90s Prom Dresses: Inspiration for Incorporating 90s Fashion into Graduation Dress

Yo, listen up! The 90s were a rough time for fashion, and guess what? It’s back and better than ever! From chokers to platform shoes, slip dresses to denim overalls, the 90s have inspired a new generation of fashion enthusiasts. But wait, there’s more! One trend that’s been taking the world by storm is 90s prom dresses. That’s right, these dresses offer a unique and nostalgic look for those attending proms or graduations. So get ready to rock that vintage vibe and turn heads like it’s 1999!

In this article, we take a walk down memory lane and check out different categories of 90s prom dresses, providing inspiration for those looking to incorporate 90s fashion into their graduation attire.

We begin examining the rise of 90s fashion in recent years, including clothing, accessories, and haircuts.

We look at various categories of 90s prom dresses, including long, midi, and mini dresses, highlighting the popularity of dark colors like brown, burgundy, and blue in the 90s.

 And we look at different hairstyles and makeup styles that were popular in the 90s!

long flowing 90s prom dress

The Comeback of 90s Fashion

90s fashion has returned in recent years, with many people embracing the era’s nostalgia. From clothing to accessories and hairstyles, the 90s have influenced fashion trends across the globe.

Research shows that the 90s were a decade of experimentation, with people pushing the boundaries of fashion and style.

The grunge look, made famous by bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, inspired a generation of fashion enthusiasts.

The 90s also saw the rise of hip-hop fashion, with baggy pants, oversized shirts, and sneakers becoming staples in the wardrobe of many.

One of the most notable trends of the 90s was the prom dress. Long, flowing dresses in dark colors like burgundy and blue were all the rage.

The dresses were often adorned with embroidery, beads, or shimmering details, making them perfect for special occasions like prom.

In addition to prom dresses, other 90s fashion trends that have made a comeback include chokers, crop tops, and high-waisted jeans.

The popularity of these trends can be attributed to their versatility and ability to be worn in various settings.

When it comes to hairstyles, the 90s were all about experimentation.

There was no shortage of options, from bun hairstyles to half-up half-down hairstyles.

Straight hairstyles and ponytail hairstyles were also popular, with celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Britney Spears sporting these looks.

In terms of makeup, the 90s saw a focus on bold colors and dramatic looks.

Bright and blue eyeshadows were all the rage, and dark lipstick colors like brown and burgundy were popular choices.

The overlined lips trend of the 90s also made a comeback in recent years, with many people embracing the bold and daring look.

Overall, the 90s were a decade of fashion experimentation and pushing boundaries.

The comeback of 90s fashion in recent years is a testament to the lasting impact of the era on the fashion world.

Whether incorporating 90s trends into your everyday wardrobe or embracing the nostalgia of the era for special occasions like prom, there’s no denying the influence of 90s fashion on today’s style.

Girl in pink 1990s Prom Dress
Girl wearing a 1990s pink prom dress

Exploring 90s Prom Dresses

The 90s was a decade of fashion experimentation, and prom dresses were no exception.

From long dresses to midi dresses and mini dresses, there was a range of styles to choose from.

The comeback of 90s fashion in recent years has made these dresses popular once again.

Here are some of the different categories of 90s prom dresses great for those looking for suggestions and inspiration for those looking to incorporate 90s fashion into their graduation attire.

Long Dresses

Long dresses were popular in the 90s, with dark colors like brown, burgundy, and blue dominating the scene.

Deep slits were also a standard feature, adding a touch of glamour to the dresses. Plain satin dresses were available, but many were adorned with embroidery, beads, or shimmering details.

One of the most iconic long dresses of the 90s was the blue velvet prom dress worn by actress Halle Berry in 1995.

Midi Dresses

Midi dresses were a more conservative option, with hemlines falling below the knee. They were often made from materials like lace, satin, or velvet and came in various colors, including red, burgundy, brown, and pink. Midi dresses were often paired with shawls to complete the look.

Mini Dresses

Mini dresses were daring, with hemlines that fell above the knee.

