Shop Dresses Inspired by The Biggest Prom Trends of the Past!
Prom got its start in the early 1900s, as the lower class’ response to the debutante ball- a fancy party for elite youths- and has since become one of the most memorable and formative nights of high school. A night of fun and partying among friends, prom is the perfect occasion for everyone to dress to the nines- and for girls, it all revolves around the dress!
While the prom dress has always been the star of the show, trends have shifted through the decades in some really interesting ways. Check out some of the biggest prom trends since the ’60s, paired with similar dresses you can buy today! You can shop all of the modern dresses on the All the Rage website!
Early 1960s
Coming out of the funky ’50s, girls in the early ’60s donned poofy, tea-length dresses with modest, square necklines. Many even likes to include lace details, ruffles, and ribbons for hits of extra girly sweetness!
Shop Our Pick: Sherri Hill #52078
Late 1960s
The late ’60s saw a turn away from the flirty, shorter silhouettes to long, loose dresses with empire waists. Pastels and neon colors in color-blocking patterns were also super popular during this time, creating a bold, yet ladylike look.
Shop Our Pick: Sherri Hill #52903
Early 1970s
Moving away from the more minimalist silhouettes of the late 1960s, girls of the early ’70s fell in love with dresses with ruffles, turtleneck necklines, and super full, cupcake skirts that mimicked those of fairy tale princesses- so sweet!
Shop Our Pick: MoriLee #43016
Late 1970s
Prom girls in the late ’70s were all about tea gowns in sorbet shades featuring sheer, embellished layers that added some texture to the overall look. Long sleeves were also popular during this time.
Shop Our Pick: Jovani #67625
Early 1980s
Full, ballgown silhouettes with over-the-top details like frills, ruffles, and oversized bows reigned supreme at prom in the early ’80s, and the off-the-shoulder neckline also proved extremely popular.
Shop Our Pick: Sherri Hill #52910
Late 1980s
Loud colors, funky prints, and decadent mixes of materials like sequins, velvet, and tulle created the memorable prom looks from the late 1980s. No color or silhouette was deemed too outrageous, making prom looks super fun and unique!
Shop Our Pick: Jovani #62379
Early 1990s
Inspired by the trends of the late ’80s, the early ’90s carried on the tradition of sparkly prom dresses in bright colors, just a little more toned down this time. Ruffled sleeves and hemlines, elbow-length gloves and column silhouettes were some of the most memorable details from this time.
Shop Our Pick: Jovani #65070
Late 1990s
Minimalism started to catch on in the late ’90s, with the most popular prom dresses featuring sleek, column silhouettes and spaghetti straps, often paired with chokers, and glittery hairspray.
Shop Our Pick: Faviana #S10205
Early 2000s
Transforming the spaghetti straps of the late ’90s, the early 2000s saw the rise of the slinky, halter neckline, which gave every prom dress a sporty, carefree look. All you needed was to add some chopsticks to your hair and you were set!
Shop Our Pick: Madison James #19-128
Late 2000s
In the late 2000s, prom dresses became more loose and flowy, and started to feature more bedazzled elements on the bodice. Fruity, citrus hues were definitely the most popular prom colors to rock during these years!
Shop Our Pick: Ellie Wilde #EW119169
Early 2010s
Coming in to more modern times, prom dresses started to become more diverse, to help match any girl’s style and personality. A few of the biggest trends to emerge during this time were tie-die, or ombre dresses, and dresses with high-low silhouettes- so fun!
Shop Our Pick: Sherri Hill #52704
Late 2010s
Welcome back to modern times! In the most recent years, prom trends have remained pretty diverse, but we’ve definitely seen the rise of prom dresses that are red-carpet ready, with sleek silhouettes and plenty of intricate embellishments to add the appropriate amount of glitz and glam!
Shop Our Pick: Sherri Hill #52778
Which prom trend from the past would you try? To view even more incredible prom dresses, visit the All the Rage website, then visit us in-store in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, Virginia! We would love to help you find your dream dress!
