2021 is a difficult year for proms all over the world, but don’t let 2021 get the best of you! You can still put on your prom dress and get all glammed up to celebrate your prom at home with your family or have a virtual prom with all your classmates over livestream, or prepare for a real-world prom later in the year.
Here are the top 10 trends for prom dresses in 2022 to make you feel like a queen wherever you are celebrating!
Embellished Tops If you are having a virtual prom with all your friends and classmates, you will probably find that the top of your dress or outfit will be the most important part. Afterall, that is the bit that will be seen when you are in front of your computer or phone. Opt for an intricate, embellished design of sparkles, sequins, glitter, lace, or beads for an opulent look, such as 3D beaded floral blooms. You could even go for a 2-piece outfit with a detailed crop top and a simple long skirt of whatever style you find most comfortable.
Ombre
Yes, that’s right. The ombre trend is here to stay. With so many colorways to choose from, a long, ombre gown gives a sense of enchantment, as if you are floating. A dark color at the top of the dress down to a lighter shade or even white at the bottom of the dress will be most effective to flatter your figure. Don’t forget to think about mixing up the fabrics with your ombre, too – go for a full sequined dress or just a gentle dip-dye look around the hem.
Vintage Inspired
Some are saying that 2022 means a return to the roaring ‘20s, so vintage inspired prom dresses are a big trend this year. Go for a simple shift dress or a drop waist with beaded detailing, or even beaded fringe to emphasize every dance move you make. Or, if these silhouettes are not your thing, look to old Hollywood glamor with long fitted, silky gowns with low necklines or high leg slits.
One Shoulder
Always classy and chic, the one shoulder prom dress trend is a timeless classic. Choose from a simple shoulder strap or a long sleeve, or combine the one shoulder trend with an off the shoulder dress for ultimate glam. This trend is ultra-feminine, a touch edgy, and super flattering.
Dual-Toned Pink and Red
Clashing colors can go one of two ways, it either looks like you got dressed in the dark, or it looks like you absolutely know what you’re doing. Fortunately, when you buy a prom dress with these colors, all the hard work has been done for you. The dual-toned pink and red trend has been seen all over the red carpet this year and look like works of art. Follow in the footsteps of Mandy Moore, Taraji P. Henson, and Zoe Kazan and stand out from the crowd with this unique color combo.
Romantic Ball Gowns
If you don’t feel so comfortable in a fully fitted dress, go for a classic ball gown which never goes out of fashion. Ball gowns never fail to make you feel like a princess with their formal silhouette, and with a top layer of tulle they are amazingly romantic and extremely flattering.
1980’s Retro
If you love retro fashion, this is the trend for you. All those statements from the ‘80s are back for this prom season with ruffled skirts, off-the-shoulder puff sleeves, bright silky fabrics, velvet finishes, and massive bows. If this is a bit too daring for you, you could give a more subtle nod to the 1980’s and 1990’s bold neon colors, including lime green, hot pink, bright coral, orange, and yellow. If you’re daring, you could even go for a puffy sleeves!
Jumpsuits
This last trend is a good one for those girls who just don’t like wearing dresses. Jumpsuits have grown hugely in popularity over the last couple of years and are becoming just as popular for prom. They can be super formal and glamorous but are also trendy and edgy. Complete your 2022 prom look with black or nude heels, a dark smoky-eye, and a high ponytail with statement earrings.
Animal Print
One of the biggest trends for the 2022 prom season is animal print. Although, let’s face it, this trend has never really gone away! Go for the classic leopard or cheetah print, or mix it up with tiger, zebra, or even a snakeskin print if you really want to draw all eyes to you. This trend provides so many different silhouettes to choose from, so you are sure to find a dress to suit you. If you think the print is a bit too ‘busy’ opt for a long leg slit or a short hemline to break up the pattern. Style with gold or black strappy heels and volumized hair to round off your prom look.
Metallic
Metallic prom dresses have been a trend for a few seasons already, but they are coming back strong for another year (and likely will in years to come). These dresses made from shimmery fabrics or with iridescent finishes are super glamorous and heavily influenced by Hollywood style. The most popular metallic tones in previous years have been gold, rose gold, silver, and gunmetal, but this year sees the addition of more colorful tones such as blues and deep reds. Wear your metallic dress with simple shoes and accessories in black or white, with simple eye makeup, and a bold lip for a pop of color if you go for a more classic metallic tone.