This year, Cinderella might skip the tulle and tiara and arrive at the ball in a slim, knee-length apple-green number with light-up shoes.

From trains to column dresses to built-in brooches, girls’ greatest prom-fashion influences come from red carpet-walking celebrities who dare to be different.

“A lot of it has to do with movie stars,” says Kristine Pryer, manager of Weddings by Paulette, Millersville. “They see what they’re wearing on TV and want to be flashy like those guys.”

No one wants to look like a wallflower at the prom.

Many of today’s gowns show more skin — think “V” backs, plunging necklines and higher hems — but the risqué dresses that made waves in the national media are nowhere to be found on the local scene.

Gowns that bare stomachs and sides and dip dangerously close to derrieres might sell well in larger metropolitan areas but would probably flop in conservative Lancaster County, retailers say.

Dress codes, especially at private schools, might ban such prom peep shows.

“We don’t carry risque,” says Pam Aeillo, buyer for Doneckers, Ephrata. “I don’t think that’s appropriate. Mothers don’t want that at all — probably more so the fathers.”

In fact, local retailers say, very few girls have asked for daring dresses.

Standing out at prom 2005 is all about bold, strong color. Green is the hot new hue for prom gowns, in shades of lime, mint, grass, apple and even fluorescent.

Pink, in shades of cotton candy, watermelon and coral, is always a popular prom color. Local girls are also going for jolts of fuchsia and tangerine and soft, pretty hues of peach, periwinkle, lavender and yellow.

The pure look of white or ivory is a classic choice. Black, the hottest color at most other social events, is too basic for prom.

“We’re not selling a lot of black, except in combos,” Pryer says. “I don’t think we’ve sold a single all-black dress.”

Brenda Bruno, junior dress buyer for Boscov’s, says the “ombre effect” popularized on the red carpet is attracting prom buyers. Ombre gowns softly blend different shades of the same color.

There’s a big variety in silhouettes, from traditional ball gowns with layers of tulle to slim, goddess-style column dresses favored by celebrities.

“Slim is in,” Bruno says. “(But) the ball gown is still very important. It’s a modified A-line, not as poufy as before.”

Strapless and halter gowns and one-shoulder looks are also hot, Aeillo says.

Hems are heading north, with shorter styles debuting this year. Most dresses are still floor-length, but others hit at the knee, the calf or somewhere in between.

Asymmetrical hems remain popular, and some girls are falling for Hollywood starlet-style trains.

Gowns that are short in the front, long in the back are attracting a fair amount of interest, Aeillo says.

Many promgoers prefer fun, playful looks. Joyce McCorkle, owner of Beach White Bridals, Centerville, carries a dress trimmed with feathers and a purple gown with green flowers that appears tie-dyed.

Many of this year’s gowns feature rhinestone pins or brooches, jewels, sequins or intricate beading, sometimes in a color different from the fabric, to further set apart the gown — and the girl.

Standing out doesn’t stop at the ankle. Many new shoe styles come decked out in beads and rhinestones. But the newest trend might be stilettos or thongs with heels that light up during dancing, McCorkle says.

Clear shoes with ribbons designed to match a girl’s dress lace at the ankle or twine around the calves.

“They’re really cute and sweet,” McCorkle says. “They emphasize your ankles. They’re very feminine.”

Many gowns come with matching wraps or shawls. Chandelier earrings are still a must-have, while beaded hair wraps can dress up an updo.

Prom-going guys prefer the fresh looks of longer, sometimes collarless tuxedo jackets. Expect statements of personal style, such as coordinating button covers or Doc Marten-style shoes, Pryer says.

Fashion-savvy gents can pick vests and neckties in just about any color, even apple green or tangerine, to match their date’s gown.

Only the truly brave will show up in a cummerbund and bow tie, those staples from proms of the not-so-distant past.

“I haven’t had anybody order a cummerbund in years,” Pryer says.

Because even if the memories of prom night don’t last a lifetime, the photos will.

THE QUEST FOR THE PERFECT DRESS

March is traditionally the biggest month for prom-gown shopping, local retailers say.

But for some girls, the quest for the perfect dress begins in January or even December, when prom-fashion magazines hit newsstands.

“We see it earlier and earlier each year,” says Doneckers buyer Pam Aeillo. “It’s a really big time in their lives.”

Girls have a simple reason to shop while it’s still snowing: finding The Dress — before someone else does.

Two girls in the same dress at the same prom equals a classic catastrophe. To prevent that ultimate crime of fashion, many local stores keep tabs on who bought which dress.

Prom night can be quite an investment, with girls — or, more likely, their parents — spending anywhere from $70 to more than $500 on a gown alone.

For those still gownless girls, Boscov’s will hold a prom fashion show at noon Saturday at the mall entrance to the Park City store. The latest tuxedo styles will also be featured.

From 10 a.m. to noon, shoppers may watch the models, from area high schools, get their hair and makeup styled for the show.

The event is free and open to the public.