Back in the day, prom dresses were a mix of rainbow colors, sequins, and big skirts – now, they’ve evolved into beautiful dresses we see today.
Prom season has always been an exciting moment in a teenage girl’s life, filled with excitement, memories, and of course the perfect dress. Over the years, prom dresses have evolved to bold, bright pieces that resemble the trends of fashion. Today’s prom dresses differ from dresses a few years ago, and with their increasing popularity on social media, there’s debate about style, change, and expense. Let’s take a closer look on how prom dresses have transformed through the years and explore today’s prom dress culture.
A Glimpse Into the Past
Prom dresses have evolved since the early 20th century. In the 1950’s and 60s, prom dresses had big skirts, lots of lace, and satin fabrics. The dresses could be described as modest and elegant, all styles were similar, with pastels being a popular choice. Fast forward to the 1980’s, girls wanted their prom look to be more of a statement, as big hair and bold colors were popular. Puffed sleeves and sequins were the necessities of the era with bright neon colors, like hot pink, being common. In the 1990’s, prom dresses became more fitted with ruffles and sparkle.
The Modern Day Prom Dress
In recent years, prom dresses have changed drastically. Designers have introduced a wide range of different styles, cuts, and fabrics that allow teenage girls to find a dress that they feel fits them best. What we see today in prom dress stores is a mixture of styles, and there’s a lot to choose from! One major shift is the transition from traditional ball gown dresses. Today, girls can choose from figure hugging dresses to a dress that fits more loosely. Fabrics from the past, like velvet and metallics have been replaced with satin and ruffles.
The colors of prom dresses have also shifted. While classic shades like black, navy, and red are still popular, more vibrant colors like light green, light pink, and even neon hues have made their mark. What’s also trending right now is the use of pastel shades – something that was traditionally saved for springtime or Easter dresses. However, some people are now calling out these flowy dresses as “Easter dresses,” particularly on TikTok. The criticism stems from the less structured look of the dress, which differs from the traditional prom styles. These dresses are less form-fitting and more about the simple, “timeless” and “clean girl” aesthetic that is a stark contrast to the dramatic sequins and body-hugging cuts of past years.
Sequins, Tye Dye, and 2 Piece Sets
While these styles aren’t as popular today, sequins, tye-dye, and two piece sets were extremely popular in the 2015-2018 prom seasons. Tie-dye and multiple color dresses gained attention during this period, adding a fun change to what was traditionally worn at prom. The two-piece dress, with its cropped top and skirt combo was another go-to choice. These trends, less common now, were big features of prom fashion in the late 2010’s.
The Expense: Prom Dresses Have Increased in Price
While prom dresses have become more diverse in design, there is another aspect that has increased: the price. It’s not uncommon to see prices ranging from $300 to $900. With its rising demand for custom-made fabrics and tailoring, the cost of finding the “perfect prom dress” has skyrocketed.
Seniors are not waiting until the last minute to shop for prom dresses. Many plan their prom dress purchases months in advance. Prom season now starts as soon as January. This early shopping trend has been influenced by the increase in prom-related social media content. As trends spread through TikTok and Pinterest, girls feel the pressure to buy their dress before it’s too late.
The Prom Dress Debate: TikTok Controversy
As prom dresses continue to evolve, the debate surrounding them has increased, particularly on social media. TikTok has become a platform where high schoolers critique, and “roast” the latest trends in prom fashion. The recent dresses with more minimalist, flowy designs have caused controversy, with some users claiming these dresses resemble “shower curtains” rather than traditional prom dresses. The flowy, often satin dresses, have been critiqued for looking too simple and not embodying the typical prom glamour. Critics say that the new trend is missing the dress-to-impress vibe that has been associated with prom for years. TikTok’s discussions show the growing divide between traditional and modern prom dress styles, with no answer to which is better, it’s ultimately up to the buyer.
The Future of Prom Dresses
Looking into the future, it’s clear that prom dresses will continue to evolve, following the changes of fashion and culture. Whether it’s incorporating more sequins, experimenting with cuts, or using different colors, prom dresses will remain an essential experience for teenage girls who are excited for their prom night. The current debate between the traditional look and modern trends will influence prom fashion for years to come. One thing that girls should know: the prom dress has evolved into more than just a dress – it’s now a reflection of your personal style, and what you feel comfortable in!
