It's prom season!

Big, bold prints are the news for prom 2009, according to area retailers.

And let me just say: They are fabulous.

Last year's mermaid gowns were cute, and the full ball-gown, Cinderella styles and pick-up skirts that have been in the last few years were all gorgeous. In fact, whatever you go for, it wouldn't really be out, the retailers say.

But nothing stands out like these prints. We saw leopards, florals, paisleys, black-and-white patterns and more.

"The prints are intriguing, but a lot of girls are not bold enough for them," Rachel Alberts, a sales consultant at Lucretia's II in Greenwood, told me.

I can see that. You'd have to wear anything as bold as these dresses with confidence, or they'd be wearing you.

If you can muster up the attitude to rock a printed gown, though, go for it. It's the prom -- an event that deserves a special, stand-out dress.