Retro Prom Dresses

A prom gown should be as unique as the girl wearing it. One fun way to guarantee a look all your own is to choose a retro prom gown. In this article, we will take a look at the options available to the modern girl seeking retro glam on her special night.

The first thing to think about when shopping for a retro prom gown is to decide which era most appeals to you. We will be focusing on two popular decades here: the 1970's and the 1980's.

Choosing a retro prom dress from either the 1970's or the 1980's has a major advantage over choosing a retro prom gown from an older era: girls may be able to borrow their perfect dress from an older relative that wisely held on to dresses from their youth. If shopping online, in local thrift stores or second hand shops, dresses from the 1970's and 1980's are easier to find than those from previous decades.

The 1980's is your decade if prom gowns featuring bright, metallic materials and colors, asymmetrical designs, and large, flamboyant accents like bows appeal to you.

For a retro 1980's prom gown, accessorize with jewelry befitting such a dress; the bigger, shinier and flashier, the better! Go ahead and pile the jewelry on.

The same rules apply to your hair. Any formal hairstyle will do nicely with a retro 1980's prom dress, as long as it's big! Complete the look by donning a pair of lace or satin gloves and a pair of satin heels dyed to match your dress.

Perhaps you like long, romantic velvet and lace styles that remind you of something a medieval princess might have worn. In this case, the 1970's is the decade for you. Do an internet image search for "Gunne Sax" for examples of this look.

Delicate jewelry with stones in earth tones work well with this look. Hair should be simple but elegant. A partial up-do or style featuring braids and accessories like floral hairpieces will complete this look.

Strappy sandals or ballet slippers will look lovely peeking out of the ruffled hem of a 1970's retro prom gown.

No matter which decade you choose, you will turn heads in your retro prom ensemble. Have fun!