If you’re in high school, especially if you’re a senior, you probably have prom on your mind. Prom is, after all, an essential right of passage for high schoolers in America. Taking prom photos is almost a requirement, so you’ll want to have the perfect outfit that encapsulates your style.
You also probably want to touch on some of the latest trends in prom wear so that you don’t look dated or out of place. No matter what your style is or what trends you love, there are plenty of great prom looks to choose from.
Prom Styles 2025: Prom Dress Trends
There are a few prom dress trends we love that have been popping up this year. We’ve been particularly loving Sherri Hill’s collection of dresses, with their range of styles and sizes.
Pastels and Florals
Maybe it’s due to the rise of cottagecore and similar aesthetics in recent years, but more people are turning to softer pastel colors and floral patterns for prom. These traditionally daytime details are now being used for formal evening wear and make a big impact.
Many of the dresses feature feminine details like ruffles and ribbons as well, adding to the ethereal style. The colors are evocative of spring and youthfulness, a perfect option for saying goodbye to your high school years.
If you like a more boho or hippie style day-to-day, then a pastel prom dress with flouncy details is the perfect way to reflect your style in a more elevated way for the event.
Corsets and Mermaids
Prom dress silhouettes also change over time. While a fluffy ball gown or a princess seam dress is always classic and looks good on most body types, some other silhouettes have started trending. First seen as trendy bridal gown shapes, corseted dresses and mermaid dresses have found their way into prom fashion.
Dresses with built-in corset structures have a few benefits. They often let you skip wearing a bra, so you don’t have to worry about finding a comfortable strapless one. They also help keep your posture straight so you won’t slouch in pictures. Of course, the look is also very stylish and can feature daring sheer lace or mesh paneling for a more grown-up look.
Mermaid dresses are a good option if you like a sleeker style, instead of a dress with more volume in the skirt. These dresses are fitted in the torso and through the hips, holding your legs close together like a mermaid tail. They flare out at the bottom to give you more room for movement. While they might reduce your ability to do some dance moves, mermaid dresses will make a big statement.
Bare Shoulders
Maybe it’s backlash over dress codes that act like a female student’s shoulders are the most provocative thing someone can see, but at prom, you usually get a pass. Strapless dresses are cute but can put you at risk for a wardrobe malfunction.
Other trendy options are one-shoulder necklines or off-the-shoulder looks. One-shoulder dresses create a modern asymmetrical look that creates visual interest. Whereas, off-the-shoulder dresses have a flirtatious vintage vibe.
For either option, make sure you invest in a good strapless bra or other undergarments that feel comfortable and supportive if the dress doesn’t have built-in support.
Prom Styles 2025: Prom Suits
While prom dresses typically get most of the attention, there are some trends in suiting as well that have been bleeding over into the prom arena.
Classic Tux with a Twist
You can’t go wrong with a timeless classic. A sleek black tux will look great in photos and coordinate with your date’s outfit as well if they are also going for a vintage vibe. But you can always add a little twist to your tux to make it more memorable.
You can choose an accent color that matches your date or one you simply like and accessorize your outfit with it. Add a pocket square, bow tie, or even colorful shoes (dress shoes or a trendy sneaker) to bring your outfit up a notch.
Bold Colors and Patterns
Suits in an unconventional color or patterned suits and shirts can also create room for creativity in your prom outfit. Jewel-tone jackets, plaid suits, or floral dress shirts can all add to your outfit to express your personal style and be more memorable.
Experiment With Your Prom Style
At the end of the day, prom kind of encapsulates your high school experience, so you want to choose an outfit that really reflects your identity and personal style. There are plenty of fun prom trends that break from many of the traditions of the past, others honor it while leaving room for your own personal expression.
Make it a prom to remember with a great look for the night! Explore Fapello for more.
