It took an army (of two) to fully tighten the corset back of an apple green dress on Jasmine Mederich at Glitz.

"This is a lot of work," said the 18-year-old, as she fanned herself with her hand.

In a dressing room filled with tulle, beading, sparkles and satin, the prom-bound high school senior from Osceola, Wis., tried on dozens of potential gowns with her mom, her boyfriend's mom and her boyfriend's younger sister in tow. (Boyfriend Tevin Pittman was at Cinnabon.)

After more than a dozen tries, Mederich selected the green mermaid-style gown, her favorite at that point.

But she couldn't get too attached: As a winner of the Mall of America's Pick-a-Prom contest, she and another finalist, Meagan Windingland of St. Michael, have surrendered ultimate control of the big decision and will let online voters decide among four dresses from four different stores (Glitz, Caché, Jessica McClintock and Bloomingdales). After more than five hours of shopping and 60 dresses, Mederich is happy with her final four -- even the bright floral-on-white strapless mermaid dress she found at Caché. "I didn't like it on the hanger, but changed my mind once it was on," she said.

Teen Vogue fashion director Gloria Baume thinks it's a great idea to check out a lot of dresses before deciding on The One.

Star Tribune, Star Tribune
The straps on this dress ($409, Glitz) were a bit loose so the salesperson crossed them in the front. Jasmine Mederich fell for the fit of this extreme mermaid dress with a pick-up bottom and lace-up back. "I've never tried on a puffy dress that�s flattering," she said.

"My advice has always been to try on loads of dresses, even if you first think, 'It's not for me.' You might be surprised," she said. "Trying unexpected things pushes the envelope a little bit. Be really brave and courageous."

The big trend for this year is "Wonderland," Baume said. Echoing the feel of the Marc Jacobs spring 2010 evening looks, the theme plays up ruffles and flounce, delicate pleating and layers of sparkle and shine. "It has that delicacy to it," she said.

Baume knows that girls such as Mederich and Windingland tend to go for long dresses. "It's their first glimpse of adult life and they can have that princess moment," she said.

Once prom-goers pick the dream dress, Baume encourages them to add their own touches. "Even if you are dressing and you want to look as traditional and romantic as possible, twist it so that it shows a bit of your own character," she said. "Wear a necklace that's edgier, like with studs or add a tiny denim jacket or a men's creeper shoe. You'll still feel pretty, but you'll represent your own style."

Once her dress has been selected, Mederich plans to play up her personality in the rest of the look. "The hair and nails, maybe some jewelry and shoes will definitely be 'Jasmine style,'" she said.

And she'll be off to her princess prom.

Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177