Facts About Prom Dresses

The rising popularity of being chosen prom queen helps boost the importance of the prom dress

Girls may always be on the quest to find the latest, hippest, coolest fashions but no other fashion hunt is as important as finding the best prom dress. "Prom" comes from the word "promenade," which means to march into a room to announce the beginning of a formal event; and the event "promenade ball," which is a formal dance. The original dress code for proms was "your Sunday best." These days, prom dresses range from demure to scandalous.

Prom Etiquette

In the U.S., the first prom-like event came about in the form of debutante balls, where middle-class American families presented their teenage daughters to hand-picked suitors. Parents instituted strict rules when it came to fashion etiquette for these events. This trend continued into the 1960s, when prom dresses were often full-bodied and frilly. Little to no exposed skin was shown, only the shoulders and arms. Girls favored the look of long, elegant gowns, elbow-length gloves, sequins and lace. Prom dresses were not very form fitting and often resembled the graceful styles worn by Jacqueline Kennedy.

Prom Dress shopping

Proms in the early 1900s were simple affairs. Students would gather and socialize, drink tea and dance. Students were told to come dressed in their "Sunday best," which did not necessarily persuade girls to go out and purchase a new dress for the event. By the 1950s, emphasis was placed on having the best-looking date as well as the best-looking dress. Prom court was also introduced. If a girl was selected as prom queen, it guaranteed instant social status. Girls began taking special trips to find the right dress for the occasion.

Prom Fashion

Prom dresses still remained full-length and feminine throughout the 1960s. Popular styles included empire dresses, taffeta, velvet, baby doll and halter. The late 1960s also introduced bolero jackets and gaucho pants, the first time women wore pants to formal events, such as a prom. After the 1960s, prom fashion went through dramatic changes. Hemlines grew shorter, more skin was shown and designer gowns were introduced. The prom turned into an extravagant, glamorous event where being the center of attention was highly desired.

Prom Fashion 2011

This year's prom fashion calls for bright colors, like hot pink, and patterns, like leopard print. Dresses with embellishments, like bows or flowers, are also in demand. Short, form-fitting and/or exposing dresses are still the norm; however desirable prom dresses also feature an elaborate back design, such as lace, instead of an exposed bare back. A new style trend in 2011 is the cascade dress, which starts at mid-thigh length in the front and cascades down to the ankles in the back.

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