“The kind of young woman who can be a terrific torchbearer has high standards all the time, not just in her prom dress, but every, ordinary day.” – Margaret D. Nadauld
According to Visa’s 2014 Prom Spending Survey, the average household spent $978 on prom-related expenses in 2014, compared to $1,139 the previous year. The importance of this first memorable night of your life is undeniable. In many cases, the dress comprises up to a third of the whole prom budget.
Many girls have waited for prom night since the first day of 12th grade, and some – since the beginning of high school. It’s a great occasion to show you truly are a torchbearer who’s on top of the latest trends in 2019. We’ve compiled all the latest designs, the top colors and prints, and the trendiest fabrics for the 2019 prom season.
Colors and Prints
Rose Gold
If we had to pick THE nuance to be seen at prom 2019, it would have to be rose gold. This hue has taken over jewelry, accessories, makeup, even tech devices, and extended to prom dresses as expected. Imagine otherworldly frothy and bejeweled creations in gorgeous rose gold tones. There are many sub-hues, depending on the proportion of pink to gold.
Rose gold works for all styles and silhouettes. It’s a surefire way to grab attention without sacrificing your appreciation of the soft and understated.
Rose Gold Prom Dress
Holographic
Another hot trend in 2019 involves holographic gowns. The metallic colors give off a magical vibe transporting us to the space-age future. This is based and an improvement on the retro look of three decades back. Thus, a dress giving off this cosmic glow wouldn’t compromise your inclination toward a more classic look.
Bright, Bold Blooms
“I like very girly, retro-inspired, feminine, floral things. I’m not very edgy” – Ariana Grande
Nothing heralds the arrival of spring like flowers. While floral styles have been popular for years, they are the main feature of 2019 collections. The best about this trend is that any shade will work, from periwinkle and pastel yellow to striking red and black. You can choose from embroidered or appliqué floral prints for the formal night. Don’t over-accessorize because you might take away from the blooms’ remarkable effect.
Bright, Bold Blooms
Femme Fatale
“Designers want me to dress like Spring, in billowing things. I don’t feel like Spring. I feel like a warm red Autumn” – Marilyn Monroe
Red is another one of the colors that never go out of style. It’s no accident it was the immortal Monroe’s favorite color. In 2019, ruby and bright scarlet are in. Yet, if you’re more in tune with the spring and you want to stand out, just not in red, then know that shades of lilac and yellow are a close second and third. Paired with the right accessories, becoming Prom Queen is a distinct possibility in these colors.
The most popular and intoxicating colors are sapphire blue, emerald, and burgundy. Sapphire blue lets you be cool without being icy. Deep, luxurious emerald and regal burgundy are 100% sure to get you noticed.
Femme Fatale
Wispy Queen
Those who prefer a more delicate look will love the softer, muted palette characterized by mesmerizing tones like blush, mauve, and charcoal gray. There’s nothing to achieve a smoking hot look quite like deep gray. It’s a very smart choice for those future Queens who can’t choose between black and white.
Pastels will be big throughout 2019 and 2020 according to Maud Barrionuevo, Global Director of Buying & Merchandising at 24 Sèvres. In an interview with undisputed fashion authority Elle magazine, she says, “I look forward to seeing softer, feminine shades especially in the glum, cold months of 2019.” This means once worn, your dress won’t be relegated to obscurity. You can wear it on many future occasions and be as dazzling as you were the very first time you donned it.
The Fabrics
Shimmer on the Dance Floor, Sparkle the Night Away
Riveting glitter fabric is all the rage this year. From dramatic plunge fronts in silver and ivory to gold, electric silver, and pink mermaid designs, 2019 will be a shimmering year. Nobody can remain indifferent to sparkly glitter, but being the envy of all onlookers isn’t such a bad thing!
In 2019, glitter fabric can be seen on ball gowns, mermaid dresses, and many other dress styles. Our top choice is a metallic gold or silver glitter look.
Luscious Satin
“Gossip is just news running ahead of itself in a satin dress” – Liz Smith
Prom 2018 and 2019 designers decided to take satin out of the lingerie drawer. This trend, which started last year, is stronger than ever. Giving a whole new meaning to “smooth”, satin gowns in ruby or royal blue are the centerpiece of any regal look.
Luscious Satin
For the Woman with Sky-High Confidence: Lycra
Off-the-shoulder dresses and other form-hugging styles look amazing in Lycra. Curvy body types should definitely look into this. Steal the spotlight in a sleek, fitted design that emphasizes that hourglass figure you were blessed with.
Show-Stopping Metallic Lace
This is definitely something to look out for this year. Rose gold or navy lace or lace in a particularly striking shade of burgundy comes in ball gowns and mermaid styles in 2019. It’s simply adorable. Metallic lace is a showstopper, guaranteeing an unforgettable evening.
Combine lace with a lace-up back. Regardless of whether you want it loose or fitted, a lace-up back is a must. 2019 prom collections feature it in everything from Bardot jerseys to ball gowns and chiffons.
Show-Stopping Metallic Lace
The Design
Finally, we come to 2019’s trendiest styles and designs. One-shoulder dresses, high-low, and wrap dresses are in. Ball gowns have never been out. You’re in for quite a few treats!
