.  I wanted the gold to dominate. It's so fun and flattering!  So I covered the bodice in jet black beads.  The result: a knockout look that will turn heads! 6) Jersey Girl You don't need an accent to pull off wearing a Prom dress made of jersey.  Jersey is  a fresh and flattering fabric for Prom 2014.   Plus, it shows off your curves in all the right places.  In a sea of chiffon and tulle gowns,  jersey stands out as special, sophisticated and sexy. 7) Lace This romantic fabric makes a big comeback for Prom 2014.  But it's not your granny's lace.  It's modern, chic and girly.  For a fairy tale look I designed a ball gown with a sequin lace waistband.   Perfect to capture the title of Prom Queen!  For another design, I combined three fabulous laces to create a textured, updated look.

8) Long and Short of It Can't decide if you should wear a long or a short Prom dress. You don't have to. Opt for one of the hottest looks of the year:  a short Prom dress with a sheer overlay.  It's a sexy twist on the best of both fashion worlds.

  9) Newly Minted Proms happen in Spring so why not go for the newest hue:  mint.  It's fresh. It's fun and it's fabulous on almost every skin tone. Consider it your forget-me-not color for Prom 2014. 10) Sleek and Sexy: Who says you have to wear a voluminous  ball gown to be a real Prom princess.  Slinky, fitted styles are all the rage.  Nothing creates a greater wow factor.   You'll be a sexy siren in a gown that hugs your curves in all the right places. Shopping for Prom 2014 may just be heating up. But I'm already designing Sydney's Closet 2015 plus size prom dresses.  Got any ideas?  I'd love to hear from you!