For many, prom is the crowning jewel of the high school experience. The carefully selected prom theme, the dazzling decorations, the sensational array of prom dresses, the “promposals,” the prom king and prom queen, the wild prom “chariots,” the lively dancing — it all comes together for a night to remember! But how did prom start? What did they wear to prom in the ’60s? What was a classic ’80s prom dress like? How about prom dresses in the ’90s? Here at Lulus, prom season is all year long! We explored the history of prom and prom dresses through the years to create a visual timeline of prom fashion. We hope that learning about the evolution of prom dresses will spark some creative ideas for your next look:
When Was the First-Ever Prom?
When did the first prom take place? It is believed that prom has been a thing in America since the 1800s. Who started the tradition of prom? They were originally lavish balls thrown by universities to express wealth and privilege. They also served as opportunities for young men to showcase their newly cultivated manners and social standing. Eventually, high schools began hosting proms, although women were not permitted without the accompaniment of male relatives or dates. The first-ever documented reference to a prom was discovered in the journal of a male Amherst College student. He was invited to attend a prom at Smith College, a nearby women’s college. So the first-ever prom took place at college, and proms later evolved into the celebrated and extravagant high school events that we know today.
What Is Prom Short For?
Prom is short for “promenade,” or the formal introductory parade of guests at a party. The word has since evolved to mean a paved public walk or the action of taking a leisurely public stroll with the intent to meet or be seen by others.
What Did They Wear to Prom in the ’50s?
What did people wear to prom in the 1950s? Romantic, elegant, and traditionally feminine styles dominated 1950s prom dresses. A classic ’50s prom dress might have a fitted bodice with a full skirt of tulle, organza, taffeta, and satin. Ruffles were abundant. Shoulder-baring dresses became popular, often draped with a shawl. By the late ’50s prom dresses started venturing away from big tulle skirts, and bubble-hem dresses popped onto the scene.
What Did They Wear to Prom in the ’60s?
What did ’60s prom dresses look like? A classic early ’60s prom dress had a high empire waist, a slim skirt, and a demure pastel color. The most popular ’60s prom fashion abandoned massive formal gowns for sleek sheath dresses. By the late ’60s, prom dresses became more vibrant, with bold, colorful accessories.
What Did They Wear to Prom in the ’70s?
In the ’70s, prom dresses were often long, flowing, and bohemian. Eyelet lace had a big moment in ’70s prom fashion. The “garden party” look blossomed with floral prints, crochet, floppy hats, wispy fabric, and big bows. Prom fashion in the ’70s was diverse, groovy, and fresh!
What Did They Wear to Prom in the ’80s?
Typical ’80s prom dresses were all about big sleeves, big bows, big ruffles, and billowing tulle skirts. Early ’80s prom fashion was a festival of shiny, shimmery fabrics, jewel tones, sheer gloves, polka-dot tulle, and satin. By the mid-’80s, prom dresses shortened and expanded — voluminous pouf skirts and giant bows were all the rage. However, prom dresses from the ’80s did not stay so flamboyant. Toward the end of the decade, minimalist silhouettes and fabrics arrived on the scene.
What Did They Wear to Prom in the ’90s?
Early ’90s prom fashion drew a lot of inspiration from the ’80s. As the decade progressed, ’90s prom dresses were often long and made from satin with sequin or rhinestone embellishments. In true ’90s fashion, rosettes and shoulder pads reigned supreme for a time. Prom dresses from the ’90s also favored black-and-white color schemes, velvet, and sheer black tulle over jewel-tone silk. Toward the end of the ’90s, a sleek and minimalist look became popular, with spaghetti-strapped slinky gowns and curled updos.
What Did They Wear to Prom in the 2000s?
Y2K prom dresses continued the sleek, minimalist satin dress trend. Many 2000s prom dresses also had high necklines — a covered chest, corseted back, and bare shoulders was a common look in 2000s prom style. The minimalist prom dress was boldly contrasted with princess gowns and other extravagant prom styles. At a 2000s prom, you were sure to be awestruck by the wide assortment of aqua and chartreuse, beading, rhinestones, asymmetrical cuts, and strapless, mini prom dresses. Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera ignited a frenzy for two-piece sets, which are still among trendy prom dresses today.
What Should I Wear to Prom 2023?
Fortunately, proms are more fun, expressive, and accessible than they were during the Victorian era! Be sure to check out our dazzling selection of on-trend prom dresses to enjoy the magical night that you deserve. We even have prom shoes and prom accessories to complete the look.
The Most Popular Prom Dress Styles From Every Decade
1894: The first-ever recorded reference to a prom was found in the journal of a male Amherst College student. It recounted an invitation and a special trip to a formal dance at neighboring Smith College, which is an all-female college. “Prom” was short for “promenade.”
- 1910s: Dresses were sleek, opulent, and exotic. Large, wide-brimmed hats shrank to smaller, flat hats. As women became more active with sports and dance, they began forgoing corsets at parties in order to move freely.
- 1920s: Fashion experienced a revolution in the 1920s, escaping the extravagant and restrictive nature of the Victorian and Edwardian periods. Dresses became more loose and revealing, with androgynous silhouettes. Jazz played a vital role in encouraging women’s fashion to be more free, fun, and dynamic.
- 1930s: Fashion became profoundly influenced by Hollywood, Grecian motifs, and Art Deco. Dresses were elegant, silky, and figure-hugging, often with puffy or flowing cape sleeves. Waist accentuation made a comeback.
- 1940s: World War II dominated this decade, and soldiers frequently wore their uniforms to dances and proms. Dresses were often homemade from recycled fabrics. Gone With the Wind sparked a revival of Victorian-era styles.
- 1950s: Full-skirted, tea-length dresses became popular. Dresses became more extravagant and playful with ruffles, lace, tulle, and chiffon. Later in the decade, bare shoulders with curve-hugging bodices emerged. Accessories included shawls, satin gloves, and pearls.
- 1960s: The empire waist became popular in the 1960s. Skirts became slimmer and shorter, hair got bigger, and modest pastel shades gave way to bold pops of color.
- 1970s: The full skirts and hourglass silhouette of the 1960s led to belted waists. Supermodel Twiggy introduced the babydoll dress. The bohemian “Garden Party” look with floral prints, crochet, flowing fabric, floppy hats, and bows became popular for prom.
- 1980s: Big sleeves, big bows, and big tulle skirts came into fashion. Popular 1980s prom dress elements included shiny, shimmery fabrics, jewel tones, sheer gloves, ruffles, and drop waists with billowing or bubble skirts.
- 1990s: Popular 1990s prom fashions included 1980s inspiration, long satin dresses, sequins and beading, rosettes, shoulder pads, black-and-white color schemes, velvet, off-the-shoulder mini dresses, and spaghetti-strap minimalist dresses.
- 2000s: Popular 2000s prom fashions included shawls, satin, minimalism, corset backs, cowl necks, aqua and chartreuse gowns, tiered gowns, beading, asymmetrical one-shoulder or strapless dresses, rhinestone brooches, and animal print. Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera made two-piece sets popular.
- 2010s: Popular 2010s prom fashions included long, ethereal dresses with subtle details, heavily beaded dresses, ruched necklines, vibrant prints, bejeweled bodices, “less is more” dresses, side cutouts, ombre, and vintage dresses toward the end of the decade.
