Each year, many high school students across the country look forward to prom as the last big hurrah before the school year ends and the senior class graduates. The tradition of prom dates back to the 19th century when U.S. colleges held co-ed banquets each year for the graduating class.
From there, prom only continued to grow and became the event students know and love today around the 1940s. Then, in the 1950s, the postwar economy allowed proms to move from high school gymnasiums to more formal settings, like country clubs and hotels. Every year, high school girls search high and low for the perfect prom dress for their big night.
Top Prom Dress Styles
Prom dress shopping is one of the most important steps of prom preparation. With so many dress styles available each year, girls must start looking early enough to find one that best suits them so they can feel confident and comfortable. Styles are constantly changing and evolving, and prom dresses are no exception.
Before you start trying on dresses, check out the latest prom dress trends, and determine which styles you like the best. From there, you can narrow down what you’re looking for. When it comes to prom dress trends in 2020, check out the following top dress styles and make a show-stopping entrance at the dance:
1. Marvelous Metallics
Nothing will make you stand out and sparkle quite like a glimmering metallic prom dress. If there was ever a time to go all out — it’s prom. Metallic prom dresses for 2020 are the perfect mix of sleek, modern style combined with glamour. Plus, you still have plenty of options when it comes to things like the silhouette, neckline, hemline and more.
For instance, you can shine like the princess you are in a Sherri Hill A-line metallic gown with dainty spaghetti straps. With this type of dress, you can wear your hair down and keep your makeup simple, maybe adding a red lip for a pop of color, and let your dress steal the show.
Looking for something a little more intricate and fitted? Try out a sequin, metallic lace and beading number from Ellie Wilde with a plunging neckline. Wear your hair in an updo to show off a sparkling strappy back. Similarly, you could try a Morilee gown that features metallic lace with some beaded straps. A mermaid-style silhouette would look amazing with some simple accessories in black, white or nude.
2. Splendid Sequins
This prom, go bold and beautiful. To go along with the metallic prom dress trend, consider going all out with a sequined gown. Sequins are a great way to play up the glitz and glam aspect of prom.
Sequins can add uniqueness to any dress through a multitude of ways — they can have a gradient look, form a pattern or even appear to sparkle different colors when reflected under lighting. Select a dress with a fully embellished sequin design, like a sequined Alyce dress. The sequins combined with the dress’ plunging neckline and side slit make for a trendy, luxurious look.
Or, try a strapless Ellie Wilde number that also features embroidered lace on the sides for added elegance. Maybe you want to tone things down with a Sherri Hill dress that has a sequined lace-up top with a flowing tulle skirt, featuring embedded sequins. No matter what you decide, you’re sure to stand out with sequins on your prom 2020 dress. When it comes to accessorizing, you can amp things up even more with some metallic accessories. Keep your hair simple with some loose curls or a chignon bun to complete the look.
3. Ravishing Red Carpet Gowns
Stun like a celebrity when you opt for an enchanting red carpet look. When it comes to the red carpet trend and 2020 prom dresses, look for fitted silhouettes or slits. Try a fitted Jovani gown, for example, that features a deep v-neckline and an open back to keep things simple but stunning. Add some bedazzling accessories for an extra finishing touch. Don’t be afraid to take risks, and try out other unique elements like stone embellishment or a shoulder ruffle.
For a lavish, glamorous look, try on dresses that incorporate other elements, like beautiful beadwork, sparkly sequins, sheer skirts or paneling.
You could also try an off-the-shoulder gown with a beautifully beaded bodice by Madison James to make your dazzling dance-floor debut. Consider looking to your favorite celebrities for hair, makeup and accessory inspiration to complete your red carpet look.
4. Stunning Satin Dresses
Sometimes you can let the dress material speak for itself. In this case, satin is an excellent prom dress material. It's comfortable and breathable, plus it brings effortless elegance to any dress, making it the perfect material for prom dresses in 2020. Satin's shine and gorgeous drape look great on all body types.
Try a satin dress that’s entirely solid-colored, like an exquisite Madison James gown with a square neckline, spaghetti straps and a full skirt. A Sherri Hill dress adds some extra detail with flower appliqu s leading to the bottom of the dress, while a two-toned Ellie Wilde satin number also features shimmer mikado and three-dimensional flowers. If you go with a more simple satin dress, play up your accessories to dress it up.
5. Beautiful Ballgowns
Nothing says prom princess like a beautiful ballgown. The ballgown is a coveted prom dress style that's never going away. If you aren't comfortable in a tight-fitting dress, try one with an A-line silhouette for some extra movability. These silhouettes look amazing on all body types and never go out of style.
Plus, the large-bodied skirt adds formality that makes you feel extra fancy for your big night out. Although ballgowns are a staple dress every year come prom season, look for ballgowns that incorporate some 2020 trends, like sheer bodices, floral appliqu s, lace-up backs or other details. Try a dress that features floral appliqu s, a lace-up back or some shimmer and sparkle throughout to find the perfect 2020 prom dress.
Similarly, a full-skirted gown with a floral appliqu top and plunging neckline from Jovani will make you feel like royalty. However, don’t feel limited to one style when it comes to ballgowns, as they can be just as show-stopping as the other prom dress styles.
Visit Alexandra’s Too and Browse the Latest Prom Dress Trends for Prom 2020
Prom dress shopping doesn't have to be stressful. For the ultimate prom dress shopping experience, visit Alexandra's Too in Fall River. Located right by Alexandra's Boutique, Alexandra's Too is home to more than 7,000 dresses, featuring a Jovani Boutique and many one-of-a-kind gowns.
We know how important it is to keep up with the latest trends — which is why we carry the most modern styles by the most elite designer brands. Whether you're looking for a form-fitting sequined gown or a flourishing ball gown, Alexandra's Too has what you're looking for. We even have a full Prom and Social Occasion floor, so make sure to stay up to date on our prom store events.
Don't wait to find your perfect dress for prom 2020 — visit us today and find the dress of your dreams.