1980s Prom Dress

Prom Dress of The 80s: Big Bold Unforgettable

When it came to prom fashion, no decade commanded attention quite like the 1980s. During this period, everything was bigger, brighter and bolder: hair, colors and silhouettes. Prom dressers today often revisit the 1980s for inspiration–whether to copy an iconic 80s-look or to get ideas for a dramatic and glam look that steals the show. 

Defining Features of 1980s Prom Dresses

1. Puffy Sleeves and Dramatic Shoulders

The sleeve was one of the most iconic features of an 80s prom dress.  The designs of sizes of structures were made to make an entrance like puff sleeves and power padded shoulders. The additions brought charisma as well as structure to the dress. It did not look whimsical but rather larger than life.

2. Bold Colors and Prints

When you think of neon pink, electric blue, or metallic silver, you're thinking 80s prom colors. People also liked jewel tones – emerald, ruby, and sapphire, which were often shiny in satin or taffeta. A few brave prom-goers even wore prints instead of just a color, a style that used to be very popular.

3. Ruffles, Tiers, and Layers

Volume was everything in the 80s

Revamped puff sleeves are currently trending on the ramp in many designer collections for festive and wedding events. The designs of these gowns had a princess vibe which is what the teens want for their prom night to feel like a fairy tale.

4. Shiny fabrics include satin and taffeta

Glossy materials were everywhere. Satin and taffeta were very popular with dancers who liked their shape-holding abilities and shimmer in the light. These fabrics were used, along with striking cuts and colors, to make 80s prom gowns.

5. Statement Accessories

No 1980s prom look was complete without big accessories. Think of lace gloves, rhinestone chokers, oversized earrings, and metallic belts. Many teens wore dyed-to-match heels and paired their outfits with tiny clutch purses, completing a head-to-toe coordinated look.

Pop Culture Influence

Prom fashion in the 1980s was heavily influenced by pop culture.  In Pretty in Pink and Footloose, teens turned prom into an experiment playground for looks – some high-end, some DIY.  Madonna and Cyndi Lauper, both glam rock and punk influences brought to the mainstream, encouraged people to be bold with their styling. Gowns worn by stars on the red carpet during this period also mirrored ruffles, shimmer and dramatic styles which we commonly see on proms.

Why 1980s Prom Dresses Are Making a Comeback

These days, the fashion trend of wearing a vintage prom dress is at an all-time high. And the 1980s are back in vogue. Prominent designers are embracing the 1970s in their latest collections, as big sleeves and strong colors make a comeback in bold fashion. For a retro prom outfit, many teens will seek vintage 80s or 90s prom dresses. They may also look for new dresses with retro details. They love puff sleeves, tiered skirts, bright colors and sparkles. 

TikTok and Instagram have helped the 1980s prom dress trend come back with creators showing off authentic gowns they scored at thrift stores, vintage shops, or mom’s closet.  The combination of nostalgia and individuality make vintage styles attractive for a new generation of prom-goers.

How to Style an 80s Prom Dress Today

• Match the retro dress consisting of bold ruffles with modern accessories like a trendy belt and a chic pair of heels. 

• Don’t be Afraid to Go Full 80s: If that’s your jam, add even more from puff sleeves to ruffles to bold colors. Enhance the outfit with bold earrings or a sparkling hair accessory.

• Combine Textures Shimmery satin and taffeta can benefit from the addition of some softer accessories, like a flowing sheer scarf or a velvet clutch.

• Though the 80s were famous for big hair and bold makeup, you can also modernize the look with soft waves and neutral tones or a more sleek updo.

Final Thoughts

The 1980s prom dress era is memorable, colorful, dramatic, and sparkling with exciting details or statement pieces. With puff sleeves and ruffled skirts and sparkly fabric, these dresses were very bold for the era and weren’t afraid to stand out 

If you’re attending a themed party or you’re on the hunt for a vintage gown, or simply seeking retro prom inspiration, check out this article for a fun fashion guide. Rocking an 80s prom look today means sporting bold colors, bling, puff sleeves, and voluminous locks, and not shying away from prints.