Even if you don't think you have the sewing skills or the time, you can still design your own prom dress. Decorating and redecorating ball gowns has a long history, as fans of Jane Austen know. Make or buy a simple dress in a plain-colored fabric that is easy to handle: Stretchy fabrics are harder to decorate than firm fabrics like taffeta, satin shows every stitch-mark and velvet is for experts. A basic gathered skirt, strapless or spaghetti-strapped dress in a firm taffeta makes a good foundation, as does a simple V-neck dress.

Take several pictures of you wearing the dress from front, back and sides, with close-ups of the bodice and necklines. Print the pictures, and start sketching some additions. When you have some ideas, remember to check the drapery and upholstery fabric sections for inspiration. When inspiration has struck, create or buy patterns that you can then modify accordingly.

The fastest accessory you can make for your prom dress is a "stole." It's a rectangle of fabric with fringe on the ends, about six feet long and a few feet wide. Fabric glue or hemming tape can close the ends, and more glue attaches the fringe.

Sheer, soft fabric makes fillers for a too-low neckline. Scallops or poufs of this material can be invisibly stitched to the neckline or held in place with contrasting embroidery thread.

Crisper fabric, such as organdy, makes a pretty overskirt or a summery sash and trailing bow on a pastel dress. A partial overskirt that leaves the front of the prom dress exposed has an 18th-century look. Just hand-stitch the skirt to the base dress at the waistline.

Luxury brocade can make a belt or sash, with a matching one for your date if he's not afraid to be fashionable. It can also make a short jacket or can be trimmed with fringe as a stole.

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