Did you know that prom comes from the word Promenade? If you found that fact surprising or fascinating in the least, then you would love to discover the interesting evolution of prom and prom dresses.

If you are looking forward to prom or seeking the best prom dress for the occasion, you’re in the right place. First, let’s get our history done, shall we?

Prom first became a thing in the late 1800s/early 1900s when universities and colleges in the Northeastern created formal events to teach etiquette to young men and women.

With teachers as chaperones, proms used to be held in school gymnasiums, and the students had to look their best. Not much has changed in that regard.

However, prom dresses have evolved from what they were in the 1920s when dropped waistlines and loose silhouettes were the order of the day, to the 1950s prom fashion of sweetheart necklines, cinched waists, and full skirts, were the ‘in thing’.

Between the 1950s and today, prom fashion has had quite a change. In the 1960s, high necklines, mini length, bold colors, and the baby doll style were the major influence at the time.

But, the 1970s, called the disco era influenced prom dresses heavily as you would find halter necks and backless dresses, deep V-necklines, and shiny embellishments at this time. However, nothing prepares you for the glamour of the 80s when everything was dramatic, including the prom dresses. With bold colors, puffed sleeves, and dramatic ruffles, worn on big hair, extravagance was the order of the day.

In what must have been a shocking switch, the 90s came in with minimalist fashion, and prom dresses weren’t excluded from the trend. You also found spaghetti straps and slip dresses, sleek silhouettes, and a monochromatic appearance on the scene.

The early 2000s also brought in their transitions, as expected. Dresses got shorter and heels got higher, and of course, the pressure of keeping up with social media made everyone eager to keep up with the trends.

And now…things definitely have changed, and if anything, prom dresses have gotten more diverse and inclusive, allowing prom goers to choose any style of prom dress they feel most comfortable in, even if it means going outside the trend or wearing non-gendered prom wear. It is even completely fine to rent or borrow a prom dress if you want to skip the hassle of getting one for yourself.

However, in 2024, you can say that the trending prom dresses reflect the styles of many decades past, as well as new designs.

If you favor the Long Prom Dresses, you can still have them in 2024 and beyond, and you can choose to go with bold single colors, high slits, and spaghetti straps, with unique materials like chiffon and silk.

Mermaid Prom Dresses are still very much in vogue for people who can pull it off. But what is prom without some sexy short Prom Dresses in catchy colors like emerald green, fuchsia, or electric blue?

You can also find a long list of Plus Size Prom Dresses in different styles, including asymmetrical hemlines, high slits, and playful ruffles, paired with stylish wedges to complete your look.

Indeed, prom and prom dresses have evolved in the past years, and every year brings you beautiful styles and fashion trends that make the event truly memorable.

How Prom Has Evolved Through History

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