by Mat

Matea Marinello ’26

Once known as a promenade, prom is a dance held at the end of Junior and Senior year in high school, and the type of attire worn by attendees has changed quite a bit over the years and reflects the current fashion trends of the time.

Near the beginning of modern proms, it was an innocent event and guests would show up in their Sunday best. Modern prom made headway in the 1950s as America blossomed. Back then the style for girls was a full-length dress with a tight bodice and a glimpse of the shoulder that made it more risque than the 40s style; elbow-length gloves also gained popularity.

By the 1960s the hemline of dresses had risen, along with fringe and beads becoming more prominent because of the hippie aesthetic rise in popularity in the 60s and 70s. Just as the 1980s are remembered as prom fashion became more escalated, including sequences, shoulder pads, and ruffles. This was also a period when matching outfits between dates became more popular.

The 90s were represented in a more subtle version of the 80s, with minimalist themes and off-the-shoulder and spaghetti straps becoming more popular as it became the 2000s. Satin dresses were popular in the early 2000s along with high necklines that showed off shoulders or even two-piece sets. By the late 2000s, tiered and princess dresses took control, which was partly seen with the fashion trends in the 2010s. These included colorful and flowy, or as the decade progressed beaded gowns and the ruched neckline.

In more recent years slits and a fitted waist have taken over the prom scene. As for the 2023 prom, airy styles are expected to make a comeback. Shimmer, lace, tulle, and even ruffles can be expected for a light, chic, and comfortable” look, says Jules Wettrich. Adhering to modern fashion, bright colors, and v- necklines with spaghetti straps remain popular, especially with a satin or glitter finish, not to mention the ever-popular cut-out in the back look. As for men, it is customary to wear a suit that often has a colorful accent to match their date’s dress. Suits have remained similar over the years, with only little detail reflecting the period. One thing that has become more popularized in recent years is a pop of color or even a full-color suit instead of a classic black-and-white look.