For many years, Prom has been a popular event throughout high schools everywhere. An opportunity to present yourself in formal attire: long dresses, form-fitting suits, hair updos, heels and accessories. The way many teenagers today go about their Prom experience is pretty similar to years past, beginning with pictures, dinner, the dance and ending the night with an after-party. So what has Prom looked like throughout the years, and how has the style of prom dresses changed?
Looking back at the ’80s, photos of Upper Arlington’s Prom reveal that there were big glamorous dresses and even bigger hair. Dresses had rhinestones, volume and some simple patterns. Students dressed themselves in “extra” outfits often matching accessories, like chokers or lace gloves, to their dress. Most women’s hair was teased into a voluminous updo or crimped.
Throughout the ’90s, the styles became slightly more minimalistic, though funkier patterns were incorporated. According to the UA Norwester archives, in 1994, a student even showed up to Prom on rollerblades with a matching helmet and knee pads. Dresses had become more casual, sleek and form-fitting.
In the early 2000s, sparkly tulle dresses were popular, often flaring out at the end above the knees. Dresses were still dramatic compared to other eras, but this time with sequins and beaded details. Halter/high necklines were also popular.
UA alumni and attendance secretary, Montana Frey, graduated in 2012 and reflected on her time at Prom as a student. While she said long dresses for Prom have traditionally been more popular, in her junior year her friend group wore shorter dresses. Her senior year, long dresses were trending again, along with sharp patterns, audacious colors and thin eyebrows with bold eyeshadow, sometimes topped with eyeliner.
“Something you don’t see in a dress anymore is bright colors. Also, girls are so natural looking now that not a lot of makeup is trending or noticeable recently,” Frey said.
As for the hairstyles in the 2010 era, side bangs were popular and the shoe of choice was a tall heel. Styles have changed, and Frey observed that dresses used to be more modest compared to today’s styles. However, one thing that remains consistent is the high cost of prom looks.
“I would say that $200-$500 is what people were spending. We bought dresses from Nordstrom, bridal shops and Macy’s usually,” Frey said.
Anna Atanasovska has worked as a tailor at Anna’s Tailoring and Operations for over 30 years. Located on Riverside Drive, Atanasovska works with many students, especially on prom dresses. Recently Atanasovska has seen a shift toward more budget-friendly dresses purchased online for the same quality as those found in prom boutiques. Tailoring costs can add up, but prom dresses don’t always have to come with a hefty price tag. Borrowing a dress from a friend or shopping at a local small business is always an option.
Whether someone’s dress has been purchased online, at a dress store or borrowed from a friend/sibling, the style of dress varies frequently.
“There are a lot of different dress styles,” Atanasovska said. “People used to wear big, poofy dresses, like ball gowns, and now they’re more streamlined. As for the colors, there were a few years when I saw a lot of black dresses, but [now] color is more popular. These last few years, I usually see lighter colors.”
Apart from dress styles, the trends nowadays seem to be simple accessories, curled hair, silk dresses and floral patterns.
“Last year I wore a blue ruffled dress from House of CB. My group had a lot of pinks and floral [dresses] too,” senior Katie Pinho said. “This year my dress [is going to be] purple, floral and off the shoulder.”
While Prom fashion continues to evolve, it may be more about personal expression than just following trends. Expression can vary whether it means wearing whatever is most comfortable, boosts confidence and stays true to one’s unique style.
“There have been a lot of different trends, but overall everybody recently is just wearing what they like most, and I think prom styles will continue that way,” Atanasovska said.
Prom is supposed to be a memorable experience, and although fashion may be a fun aspect, it’s the times that laughter is shared and memories are made with friends or a date that matters the most. The right prom outfit can help with confidence, but the joy of the evening is what can make the prom experience unforgettable.