They were often made from sequins, silk, or taffeta and came in various colors, including metallics like gold and silver.

Mini dresses were often paired with platform shoes for added height.

Examples

Some of the most iconic 90s prom dresses include the blue velvet prom dress worn by Halle Berry, the red satin dress worn by Jennifer Aniston in the TV show Friends, and the pink taffeta dress worn by Julia Roberts in the movie Pretty Woman.

Julia Roberts in 90s prom dress
Julia Roberts from the movie Pretty Woman

 

Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth Paltrow in a 90s prom dress with a shawl

Colors and Styles

The 90s were a time of bold colors and daring styles. From deep burgundy to bright pink, the era’s prom dresses reflected the bold and confident spirit of the time.

This section will explore some of the most popular colors and styles of 90s prom dresses.

Red was a popular color for prom dresses in the 90s. It was seen as a bold and daring choice, perfect for making a statement.

Burgundy was another popular color, offering a more subdued and sophisticated look.

1990s burgundy prom dress
Girl wearing a 1990s burgundy prom dress

Brown was also a popular color, often combined with other colors such as gold or beige. Pink was another popular color, with shades ranging from bright and bold to soft and pastel.

Regarding styles, the 90s were all about making a statement. Long dresses were popular, often featuring deep slits and bold patterns.

Midi dresses were also popular, offering a more modest look while allowing plenty of creativity.

Girl wearing 1990s mini prom dress

Mini dresses were another popular choice, perfect for those who wanted to show off their legs.

One trend that was particularly popular in the 90s was the use of shawls to complement prom dresses.

These could be made from various materials, including silk, velvet, and lace.

They were often used to add a touch of elegance to a dress or to provide some extra warmth on a chilly evening.

Regarding analysis, the 90s were a time of experimentation and creativity.

Prom dresses of the era were often adorned with embroidery, beads, or shimmering details.

They were designed to stand out and make a statement, reflecting the bold and confident spirit of the time.

Overall, the 90s were a time of bold colors and daring styles.

From deep burgundy to bright pink, the era’s prom dresses reflected the bold and confident spirit of the time.

Whether you’re looking to incorporate 90s fashion into your graduation attire or add nostalgia to your wardrobe, there are plenty of options.

Bright red 90s Prom Dress
1990s style red prom dress.

Accessories and Complements

90s prom dresses were not complete without the perfect accessories and complements.

These items, from shawls to shoes, were essential to complete the 90s fashion look.

One of the most popular accessories of the time was the shawl.

Shawls were often made of sheer fabric and adorned with sequins or other embellishments.

They were draped over the shoulders and added a touch of elegance to any prom dress. 

In addition to shawls, statement jewelry was a must-have accessory for 90s prom dresses.

Chunky necklaces and bracelets were popular, as were large hoop earrings.

These items added a touch of edginess to the outfit and helped balance out the dress’s femininity.

Regarding shoes, the article suggests that strappy sandals were the way to go in the 90s.

These shoes were often adorned with rhinestones or other embellishments and added a touch of glamour to the outfit. 

To complete the 90s fashion look, the article suggests that a small clutch or purse was a must-have complement.

These items were often adorned with sequins or other embellishments and added a touch of glamour to the outfit.

From shawls to statement jewelry, these items added a touch of glamour and edginess to the outfit.

Those looking to incorporate 90s fashion into their graduation attire should not be afraid to experiment with different accessories and complements to find the perfect look.

Large hoop earrings.

90s Hairstyles

The 90s were a time of experimentation and creativity regarding hairstyles.

Many styles from that era have returned in recent years, proving that some looks never go out of style.

Bun hairstyles were trendy in the 90s, with celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Gwen Stefani sporting them on the red carpet.

The messy bun, in particular, was a favorite, with its effortless and casual vibe.

To achieve this look, gather your hair into a ponytail, twist it into a bun, and secure it with bobby pins. Pull out a few strands to frame your face, and you’re good to go.

Straight hairstyles were also popular in the 90s, with sleek and shiny locks being the ultimate goal.

