Prom dresses have come a long way since the days of frilly meringues! From glittery, beaded gowns to unconventional two-pieces and short skirts, prom dresses have evolved over the years. Let’s take a look back at some of the most memorable prom dress trends throughout history.
The 1950s – The Ball Gown
Prom dresses in the 1950s were all about form-fitting silhouettes with lots of volume and big skirts. Think Princess Diana in her iconic 1981 gown – that is exactly how women dressed for their proms in this era! Common materials used were chiffon, organza, tulle and taffeta. Embellishments such as beading and sequins were popular too, as seen on many vintage prom dresses from this era.
The 1960s – A Shift Toward Opulence
In the 1960s, fashion moved away from simplicity and toward opulence. This meant more embellishments and more layers. Prom dresses from this era often featured long trains or voluminous skirts made of silk or satin fabric with intricate beadwork, embroidery or lace accents. Evening gloves were also popular during this time period, making for an ultra glamorous look!
The 1970s – Bohemian Chic
In stark contrast to its predecessor decade, the 1970s saw a move toward bohemian chic with earthier colors like olive greens, muted blues and browns being favored over loud prints and hues. Halter necklines were popular during this time too, as well as maxi-length skirts that skimmed the ground as women walked into their prom dance halls.
The 1980s – Big Shoulders
The 1980s was all about big shoulders! Oversized shoulder pads were seen everywhere during this decade and women loved them because they made them look powerful (think Joan Collins in Dynasty). Bright colors like turquoise blue, shocking pink and neon yellow were also very popular during this time period. Metallics such as silver and gold were also favored when it came to choosing a prom dress color palette for partying ’80s teens.
The 1990s – A-Line
In the 1990s, prom dresses were mostly A-line in shape and featured either long or short skirts. Popular fabrics for these gowns included tulle, satin and lace. Strapless bodices with sweetheart necklines were also popular during this period. The color palette consisted of bold jewel tones like ruby red, navy blue and emerald green. Metallic embellishments such as sequins, beadwork and embroidery were also commonly seen on prom dresses from the 1990s.
The 2000s – Corset and Strapless
By the 2000s, prom dress styles had shifted away from traditional designs to more modern looks. Strapless gowns with corset bodices became popular during this period. Ball gowns with ruched bodices and structured skirts were also popular choices for prom. The color palette shifted to pastels like pink, peach and mint green. Embellishments such as beading, crystals, appliques and embroidery were also seen on 2000s prom dresses.
Today’s prom dress styles are just as varied as those from previous decades; there are classic ball gown styles for those who prefer traditional looks alongside modern mini dresses for those who prefer something edgier. Whatever your style may be, you’ll be sure to find a perfect prom dress that fits your personality! Whether you’re looking for something fun and flirty or sleek and sophisticated – you can rest assured knowing there is something out there for everyone when it comes to finding the perfect prom dress!