Dust off your Shoulder
The best design for a woman who’s above it all is the one-shoulder, which is taking center stage for the first time this year. Women with athletic body types and toned shoulders would look mesmerizing in one of these designs, which are replicated in mermaid dresses, ball gowns, and satins this year. Don’t be afraid to show off those prominent collarbones, and hold your head high! You’ll look pretty as a picture in a riveting design with a brocaded bodice off the shoulder. This springtime look is fresh and sexy, yet sophisticated and elegant.
A Return to Ball Gowns
2019 is all about ball gowns (again). Which is great news for lovers of this classic air and look! They were very popular last year. In fact, 2018 marked the rebirth of the ball gown in a way. How are this year’s classics different from last year’s favorites? You can’t go wrong with sparkling fabric in floral print, navy, or red with a tiny pocket. In 2019, designers are including pockets in ball gowns, which will come in real handy for a phone or some lip gloss.
The ball gown’s eternal popularity is no accident. Its classic flare and fit make it perfect for all body types.
If florals, reds, and blues aren’t your thing, don’t worry – ball gowns are available in every solid color or print.
Optical Illusion
“Illusion is the first of all pleasures” – Voltaire
The statement an illusion gown makes is loud and clear. Creative types will appreciate this trend and steal the show with a glamorous and elegant vibe while showing off a bit of skin. The illusion is in the fine beaded or lace accents that lend the gown an air of mystery. The gown can be either fit-and-flare or a body-conscious style. Illusion gowns are classic and modern at the same time – a great combination for prom night.
Short or Long?
If you can’t decide between short and long, then we have the solution for you. It’s called high-low. The version of the high-low in 2019 comes in remarkable shades of ruby or warm pastel tones in satin and in ball gown shapes. High-low dresses were very trendy a few years back, but in 2019, they’re coming with a new and unexpected twist. As their name suggests, they will come with a shorter hemline in the front that is filled out in the back. This prom 2019 look is casual and formal all at once, and it’s the perfect opportunity to show off your long, beautiful legs.
High- Low
Asymmetry
“The universe is asymmetric and I am persuaded that life, as it is known to us, is a direct result of the asymmetry of the universe or of its indirect consequences” – Louis Pasteur
Let the rhythm of the universe move within you – grab a quirky prom dress with an asymmetrical look. This approach is very eye-catching and alluring, truly an inspirational take on the high-low.
Form-Hugging or Flowy? Go the Middle Route
If you can’t decide between form-flattering or loose, try a wrap dress for prom. They have the added benefit of spotlight-worthy leg slits – you can go as high as you want. Combined with a plunging V-neck, this flattering design shows off just the right amount of skin.
Long Sleeves
Long sleeves are a big trend this year. There is a vast range of styles to choose from, including breathtaking long-sleeved mermaid gowns and solid red prom dresses. A look with an open back is one of the most riveting ways to wear one of these designs because it’s sexy in an elegant and unique way.
A sheer long sleeve dress is another great option. It is feminine and delicate, with an haute couture feel. Fashionistas with a supreme sense of style will appreciate this look. It can include rich details like lace, sequins, or appliqué.
Another thing long sleeves have got going for them is that they’re perfect for any size. Long sleeves are flattering to all body types and can easily cover up areas that you don’t want to be a focus. They help draw attention to the area you want to be emphasized, like your filly legs or narrow waist.
Blasts from the Past
Slip dresses, which became all the rage in the 1990s, are making a comeback in 2019. The slinky favorite has made its way into the arena of formal fashion. Fans of minimalism will appreciate this simple base as the ideal backdrop for stunning cluster jewelry.
2018 Favorites that are still in
Favorites from last year that are still in style include two-piece prom dresses and halter strap necklines. Cropped tops or strapless bodices with billowing long skirts made a splash in 2018. Loving this style isn’t the only reason to choose it this year. Cropped tops and bodices are among the most versatile pieces of apparel out there. After you wear one to the prom, you can wear them again with a skirt or shorts this summer and again with jeans in the fall. You can even pull off the sporty chic look by pairing it with leggings. Of course, it’s never out of place with a long and flowy skirt.
Two-pieces come in a range of styles, from body-con looks to ball gown flare skirts. They’re also available in many different prints and fabrics, including full tulle or chiffon, thigh-high leg splits, and floral prints.
2- Piece Dress
Necklines
Necklines with halter straps, choker collars, and illusion mesh will remain popular throughout 2019. If you choose to wear this style to prom, don’t wear a necklace, because the neckline will clash with it. Go for a dazzling bracelet and a pair of drop-dead gorgeous earrings instead.
Be the Ray of Light at Prom 2019
This was our summary of everything you need to know about the top prom dress trends for prom 2019. We’ve covered everything from the hottest colors, fabrics, and designs to the best options for different body types and the most appropriate accessories.
Author Bio: Jonah Levine is the Creative Director of NewYorkDress.com. NewYorkDress.com, established in 2008, is the #1 online source for Evening and Prom dresses worldwide. As Creative Director, Jonah works to create the ultimate online and in-store luxury shopping experience with a focus on service and personalization.
