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QUINCY, ILL. -- It's prom season. For girls, it's the dress that makes the biggest statement.

There are some big time trends for Prom 2012.

Bright colors and intricate detail work is all the rage this year. That's the word from dress expert Carol Shaffer, owner of 'I Do' Bridal Shop in Quincy.

Shaffer said, "The big trend is 3-D. You've got 3-D flowers, large rhinestones and big beads that weave in and out throughout the dresses. Gems are really making the dresses stand out."

You also might find the cut of today's dresses a bit different. Some dresses are short, while others feature a high and low hem with lots of layers - showing off the legs and the matching shoes.

Shaffer said, "Another big trend this year are printed dresses. Floral prints are in and so are animal prints. They're really coming back."

This year it's also all about accessories. Girls are sporting pageant-type earrings to colorful bracelets. Flowers and feather hair accessories as well as gemstone headbands are also being integrated into prom hair-dos for an added touch of glam.

Shaffer said, "When you start accessorizing, putting in that flower or headband, it's adding your personal touch. Bringing out your personality, through your prom dress."

Another trend for some girls are dresses with cut-outs, showing off a girl's midriff or side.  High thigh slits are also becoming more common. Shaffer says her clients are trending towards the classic styles, as well as ball gown-type dresses for the big night.