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 — 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. A veteran, LaMere has experienced 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, the assistant manager of in Southdale.

But the biggest trend for Prom 2011? Interesting and decorative open backs, LaMere said. If that wasn't enough, teens are using rhinestones and satin to embellish cutouts, while strappy backs help show off early spring tans. Colors are bright and cover the entire color wheel.

“People now are choosing things that look the best on them,” LaMere said.

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 matter 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.”

What About Boys' Styles?

For boys' looks, trends are less matchy-matchy and more complementary, she 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 and longer collars. Absolutely no one wears a cummerbund anymore, Lowe added. Boys this year preferr 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 — which are better 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 traditional approach to dresses for girls.

The Coiffure and the Flowers

Loose, vintage-style up-dos are the "in" hairstyle for girls heading to prom this year, according to 65th Street Salon and Spa owner Laura Kallin Rangel. The salon, located in Inver Grove Heights, sees a steady flow of prom traffic each year. While the up-do may define the 2011 prom season, it's not the only trend Kallin Rangel has noticed.

More girls are putting beads, pearls and even feather extensions in their hair to perfect their look, Kallin Rangel said. Many are also dying their hair bright shades of red to get that "head-turning" look, she added.

As for gentlemen? Close-cropped cuts with soft, undefined edges along the face and neck are popular, as is long hair on top, Kallin Rangel said.

Prom-goers are also finding ways to stand out with their corsage and bouttoniere choices, according to Cheryl Brandt, the owner of Hearts and Flowers in Inver Grove Heights. Traditional roses are still the most popular flower, but some couples this year are sporting floral arrangements accented by fiber optic lights, Brandt said.

Hearts and Flowers also puts glitter on both corsages and bouttonieres for added sparkle. Last but not least, the shop offers custom-beaded corsage bracelets, which helps make each arrangment unique to the student, Brandt said.

"We have so many kids and they go to so many proms that we try not to make it so mundane," Brandt said.