Belle of the Ball: Prom Trends Your Daughter is Guaranteed to Love

Key trends to wear to prom this year…

Remember when you were young, wild and free, and couldn’t wait for prom night? It was a really exciting time, but the looming question was, what were you going to wear to the big event? The development of social media and the rise of fast fashion means that prom has become a huge moment in a young woman’s personal style evolution (thanks, Instagram). Luckily, the options are far greater than they used to be (phew!). So, when you’re shopping for the ideal graduation gown or formal dress with your daughter, knowing these trends will definitely get you some mama brownie points…

Peek-A-Boo

Cut-outs and inserts have been a major trend on runways, magazine pages and blogs, adding an edge to any outfit. Look for strategic removals that are instantly flattering and feminine, whilst maintaining the right level of appropriateness. Think cut-outs might be a little too risky? Opt for lace or mesh inserts to create an illusion of bare skin without crossing any lines.

Pink Cut-Out dress available from Shopbop, Black Cut-Out Back Detail dress available from Shopbop, White Cut-Out Maxi dress available to rent from Yeechoo

Texture! Texture! Texture!

There is no denying the recent influence of interesting textures in fashion. Update a classic prom dress by trying out a new fabric, or adding textural elements like embroidery and beadwork. If texture feels overwhelming, create dimension with interesting cuts and structural statements. Design processes like laser-cutting also add an alternative tactile element to the piece.

3D Floral Peplum dress available from Self-Portrait, Structure-waist dress available from Shopbop, Metallic Jacquard dress available from Topshop, Embroidered Bead Maxi dress available from Topshop

Flower Power

As summer creeps into Hong Kong, (hello, humidity) florals return. Whether small and intricate or bold and tropical, let your daughter embrace that inner flower child and dance the night away in a floral frock. Step it up a notch by going wild for bigger, bolder portraits from Mother Nature – think giant leaves or birds of paradise. Whatever it is, have fun with this. Definitely a look for a more fashion-forward girl, but who says prom isn’t a moment in fashion?

Floral Wrap Front dress available from ASOS, Lace bird maxi dress available from Topshop, Pale Blue Floral Print dress available from Shopbop, Marchesa Notte Floral Embroidery gown available from Shopbop

Mini-Me

Gone are the days when prom dresses were restricted to floor-length gowns. While the maxi is certainly still a trend and a popular choice for the occasion, the rebirth of the mini (and its more demure cousin, the midi) has found staying power at prom and graduation balls. Keep your silhouette classic and simple when choosing to shorten it, but don’t be afraid to still play with colours, ruffles and prints. Just because you lift your hemline doesn’t mean you need to lessen your statement.

Navy Off-The-Shoulder Ruffle Mini available to rent from Yeechoo, White Ruffle Midi available to rent from Yeechoo, One Shoulder Jacquard Mini available from Topshop

Man, I Feel Like A Woman

“We should all be feminists,” is a quote from acclaimed author and activist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – and a verbal signifier of an equal playing field between men and women in all aspects. Fashion is no different. If anything, it’s one of the pioneers in the blurring of gender lines! So, it should come as no surprise that it has taken the idea of the suit, remixed it with a dash of femininity and thrown in some serious sass to create the luxe and oh-so-chic jumpsuit. Rivaling disco ideals and adding comfort to your closet, the jumpsuit is a fantastic piece of clothing to own and a major trend on red carpets and online. So, why not borrow from the boys and show them who’s really boss in a fierce trouser look for prom?

Floral Jacquard Jumpsuit available from ASOS, Lace Frill Jumpsuit available from Self-Portrait, Pleated Plunge Jumpsuit available from Topshop

Nude Illusion

It used to be that girls only wore solid colours to prom, and that black and white were the closest options to a neutral colour palette. But runways and red carpets have created a strong case for nude tones and barely-there pinks. In fact, the trend has followed through to dresses for the big night. Be warned, this can be a tricky look to pull off so take note of one crucial trick: no matter what your skin tone, make sure there is a clear difference between where your dress starts and your complexion ends.

Translucent Beaded gown available from Shopbop, Nude Ripple Halter Maxi available from Shopbop, Nude Bandage dress available from Shopbop

Shine On

It is very easy to get caught up in the latest trends by trying something new and fresh, especially with such an expanded horizon for this watershed moment. But that doesn’t mean tried and tested aesthetics lose their power. There is one look that never goes out of prom style: sparkle. Whether you embellish or want to shimmer from head to toe, sequins and stones will always be a winner in the race for prom queen. Choose to be subtle with jewel-encrusted necklines, accentuate a favourite body part with diamond lining or shine bright like a diamond in a fabric that catches all the light.

Rhinestone Panel Designer Gown available from Shopbop, Crystal Long Sleeve dress available from Shopbop, Mirror Sequin Cowl Back dress available from Shopbop, Embellished Contour Midi available from ASOS

Now, all that’s left to do is shop!