The History of Prom Dresses

"THE HISTORY OF Prom Dresses Apart from the wedding dress, the prom dress is the most iconic dress in American culture. The entirety of the high school experience is encapsulated in prom night. All the anxieties, joys, and friendships come together to form an unforgettable event. Prior to the 1950s, prom was a simple affair and the dress code was your "Sunday Best." After the post-war boom, it became so much more. See how the prom dress has evolved throughout the decades! 1950s THE BIRTH OF THE Teenager Distinct bust (scandalous for time), narrow waist. Voluminous, bell-shaped gown. The term "teenager" did not exist prior to WWII. Prom blossomed with the birth of this age group. "Earth Angel" by The Penguins These dresses resembled the frothy, massive, flowing gowns of débutante balls, however they took on a youthful and engaging aesthetic. >1960s3 THE DECADE OF THE Mini Skirt A Low necklines, close-fitting waists. Skirts that went to knee level, as opposed to floor level. Because of The Beatles, the "mod" style from Britain was all the rage. "And I Love Her" by The Beatles The 1960s focused on elegance and simple geometric design. The low necklines and miniskirts symbolized the rebellious coming of age in the latter half of the decade. 1970s THE DECADE OF THE Hppie Peek-a-boo shoulders, empire waistline. Maxi-length gowns, long and straight. No frills or puffiness. The flower child style became popular as an affront to the consumerism of the 50s and 60s. Always & Forever by Heatwave The 1970s were buit out of rebelion and it showed with the style of the times. The straight and flowing dresses were direct statements against the showy dresses oftheir parents'generation. >1980s< THE DECADE OF Decadance n) Shoulder pads, tight and narrow waist. Sequins and ruffles. Prom reached the height of its fame, as a defining coming-of-age moment for a whole generation. E) Every Breath You Take by The Police With Pretty in Pnkandother John Hughes movesin, promwas rebom as the quintessential best nightof your fe" The bustingeconomyalowed forextravagont styles, as welas imousines to ride to the prominstye. 1990s THE DECADE OF THE Model ) High necklines with exposed shoulders. Narrow waist slip dress inspired look. Simple shapes, no ruffles. Halter and slip dresses made "heroin chic" a popular look. I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston The designer boom in Europe heavily inspired the 90s. A refined elegance was the trend of the times. Solid colors and simple dresses were the foundation of this posh era. >2000s< THE DECADE OF THE Slarlel A Shoulders open, flowing and graceful gowns, wastline follows a variety of trends. Charmeuse or satin dresses. Teenagers showed rebellion through wearing converse or other sneakers to prom. A Moment Like This by Kelly Clarkson nthenewmilennim,prom desses tend to follow the foshion trencs ofthe celebrites on the red capet. haddition, the trends ofthe 60s-90s arebeginning to blend and are al verypopular for the aurentgeneration Ever-Pretty make you pretty forever Sources: http://www.tjformal.com/t2167/the-history-of-prom.html http://rookiemag.com/2012/05/vintage-prom-dress/ http://prom.about.com/od/introtopromsformaldance/a/promhist.htm http://www.beyondretro.com/en/blog/2013/05/10/a-brief-history-of-prom-dresses/ http://www.acsu.buffalo.edu/-mwaltos/lis506/project/1960s/fashion.html http://beatricecoutureblog.com/2012/12/18/prom-fashion-through-the-decades/ http://www.yourobserver.com/news/east-county/Front-Page/0424201326549/Prom- A-Palooza-Prom-through-the-decades