Madam Bridal's Guide to Different Types of Prom Dresses

Have you been dreaming about the night when you put on your beautiful prom dress? Were you just looking with envy throughout high school when the seniors wore glitzy dresses and danced the night away? Did you ever wonder why it took so long for your turn to wear that gorgeous gown?

Here are our top 30 recommended styles, colors, and silhouettes for the 2023 prom season.

Follow our guidelines to have a fun evening or even qualify to become a prom queen.

Which are the most popular types, cuts and shapes of prom dresses?

Ever since the 1950s, proms have become a lot more elaborate and extravagant, thanks to the in-flow of wealth in the American economy. This makes the quest to find the perfect dress even harder. However, being clear about the style, color and fabric can solve a lot of your problems.

Prom dress styles

Strapless

Did you know that the strapless trend was almost non-existent before the mid-90s? It was mainly because of strict religious and social rules that insisted on women being completely covered. However, perceptions began shifting in the 60s, resulting in a major shift in the world of fashion too.

So, if you’re someone with an hourglass figure, a strapless gown may just be your go-to option. For one, it helps accentuate your curves. While it holds traditional precedence over many other styles, it will draw more attention to your arms, neck, and shoulders.

Flowy

Flowy dresses are all about graceful drapes and a free-flowing and comfortable appearance. The best part about wearing them is that they suit every body type. Adding a sheer overlay to it will certainly take your look up a notch.

Mermaid

Looking for a dress that helps you get the best out of your figure? A mermaid dress hugs your body down to the hips, enhancing your curves and creating an overall sensual appearance. However, it highlights a tall figure best and is usually not available in a wide variety of designs and fabrics.

See-through

Achieving the ultimate look with a sheer or a see-through gown can require taking a bunch of factors into account. For one, you want to add transparency to an area you would like to accentuate the most, such as your back or neck area alongside your arms. You also want to select your lingerie carefully.

Need some more inspiration? Here’s what Kate Hudson wore to the Academy Awards this year.

High slit

With a high-slit dress, you want to make sure it’s tailored to your body. It shouldn’t create ripples when you move in different ways, and there shouldn’t be any extra spaces for the dress to lift up or move. It should appear as if it’s painted onto your body.

Glitzy

A glitzy or sequin dress is best flaunted in just a single color. If you’re planning to go short with it, choose a higher neckline to keep it on the sophisticated side of sexy. Since it’s sparkly enough already, don’t add any other glittery components to it.

Backless

You can never go wrong with this one unless it’s a terrible fit. So, get your fake tan out and choose the right spot on your back to show off, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming the prom queen.

Ball Gown

Beyond getting the measurements right, you also want to check how the skirt moves and what strides you will need to take. Even though it gives off a pretty traditional vibe, you still want to prepare to wear and flaunt it beforehand.

Off the Shoulder

This one can certainly make a strong impression, thanks to its exceptional neckline. If that is a feature you wish to flaunt, go with an off-the-shoulder dress that shows off just the right amount of skin.

Faux Feathers

Faux feathers can be styled in a number of ways. The most popular way to use them is at the end of your gown. However, you can also style it on a sleeve or a shoulder.

Boho

What’s a better way to stand out than looking unconventionally beautiful? The boho trend is all about being free-spirited. Intricate embroidery on your cotton or linen fabric, along with a flowing skirt, should definitely help you stand out from the crowd.

Sexy

The sexy trend isn’t for the undaring. If you’re looking for a way to show your curves off with revealing necklines and tight-fitting dresses, flaunt this style by all means. Bring the diva out in you as you walk inside the prom venue with confidence written all over you.

High low

The best way to show your enticing curves and sexy legs is by wearing a high-low dress. With a hemline that is slightly longer in the back than it is in the front, you can highlight your legs moderately.

Colors

Emerald

An emerald prom dress, especially an off-shoulder one, will always be the envy of others around you. Top it off with similar-colored jewelry, and you’ll have some heads turning your way.

Rose Gold

Rose gold is the signature color of glam, especially if you wear a shimmery dress color. Sequined-style dresses on a prom night are like a direct ticket to being named the prom queen.

Iridescent

This one highlights your figure best during daytime events, but even if it’s a prom evening, there’s no reason not to defy the odds and stand out as the true, daring queen that you are!

Black

Black is the ultimate winner, no matter what style or fabric you choose to wear. You just can’t go wrong with it, especially if you wear it as a high-low dress. Top the look with some bright accessories, or add some lace and sequins to it, and you’ll have your perfect prom look to go with.

Nude

The best way to flaunt a nude-colored dress is by pairing it with the right shoes and accessories. Wear a dark lip color and some heavy eye makeup to give it the perfect contrast for an all-around classy appearance.

Red

A red mermaid dress is the embodiment of sexiness and sophistication at the same time. The best part of wearing this color is that it works for a variety of skin tones.

White

White is usually considered a wedding color, but now it is somewhat popular for prom dresses too. Rich skin tones particularly benefit more from it. However, part of the reason its popularity is on the rise is that it’s a typical red carpet event color. Hence, it is highly coveted by teens.

Neon colors

If the statement “standing out of the crowd” could be given life, it would be in the form of neon colors. After all, prom is a time to stand out, so you want to wear dresses made with fabrics that help these colors stand out best.

Floral print

Floral prints in a boho-style dress can form your unique style statement on the right occasion. Imagine walking in wearing something no one would even have thought of wearing. That alone is your style statement.

Ombre

With an ombre dress, you want to make sure to add the right contrasting shades. For example, navy blue and white or dark purple and light purple. If you’re unable to decide on two colors, just decide on one and let it fade from dark to light.

Fabrics

Looking for a stylish and flattering outfit to wear to prom 2021? Check out this prom style guide for trending styles, designers, and more.

Satin

This shiny and sleek fabric adds just the right amount of movement to your prom gown. It usually goes well with ball gowns, but you can also try it out on an A-line silhouette.

Chiffon

Flowy fabrics like georgette and chiffon can do wonders to highlight your upper body. The best way to use them is by wearing an A-line dress.

Scuba

An off-shoulder scuba dress with a neckline covered in an oversized ruffle is something that effortlessly makes you a show-stopper. To make it a perfectly dynamic look, wear it in red and allow the dress to showcase your curves.

Lace

It is undoubtedly the most versatile fabric that adds a much-needed feminine touch to any dress, whether long or short. Using sheer lace, you can play a bit with illusion necklines, applique details, and sleeves.

Sheath

A long sheath dress that fits your form from neckline to hem is always a winner. The fabric goes well with absolutely any color but brings the best out in you with brighter colors.

Cut glass

Cut glass fabric goes well with short-fitted dresses designed with multi-shaped embellishments. To help it enhance your figure best, wear it in darker colors.

Sequin

A silver or rose gold sequin dress with a high-slit style is that bold prom look you have dreamed of achieving. Take the styling to another level by making it backless and wearing it with high heels.

All in all, prom dress shopping is a lot of fun if you follow these simple steps. Whether you go with short dresses or floor-length hemlines, do not go overboard with the decoration. Simple dresses always elicit an air of elegance. They showcase your ability to get the best out of a single fabric choice and modest, subtle details.

Classic, trendy, or somewhere in between, choosing the best prom dresses depends on your personality and individual taste. The perfect dress is the one that compliments your body, skin tone, and features best and allows you to get creative.