"Make it fun, pick a theme and go with it," says designer Rona Bennett, of the clothing company Fighting Eel.

What else is on the hot list?

Fashionistas in the know -including Bennett, The Butik co-owner Landy Cheung, Valerie Joseph Boutique owner Valerie Joseph and Macy's fashion coordinator Simone Tolifson — offer their take on definite dos (and some absolute don'ts) for high school's biggest bash of the year.

DOS AND DON’TS

• Pass on the pantyhose. "Let your legs go bare!" Tolifson says.

• "No mid-length dresses," Bennett said. Do either really mini dresses or really long dresses.

• "The only thing that's really out of style is something that doesn't fit or isn't comfortable," Tolifson added. "Whatever you wear should be flattering and something you love."

DRESSED TO THRILL

• For color, consider pastels, like bubble gum pink, or neons, like yellow. Think "bright and fun," The Butik's Cheung says.

"I happen to just love all the different purples, which look great with any skin tone," Macy's Tolifson adds.

• "The newest thing we have ... are floral printed dresses," Tolifson says. The prints this season can be found on short and long dresses in almost every style.

• Also popular are lightweight and sheer fabrics, such as billowy chiffons, silks and satins "fashioned into exquisite draping or dramatic ruffles," Valerie Joseph says.

MUST-HAVE ACCESSORIES

• If you prefer a simple dress, "punch it up with accessories," Tolifson says. Think bold jewelry or bright shoes.

• Anything with fringes or feathers, such as earrings and necklaces, is also trendy, Cheung says.

• Hot accessories include oversized drop earrings and chandelier earrings, ribbon chokers, cocktail rings, pearl-drop earrings and chokers, bow motifs, and jeweled cuffs, Joseph says. To carry all your essentials, consider clutches, such as envelope, oversized or bright, quilted clutches.

FOR THE BOYS

• Teen Prom advises: Tuxes come in different styles, so ask which one might be the right one for you.

• Accessories like hats, vests and even skinny neckties, a la Justin Timberlake, make for "a very contemporary and stylish look," Tolifson said. Also carefully consider shirts, bow ties, studs, cuff links and shoes.

• "You don't get many chances to dress up, so go for it, guys," Bennett said. "Also, please make sure your suit fits; suits are not to be worn baggy."

FLOWER POWER

• Are you a corsage kind of girl? Don't be afraid to drop hints to your date. If you're more traditional, roses and carnations are your best bet. But the trendier option, according to www.prom2009.com, would be irises or small calla lilies.

• Here's an alternative: Forgo the bouquet or corsage altogether and use flowers to accessorize your hair. Teen Prom magazine suggests you clip a silk or fresh flower to your regular 'do — maybe behind your ear or tucked in a bun — for a dressy style in a snap. Bennett also suggests floral headpieces or headbands.

• If you're on a budget, skip the traditional maile lei for your guy and go with a classic rose boutonniere you can make yourself. A DIY project in Seventeen Prom magazine requires a medium-size rose, sprig of baby's breath, 4- to 5-inch-long flat green leaf, floral tape and pearl-headed pin (to fasten to tuxedo lapel). Lay the filler flower over the green leaf to make a bed for the rose. Cut the stem of the flower so it's 3 inches long and place in the middle of the bed. Join all stems together and wrap with floral tape from top to bottom. Store in the refrigerator.