Whether you view 90’s fashion with delight (baby doll dresses) or dismay (oversize flannel), we found some prom looks from the decade that are unforgettable. Some of these outfits are from Jessica McClintock, a name that was practically synonymous with prom until the designer stopped manufacturing dresses last year. Luckily the photos will live on forever.
Sheer Overjoy – This two-piece pink corset prom dress shows off a prevalent fashion trend – the sheer overlay, which was a popular choice for girls who wanted to feel like a modern day princess.
Modern Twist:
Sheer overlay is still a popular choice among prom-goers but with an updated twist. We love the idea of a short skirt paired with a sheer over-skirt to add drama like in our powder blue La Femme dress. We also love how this Alyce Prom dress uses a sheer overlay to add interest and dimension to a full length skirt. Bonus Points if you add an overlay in underwater colors fit for another 90's icon, The Little Mermaid.
Dyed to match – Many female prom-goers in the early 1990’s had their white satin shoes dyed to perfectly match their prom dresses. Unfortunately after a few hours, the wearer’s feet ended up the exact same color.
Modern Twist: Let's just leave this one in the 90's shall we?
Illusion effect – Illusion dresses, with their sheer sleeves and peek-a-boo necklines, surged in popularity during the 1990s even though actress Marlene Dietrich, who is credited with starting this fad, began wearing them in films in the 1940s.
Modern Twist:
One of our favorite ways to put a modern twist on the illusion effect is to use it to accentuate the waist and add an interesting shape like in our elegant Faviana gown with sheer side panels.You can also channel more of a 60’s than 90's vibe in this sweet yet sophisticated La Femme cocktail dress with the illusion of a sweetheart neckline. Another way to add an updated feel to the illusion effect is to opt for a dress that uses lace instead of plain sheer fabric to create a plunging neckline like in our Sherri Hill gown. Whatever you do, keep your look modern by avoiding sheer fabric that is loose fitting as it tends to bunch up and shatter the illusion effect.
Off-the-shoulder sweetness – This demure knee-length dress is pure 90s perfection with its off-the-shoulder neckline and full taffeta pleated skirt.
Modern Twist:
Ditch the purple tafeta and rouched bodice in favor of a more streamlined and modern silhouette. Our Sherri Hill mini dress is a sexy and sophisticated take on off the shoulder with clean lines and a tight fit. If you are going more for fun and flirty, try this peach Dave and Johnny dress that uses sequins as a shoulder accent. If you are looking for true glamour and drama a mermaid off the shoulder gown is the perfect choice for a prom dress that wows.
Velvet crush – Various colors of velvet were everywhere in the 90s, including in prom dresses. The velvet was even better when it was crushed, giving it more of an uneven, almost slightly wrinkled look (it was the era of grunge after all).
Modern Twist: This is another trend that we recommend leaving in the 90's. Just no.
Sparkle and shimmer – Sequined hologram dresses in the late 90s helped the wearer light up the night – literally. You can spot this look throughout the movie Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion.
Modern Twist:
Thoday's shimmery gowns tend to veer more sequined-covered than their 90's psychedelic counterparts. Think more Angelina Jolie at the Oscars than Zenon girl of the 21st century. Whether you prefer a watercolor dress that resembles a flowing river or the more traditional silver mini dress and gold metallic numbers, Terry Costa has tons of options to sparkle and shine on the dance floor.
