Looking back on the years, many things have changed, except for one thing: Prom. For decades, students have dressed to the nines, but dress trends continue to evolve every year.
From tulle to satin, and from ballgown to mermaid, dress trends look different every year.
A look back through various Foran yearbooks shows shifts in popular dress trends. In the 1980s, lots of frilly, lacey, big, and fluffy gowns. Students are seen in pastel and soft colors, typically with an off-the-shoulder look, and using a satin-like material.
Atiana’s Boutique in Milford was founded in 1984, experiencing many trends coming in and out of their store. Their official website states,
“Since then, we have proudly grown to be one of the largest prom and social occasion resources in the state of Connecticut and have become known as a premier prom superstore and the place to find that perfect prom dress.”
A reflection of prom dress trends moving into the 1990s was more sleek silhouettes made with materials like velvet and silk. Popular colors consisted of black, white, and lots of jewel tones.
“My dress was a black column dress with a high slit. I paired it with a big choker, long white gloves, and a small black handbag.” States Foran alum, Megan Laudenslager, who graduated in 1995,
“I thought I looked like Audrey Hepburn.”
Now, at the turn of the century, there are trends from the 2000s, which came with the rise of bright colors, sparkles, and more extravagant gowns.
During the 2000’s, many trends like very shiny material, corset-style backs, and spaghetti strap dresses were trending. During prom, many themes were inspired by the Hollywood Glam and Brittany Spears look.
“My dress was a blue halter top dress with a slit up the side, which was really trending at the time.” States Foran alum, Megan Oliver, who graduated in 2005.
During the 2010s, there was a huge increase in very bright and loud dresses, ranging from animal prints to bright neon colors and so much more. The biggest trend in dress from this decade by far was two-piece dresses. This kind of dress, known as a crop-top dress, is characterized by a separate top and skirt, often featuring beading, sequins, or floral designs.
Foran Alumn Laura Tranfaglia, who graduated in 2011, and attended prom in 2010, talked about how the most trendy dresses during her search for a prom dress were cheetah print, zebra print, and very bright colors.
Looking at the present day, the most trending prom dresses include corset bodices, satin slip gowns, high-slit silhouettes, all-over sequins, and vibrant, jewel-toned colors.
On the other hand, the Sunday best style prom dresses have spiked in the past few years; these dresses feature soft pastel colors, flower prints, and have a more flowy fit.
While the trends in prom dresses have changed over the years, prom itself has remained a night where students can dress their best in whatever style defines their generation. From frilly ’80s gowns to sleek ’90s columns, sparkly 2000s glamour, bold 2010s prints, and today’s mix of corsets and soft pastels, each era proves that while the dresses change, the tradition never goes out of style.
