Prom is around the corner, but its air of extravagance is seemingly not. All over social media, over the top prom dresses are out in lieu of a more casual, brunch-like dress. This is, of course, the exact opposite of what’s been traditionally popular: gowns embellished with sparkles or jewels and dramatic silhouettes.
Prom is a milestone in a teenager’s life, where they’re able to celebrate their high school achievements, dress up and have fun. But most importantly, it’s a time for self-expression as they pick the dress that best represents them and makes them feel the most confident. Anyone who’s able to attend is allowed to, and usually expected to go all out since it’s a rare opportunity to dress formally and something they’ll remember forever. Not only this, but many have grown up amazed by and looking forward to the idea of prom, largely due to movies like “High School Musical 3” or other high school-themed medias which have set the expectations for what a prom is supposed to look like.
However, the formality of prom dresses seems to be lacking in contrast to past years. Starting in 2024 and spilling into this year, hoards of excited girls have been posting their prom dresses on TikTok or Instagram which mirror more casual “Easter” dresses, as they’ve been compared to. Instead of bright colors, pastel is in. Floral patterns have taken over the once popular jewels and lace. Much discourse has been present with the emergence of this new fashion trend, with commenters mocking the “dull” look, equating them to dresses one would wear to church or a brunch. Many argue that, if this trend continues, prom may be losing its long-held prestige.
This isn’t an invalid concern, as having the opportunity to dress way outside of one’s usual attire is what has made prom iconic for centuries. It raises the question: what happens to tradition when trends shift so drastically? The magic of prom is in its rarity, and to take on a more casual dress may make it lose its sense of occasion. It’s understandable that tradition-oriented teens worry about the sparkle fading, quite literally.
However, there is so much more that lies below the surface of these muted fashion choices. In fact, this new take on what can be considered a prom dress holds a lot more significance than one might think. Specifically, it highlights an important shift in values held by a majority of Generation Z. Taking a more understated route doesn’t mean today’s teens are taking prom any less seriously, it just demonstrates their focus on comfort, individuality and authenticity over long-standing traditions.
Additionally, these new kinds of prom dresses have been praised for their sustainability. Generation Z undeniably has a much larger focus on more ethical fashion choices and limiting consumerism, and they clearly hold the same expectation for their prom night ensembles. The simple alternatives are less expensive and able to be re-used for different occasions. They also reflect modern teens’ creativity and innovation, as many have even taken to thrifting their own.
Seeing as the concept of prom dates back to the early 19th century, it’s inevitable that traditions will change and looks will evolve. Who’s to say if glitz and glamour will ever make a full comeback, or if we’re currently witnessing the indefinite future of prom dresses? At the end of the day, there’s no wrong or right way to dress for prom, and it’s much more about the experience than the dress. So whether you prefer to be the belle of the ball or to don a more understated piece, what matters most is that you take advantage of one of the most memorable moments of high school, and feel good while doing it.
