Get the ball rolling on girls' big moment

School balls can be an expensive time of year. Most of us can recount horror stories of a friend-of-a-friend talked into spending $1000 on a dress that never saw the light of day again. The key to finding a ball dress you'll love is to pick something flattering, unique and not exorbitantly expensive.
Your school ball, probably one of the first real dress-up events of your life, is a time to play. Show off your best features and have fun with fashion while you're still young enough to get away with it.
A lot of chain stores offer trendy, cocktail-length ball dresses. If you are buying something relatively cheap, put aside any thoughts of whether you will wear it again and pick something that grabs you. Brilliant blues and greens are great options for most skin tones.
If you go for a short dress, make the most of your chance to wear some really outrageous shoes. Silver heels look great with teal, or choose something striking, like bright heels with a black gown. Alternatively, keep the dress simple and make it sparkle with accessories. Raid shops like Equip or Diva for inexpensive but impressive jewellery.
Choose a dress in a flattering cut and remember that just because something suits your best friend, it's no guarantee it will look good on you. Silky fabrics often cling - and look terrible if they get marked from perspiration from a night of dancing. If you are slim with no curves to speak of, look for an A-line dress to flatter your legs, or a gown with some detail on the bust (it gives the illusion of more).
If you are curvy, an empire line is really flattering. Make sure you have the right bra - a strapless or stick-on is essential for sleeveless, backless or strapless numbers.
Shop around - second-hand shops often have a bargain if you have the time to rummage through the racks. It's a sure-fire way to make sure that no one else turns up on the night in the same gown.
If you have friends in a similar situation, see if you can organise a dress-swap. Scour outlet stores and don't forget the internet - Trade Me is full of once-worn ball dresses.
Finish your look with a cute clutch, a manicure and a cocktail ring for a bit of extra sparkle.