As brisk winds turn to warm breezes, Junior and Senior prom draws near and the hallmark coming-of-age event marks something to pull students through the last few months of a long, stressful winter. Whether you’re the type to make a spreadsheet of dress options months in advance, or you’re taking a spontaneous trip to Windsor only a few weeks before the dance, mainstream fashion media has its two cents to add about what dress to get.
Hotly debated in recent years has been the controversy between the “easter dress” and the more classic sparkly, sequined gowns that were all the rage at proms in the 2010’s. As trends have leaned towards simplicity and minimalism, teens are beginning to favor silks and satins, florals, and lighter, more subtle garments. Some prom attendees have argued against these choices, claiming they aren’t meaningful enough for an event of such importance; they believe that a prom dress should be over-the-top.
These judgements generally come from those who appreciate the glitz and glamour of dress options that are becoming increasingly rare. These hallmark prom dresses that dominated the industry for so long fall into a few potential criterions. These gowns are often sequined, embroidered, glittery, or have some similar embellishments. They come in a number of different silhouettes but the addition of these extra adornments are what set them apart from the simplicity of the now popular “easter dress” – dubbed after the holiday that falls near most high school proms.
Easter dresses in comparison, are generally more understated, often having floral prints, more whimsical attributes, and a-line silhouettes. Besides their less-flashy profile, these garments have gained popularity for their versatility and lower price point. Often students go for a more inexpensive option when it comes to a dress they will likely wear once, and these dresses offer a quiet elegance that generally won’t break the bank, depending on where you shop.
Similar to the “easter dress” and often included in the styles that fall under this term, minimalistic solid color gowns have achieved prominence in recent years. This style is often mistaken for an “easter dress” because of the simplistic beauty and lack of sparkles or sequins, however these are patternless and give many fashion-oriented teens a more sleek look for their big night. These dresses are likely to stay in style with VOGUE’s Sarah Vendejas writing about some of the formal wear trends for Spring 2025, noting florals, minimalistic maxis, and sheer looks. Additionally, dresses with these traits have saturated the market when it comes to the prom dress scene, another key indicator of there continuing popularity.
For all those in the midst of the annual dress quest, there are a number of online boutiques, commercial retailers, and even local bridal shops that offer a plethora of options. If your priority is keeping a modest price point, Lulu’s, Princess Polly, Windsor, and Lucy in the Sky would be some of the more instinctual webpages to visit. When it comes to more quietly elegant, but still affordable looks, try Peppermayo, Tiger Mist, Beginning Boutique, or Whitefox. Going up the ladder in terms of price, Meshki, Oh Polly, Babyboo, or Runway the Label are all great shopping options. Even more expensive still, Revolve, House of CB, or Reformation all boast beautiful gowns that will fulfill your prom wishes, although making your pockets quite a bit lighter. When it comes to the more classic dress styles, Sherri Hill is a favorite for the lovers of an extravagant experience, with a price point to match. Nordstrom, Macy’s, and similar department stores may also provide some solid pieces.
Whether you are partial to the classic features of a prom dress or love a more contemporary look, deciding what to wear for your Junior or Senior prom can serve as a way to identify your personal style and flesh out your preferences when it comes to fashion. Just don’t forget to shop before your dream gown sells out!
