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

Long gone are the simple prom dresses in black, reminiscent of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Prom trends this year include bright colors, ruffles, cutouts and dramatic red-carpet-inspired looks. Inspiration can come from anywhere—there is not one trend but many. Almost anything goes at Twin Cities proms.

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

However, 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 in Southdale who himself has seen 28 prom seasons in retail. Savvi also has a location nearby in .

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—so make sure you stock up on sunless tanning lotion.

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.

Colors are bright and cover the entire color wheel. Pastels and black are so three seasons ago.

At the Wedding Shoppe on Grand Avenue in St. Paul, they’re seeing much the same: color, drama, fun.

“We’re also seeing a lot of prints go out no mater what the silhouette,” said Brittney Madsen, marketing assistant.

Embellishments, ruffles, unique necklines, bright colors and sparkle are all in demand. What’s not? Traditional ballgown silhouettes. Ladies are looking for drop waists and slimmer skirts, said Madsen. The new “high-low” skirt cuts also allow for a traditional floor-length back and a peek of a fabulous pair of shoes in front.

“Accessories are huge right now too,” said Madsen. “Necklaces, shoes, big statement kind of pieces.”

Tuxes Both Traditional and Retro

For boys looks, trends are less matchy-matchy and more complementary, LaMere said. Since dress and vest fabrics rarely match texture, it’s easier to match within the same color family rather than the exact color.

This is why girls accompany boys to the tux shop with their dresses in tow, Lowe said. Sometimes, girls’ mothers even stop by to help choose complementary colors.

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.

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. Boys are preferring tuxes in higher thread counts because they are lighter weight and don’t 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, to go along with the more traditional approach to dresses for girls.

The Coiffure

What are the ladies asking for in the hair salon? “Loose curls, like they put half up half down, flatter on the front and backcombing on the top of the head,” said Vera Gochberg, owner of in Mendota Heights. Tightly coiffed up-dos are out, rather those looking for an up-do are request a loose bun on the back, “not too high,” said Gochberg.

She said in addition to French manicures, purples have been a popular choice for nails.