Sometimes the dream prom dress isn’t a dress at all. Jumpsuits have started to take the place of gowns at many traditional events, and prom is no exception. Whether you’re into a full, wide leg or want to go short and sleek, a jumpsuit is a nontraditional way to show off some leg and still showcase your personal style.
seeing red
The Oscars red carpet sets the stage for prom trends, and if one thing stood out, it was the amount of red dresses, from Jennifer Hudson’s ruffled dress to Rachel Weisz’s latex gown. Red works with almost every skin tone, and the eye-catching color will get you noticed—which means you don’t have to worry about dramatic hair and makeup. A natural look is the best backdrop for a show-stopping dress.
Caped dresses have had a moment on the red carpet, so bring them to the dance floor! Whether you’re wearing a sophisticated monochrome column dress or going full Cinderella, adding a cape is guaranteed to take your look to the next level. There are no rules with this one: Whether you want a rhinestone-embellished tulle cape or just a solid color, anything goes with this prom trend.
There’s something about velvet that instantly makes an outfit feel more luxurious. Combine it with the embellished hair accessory trend for an instantly romantic prom look. Jennifer Behr makes a prom-perfect velvet hair bow barrette than can transition from prom night to date night.
heading in reverse
A reverse headband (pictured at top) is an instant way to add a feminine touch to your look. While it can be worn both with an updo or your hair down, I prefer the latter. Part straightened hair and pin back the front sections above your ear. Add the headband just below the base of the head and let it work its magic.