Evolution is the way of life.
Humans evolved from apes.
We went from striking stones together to igniting flames to creating the most over-the-top prom dresses. Yes, girl, comparing vintage prom dresses to modern outfits is an accurate means to measure human evolution.
But evolution doesn’t happen overnight. It takes centuries to see the transition.
Today, we are going to look at prom dress styles by decade. So buckle up, and let’s get into it.
How Prom Came to Be
In today’s world, prom has almost become synonymous with a high school dance party. It is an event or process, if you will, in which a shy, nerdy girl doesn’t get asked by her crush; however, when she applies fire makeup and shows up in one of the most mesmerizing prom dresses, her crush instantly goes after her. Hmm… Maybe that’s just a Taylor Swift thing, but don’t tell us you didn’t dance to You Belong With Me.
Anyway, it is hard to pinpoint exactly when prom came to be; however, historians believe it originated in the late 19th century in the United States.
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Fact Break: Did you know that Prom is short for Promenade? |
Initially, it was a type of formal dance that was organized by reputed universities and colleges to promote social etiquette and manners among students.
As it is with our history, this tradition soon made its way into high schools in the early 20th century. Over the years, the promenade evolved into a major cultural event in our nation that gave rise to an entire genre of songs and movies.
The Origins of Prom Dresses
As mentioned earlier, prom used to be a formal event reserved for universities and colleges. Therefore, organizers made sure that the appropriate dress code was followed.
During that time, loose silhouettes were considered elegant and appropriate for formal occasions due to their long and flowy appearance.
However, these dresses were less popular. Like most things in the US, prom dresses gained traction after Hollywood experimented with them in 1950.
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Fact Break: Did you know "Father of the Bride," starring Spencer Tracy and Elizabeth Taylor, was the first Hollywood movie to feature a high school prom scene? |
Evolution of Prom Dresses by the Decade
While only a little changed from the early 1900s to 1950, soon after the popularity of prom, the market boomed and thus began the era of experiments that gave rise to various styles. Let’s go over them.
The 1960s: Bold & Midi Dresses
This decade not only gave birth to baby boomers but also to the youthful aesthetic of prom dresses. One can even say that this was when the formal aura of prom dresses started to shift towards the casualty with bold colors, shorter lengths, and geometric prints. Interestingly, no single fabric was considered ideal in this era because designers were experimenting with all sorts of fabrics.
The 1970s: Empire Waists
When humanity first landed on the moon in 1969, prom culture decided it was time to take the next leap in style. With the dawn of the 1970s, maxi dresses were again back in business. However, this time, with empire waists.
The previous decade’s short dresses did leave an impression, as girls started favoring lightweight fabrics like cotton and chiffon.
The 1980s: Princess-Style
From the rise of blockbuster movies to prominent cable television, this decade was all about making a statement with opulence and excess. Interestingly, heavyweight dresses made a comeback with princess-style ball gowns and over-the-top details. Did we mention how complex those hairstyles were?
The 1990s: The Minimalist Chic
Well. This is it. This was the decade where we were blessed with “FRIENDS,” and if you haven’t watched friends, girl, what are you doing?
As for the prom dress evolution, this time period saw an eyebrow-raising approach as girls started opting for a minimal look with darker shades for dresses like navy blue and deep red. Clean lines were the name of the game here.
The 2000s: Celebrity-inspired
Source: Pinterest
Here, the internet became widespread, and Facebook was born. It became easier to follow your favorite celebrities, and unsurprisingly, girls started to imitate their favorite star’s look. Mermaid-style dresses with fitted bodices and flared skirts were extremely popular this decade. Sequins was also quite the buzz. For instance, take this absolutely stunning picture of Emma Stone in a mermaid dress.
The 2010s: A-lines
Source: Article
This was the era of social media, and Instagram became the go-to for fashion lovers. Prom dresses took a turn for the sophisticated with a dash of boldness. Think sleek silhouettes, daring cut-outs, and A-lines. Speaking of A-line, have a look at Anne Hathaway, rocking a mesmerizing silhouette.
The Modern Era: Prom Dresses Trends of 2024
With the advent of high-speed internet, which is accessible to almost everyone, the ideas and desire to create the ideal prom look have become a trend in themselves.
Ruffles Are Trending
In 2024, girls are ready to become the prom queen with ruffles! We recommend you add a twist to your overall look by showcasing some intricate prints as well, like STYLE 94045.
Vertical Mermaid
Yes, it is true that mermaid style prom dresses were all the buzz in the early 2000s; however, they are becoming quite popular in the present times as well. For the little mermaid within you, we recommend vertical-lined STYLE 94046. This is a trend that can help you become the prom queen.
Uniqueness of Jumpsuits
In 2024, girls are no longer afraid to prioritize their comfort over aesthetics. That’s great, but what if we told you that you can achieve both? Allow us to introduce you to designer prom jumpsuits. They are ideal for dancing in and making a statement. We mean, just look at this STYLE 94042.
So, What’s Next?
The answer to that question is we don’t know. All we know is that we are here to provide the most innovative and stylish prom dresses for the beautiful girls out there. So that they can look their best and be crowned as the next prom queen!
