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 proceeding weeks than finding the perfect prom dress. Whether its your first time attending a formal event or you’re a seasoned pro, its 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 proved undeniably popular over the last 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 time and again, and they could have easily stepped off the runway in the 1990s. Given that most of team Who What Wear 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 90’s pared-back approach to style. Think Calvin Klein, Helmut Lang, and Ann Demulemeester’s brand of design.
So, If you’re planning your prom dress early rather than 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 a dress 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 the 90s red carpet that we only wish we’d gotten to wear back then.
1. Spaghetti Straps: Gwyneth Paltrow
Style Notes: Nothing says “90’s” 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 longsleeves 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:
SELF-PORTRAIT
Crystal-Embellished Point D’esprit Midi Dress
