Still need a prom dress? It's not too late to find one.

In the world of prom dresses, there’s an unofficial saying that goes like this: "The early girl catches the dress,” as girls start choosing the all-important frock sometimes a year in advance of the big gig. And often, once they get them, the style goes up on a group chat or registry so it’s off-limits to others. Does this mean that those who wait are too late for this very important date?

Procrastinators rejoice. Retailers all over Long Island, while not overstocked now, still have enough inventory to sate the wishes of most prom girls in a variety of price points ranging from $250 to $1,000.

Leslie Diaz, 17, a senior at Central Islip Senior High School, found the dress of her dreams this May at Dress Gala in Commack about one month before her June prom at East Wind in Wading River. “I decided to push it off because I didn’t get a spark with any of the dresses I saw,” says Diaz of earlier shopping forays. “The stress was that I knew everybody had already gotten theirs, but I just knew I would find something beautiful especially in this store which had a lot of options.”

A slim, sparkly violet number with a dramatic mermaid hem was a winner, though still needs alterations. Diaz, who is petite and knows it needs a lot of work, says she would have waited longer if it weren’t for that.

'Sooo many colors'

Also late to the party: Sophia Maestre, 17, of Deer Park, a senior at Half Hollow High School, who only recently said “yes to the dress” at Estelle’s Dressy Dresses in Farmingdale, for her June prom. Her mom, Toni Maestre, was her wing woman on the shopping expedition.

“There were sooo many options and colors and styles. I did not feel like we were late. They could still order some things but we ended up going with something in stock,” says Toni of her daughter’s aqua formfitting gown embellished with rhinestones and lace. It was one of three potential picks.

They’re not the only latecomers. “It’s still busy and hectic,” says Melanie Chavez who owns Asarela Boutique in Freeport with her mother, Fiorella. “The majority of the girls start early, but definitely a lot of them wait to the last-minute.”

And Allison Hull, an owner of Ask Alice in Oceanside and Syosset, says “There are some instances where we can still order and we have plenty of stuff.”

So what are they wearing?

Prom trends fluctuate from year to year, but one thing that seems to be “out” this season are the frothy, big ball skirts. They represent “probably 2% of my sales,” says Diana Gannascoli, a co-owner of Ask Alice. Instead, the silhouettes are sleek, with open backs and leg slits.

Corsets, some boned, some built with sheer illusion fabric, are in demand. “They say they want to be ‘snatched,’ ” reports Caroline Bokszczanin, the owner of A La Mode Boutique in Huntington, referring to the waist-defining prowess of the corset.

Some designers are tying one on with bows. “Ruffles were big the year before but now bows are in and many vendors tried them out in different ways,” notes Estelle’s Kim Napoli.

Bold is the catchword when it comes to this year’s color story. Traffic light colors — green, yellow and especially red — are standouts along with some deep blue. Hailey Truicko, 18, of Syosset, is wearing a cherry red slither of a dress that she bought at Ask Alice in Syosset. “It’s plain in the front with a deep V in the back and a little bit of a train. I love the color red and it looks good with my tan,” says the lacrosse player. Her date will not only have to match his tie with the dress, but she says, “I’m making him wear red loafers.”

Razzle dazzle — sequins, crystals and beading — are quite popular. Some girls are opting for “more simplistic looks and less embellishment,” says Hull, while others are going for megawatt sparkle. Isabella Ciccotto, 18, of Syosset, says, “Originally I was planning on getting an open back and keeping it simple, but I ended up doing a complete silver crystal dress.”

Inspired in part by singer Sabrina Carpenter's shimmery look, she explains, “I saw her dress and it was very extra, and that’s what I wanted. When else am I going to wear something like that?”