The end of exam season can only mean one thing—it's time for prom, and there are few things that occupy your mind more in the preceding weeks than finding the perfect prom dress. Whether it's your first time attending a formal event or you're a seasoned pro, it's equally tricky landing on a gown that is equal parts dressy and trendy, but after all of the recent award show red carpets (the Met Gala, the Oscars, the BAFTAs to name a few), we've been taking notes from some of our favourite celebs on how to make occasionwear cool again.
From sleek fishtails to playful minis, one trend that has proven undeniably popular over the past few years is the return to the '90s. Having scrolled through socials and runway shows to find the dresses that stood out the most, the same silhouettes and colour palettes cropped up again and again, and they could have easily come straight from the '90s. Given that most of team Who What Wear UK went to our proms in the mid-noughties, we all agreed that our biggest regret was choosing a dress that we thought was "current" rather than timeless, and looking back, our pictures have not aged well—something you needn't worry about when it comes to the pared-back approach to style the '90s is known for. Think Calvin Klein, Helmut Lang and Ann Demulemeester's brand of design.
So if you're planning to get your prom dress early rather than be forced to do a last-minute dash around the shops, you've come to the right place. Getting the search started now gives you plenty of time to peruse the internet and try on options to find the right one for you (it might even be sensible to nab a couple of sizes and take it to a tailor to make the right alternations). But for now, let's start at the beginning—the inspiration.
Keep scrolling to see the seven prom dress trends inspired by the '90s red carpet that we only wish we'd gotten to wear back then.
1. Spaghetti Straps: Gwyneth Paltrow
Style Notes: Nothing says "the '90s" quite like ultra-skinny spaghetti straps (particularly with a square neckline), and you'd be surprised just how many formal dresses rely on these teeny tiny straps instead of long sleeves to make them feel fresher. A case in point? Gwyneth Paltrow's 1999 Oscars dress designed by none other than man of the moment Ralph Lauren.
Shop Spaghetti-Strap Prom Dresses:
The sweetest shade of pretty pink.
Now this is an entrance-making dress.
This silhouette is so premium.
A great discounted find!
2. Buttermilk Yellow: Naomi Campbell
Style Notes: This picture could easily have been taken two years ago given just how popular this pastel shade of buttermilk yellow has become. Alongside burgundy, cream and navy, pale yellow is one of our secrets to making an outfit look expensive, and it just so happens to be perfect for the summer months that prom season falls into. Thank you, Naomi, for reminding us just how chic a simple dress in a statement colour can be.
Shop Yellow Prom Dresses:
You'll wear this for years to come.
Summer in a dress.
This has been selling particularly fast.
A citrus chiffon dream.
3. Slip Dress: Jennifer Lopez
Style Notes: It almost goes without saying that if we had to choose one piece that would encapsulate the best of '90s fashion, it would be the slip dress. Everyone from Courtney Love to J.Lo slipped into these slinky dresses for parties three decades ago, and we still wear them today in exactly the same way; stripped-back and under-accessorised as a nod to their minimalist roots.
Shop Prom Slip Dresses:
The straps and ruching kick this up a notch.
This smokey blue is so stunning.
Corsages and prom dresses go together like bread and butter.
Feathers are always stylish if done right.
4. Watercolour Florals: Jennifer Aniston
Style Notes: Print fans, this one is for you. If you've been looking for a dress with a little more character than a simple slip, you can't go wrong with a pattern, and according to the '90s, a light floral wash is all a dress needs to be red carpet-ready. Jennifer Aniston's outfit at the 1997 Picture Perfect premiere is one we'd happily still wear today, and it proves that watercolour florals are anything but dated.
Shop Floral Prom Dresses:
Perfect for weddings too.
Dress it up with gold heels or keep it casual in strappy flats.
The appliqué detailing is so romantic.
So easy to wear on repeat this summer.
5. Bandeau Dress: Sarah Jessica Parker
Style Notes: After the return of cargo pants, baggy jeans and flatforms, we weren't sure that our wardrobes could take any more throwbacks, but then the bandeau top came back in full force and reminded us why we loved them in the first place. This clean-lined trend translates perfectly to dresses too, and strapless silhouettes are the perfect foundation to personalise with your own style, so have fun experimenting with eye-catching jewellery and statement shoes.
Shop Strapless Prom Dresses:
Norma Kamali is known for her perfect dresses.
This comes in five equally chic colours.
All this needs is slicked-back hair and big earrings.
Hot red is still so on trend.
6. Sequin Mini: Pamela Anderson
Style Notes: A formal occasion doesn't have to mean a maxi gown; sequin minis are perfect for playful personalities who are first on the dancefloor. Take it from style icon Pamela Anderson—having a head-turning mini in your arsenal is always a good idea (and just so happens to photograph particularly well). Add elongating platform heels in a similar shade and you've got the archetypal '90s-party-girl 'fit.
Shop Sequin Mini Prom Dresses:
A true party-starter.
Ganni doesn't just do cool daywear.
This details on this dress are unbelievable.
This could be Pamela's dress.
7. Draping and Cut-Outs: Tyra Banks
Style Notes: You can always rely on a supermodel to bring runway trends to the red carpet, and Tyra Banks' Council of Fashion Designers of America dress managed to combine both subtle draping and daring cut-outs for an unforgettable dress that you can easily shop on the high street.
Shop Cut-Out and Draped Dresses:
There's nothing not to love about this dress.
The blue, the satin, the draping. Sheer perfection.
Look how good this is with a mini bag and strappy heels.
I can't believe this hasn't already sold out.
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