Prom Trends 2011: Anything Goes As Long As It's Red-Carpet Ready

Long gone are the simple, black prom dresses reminiscent of Breakfast at Tiffany's. Prom trends this year include bright colors, ruffles, cutouts and dramatic red-carpet-inspired looks. 

But it seems almost anything goes at proms throughout the Twin Cities.

“There’ s never been a year where there’ s only one thing,” said Julie LaMere, manager of Mestads Prom Shop in Southdale Shopping Center. LaMere has seen 10 prom seasons working in retail.

Trends also depend on where prom is located. Dress trends for high schools in Minneapolis and St. Paul are a little more adventurous, while dresses in the suburbs are a little more traditional and conservative, according to Brian Lowe, assistant manager of Savvi Formalwear in Southdale who himself has experienced 28 prom seasons in retail.

But the biggest trend for Prom 2011? Interesting and decorative open backs, LaMere said. Rhinestones and satin embellish the cutouts and strappy backs that show off early spring tans.

"Patterns are definitely in this year," explained Michelle Beck, owner of Savage-based Bridal Accent Couture. "Stripes, animal print and dresses with large beaded details are all very popular."

Movie stars and the red carpet are inspiring girls to choose dramatic ball gown dresses that command attention. Ruffles, bright colors, mermaid silhouettes and one-shoulder necklines make juniors and seniors look like celebrities, if just for one night. "We're seeing a bit of a return to ball gowns. A lot of girls are looking for longer, tulled gowns."

Colors are bright and cover the entire color wheel. Pastels and black are so three seasons ago. "There is a big demand for brightly colored dresses this year," explained Beck. "Lime green, orange, fuscia and turquoise are some of our most popular colors." 

For guys, trends are less matchy-matchy and more complementary LaMere explained. Since dress and vest fabrics rarely match texture, it is easier to match within the same color family rather than the exact color. 

Tux, tie and vest colors show as much variety as dresses this season. White tux or black tux, one button or two, tri-color pocket squares—boys get to show as much personality at prom as girls.

"For the guys, we're still seeing a lot of patterns and textures combined with brightly colored ties and vests," Beck explained.

A few tux trends include flat-front pants (no pleats allowed!), longer collars (the wing-tip collar is SO out) and absolutely no one wears a cummerbund anymore, according to Lowe.

A lot of guys prefer tuxes with higher thread counts because they are lighter weight and do not get so warm while dancing. “The customers are a little more conscious of better clothing,” Lowe said.

European cuts—more fitted than traditional jackets and include contrasting trim—are very popular for prom, according to Lowe. “It’ s very retro,” he said. White tuxes are popular in the metro, while more traditional black tuxes are popular for the suburbs. 

"Our most popular tuxes are either black or white," Beck said. "There is not a lot of call for brown tuxes but gray has made a revival. Gray is really popular with wedding parties but a few people have rented them for prom too."