The “Rachel” haircut, made famous by Jennifer Aniston’s character on Friends, was a particularly iconic style.

Ask your stylist for long layers and choppy ends to achieve this look. Use a straightening iron to achieve a smooth and sleek finish.

Jennifer Aniston " Rachel" look
Jennifer Aniston’s ” Rachel” look.

Half-up half-down hairstyles were another favorite in the 90s, with celebrities like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera rocking the look.

Pull the top half of your hair back to achieve this style, and secure it with a clip or elastic band. Leave the rest of your hair down for a casual yet chic look.

Ponytail hairstyles were also popular in the 90s, with high and sleek ponytails being a favorite among celebrities.

To achieve this look, gather your hair into a high ponytail and secure it with an elastic band. Use a smoothing serum to tame any flyaways and create a sleek finish.

Celebrities influenced 90s hairstyles, with everyone from Jennifer Aniston to Gwen Stefani and Pamela Anderson setting the trends.

Fans often emulated their looks, with many people trying to recreate their favorite celebrity hairstyles at home.

Overall, the 90s were a time of experimentation and creativity regarding hairstyles.

From messy buns to sleek ponytails, there was a style for everyone. With the resurgence of 90s fashion in recent years, it’s no surprise that many hairstyles are returning.

Gwen Stefani with 1990s hairstyle

Makeup Trends of the 90s

The 90s were a time of bold and experimental makeup trends. From colorful eyeshadows to dark lipstick shades, the decade saw a wide range of makeup styles still popular today.

1990s bold make-up

One of the most iconic makeup trends of the 90s was the use of bright and bold eyeshadows.

Blue and green eyeshadows were particularly popular, and many celebrities were seen sporting these vibrant shades on the red carpet.

Examples include Drew Barrymore’s blue eyeshadow look at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards and Alicia Silverstone’s green eyeshadow look at the 1998 Oscars.

Another popular makeup trend of the 90s was dark lipstick colors like brown, burgundy, and red.

These shades were often paired with overlined lips, created by drawing a line just outside the natural lip line to make the lips appear fuller.

Celebrities like Cindy Crawford and Pamela Anderson were known for their overlined lips, which became a defining feature of the 90s makeup look.

Pamela Andersons overlined lipstick.

In addition to bright eyeshadows and dark lipstick shades, the 90s also saw the rise of glitter and shimmer in makeup.

Glitter eyeshadows and lip glosses were particularly popular, and many women used shimmering body lotions to add some sparkle to their skin.

 

Overall, the 90s were a time of experimentation and creativity in makeup.

While some trends have faded, others have remained popular and inspire makeup looks today.

Drew Barrymore with  90s makeup

and so…

 The 90s prom dress trend has returned recently, with various styles and colors becoming popular again.

This article has explored different categories of 90s prom dresses, including long, midi, and mini skirts, showcasing examples and providing commentary on each style. It has also delved into different hairstyles and makeup styles that were popular in the 90s.

From long dresses with deep slits to midi dresses in bold colors, everyone has options.

We hope you now have some inspiration on how to incorporate 90s fashion into your graduation attire.

Have a truly memorable night! 

Beautiful high school senior girl wearing a 1990s prom dress

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you incorporate 90s fashion into your graduation attire?

Incorporating 90s fashion into your graduation attire can be a fun and nostalgic way to celebrate your accomplishments. One way to do this is by choosing a prom dress that reflects the fashion trends of the 90s. Consider opting for a dark color like brown, burgundy, or blue dress with deep slits and embellishments like embroidery, beads, or shimmering details. Adding a shawl can also complete the look.

What were the popular colors for long 90s prom dresses?

Long dresses were a popular choice for proms in the 90s, and dark colors like brown, burgundy, and blue dominated the fashion scene. These colors were often paired with embellishments like embroidery, beads, or shimmering details.

What are some examples of 90s prom dresses worn by celebrities?

Celebrities were known for rocking some of the most iconic prom dresses of the 90s. Halle Berry’s blue velvet prom dress from 1995 is a classic example of 90s fashion. Other notable dresses include Sarah Michelle Gellar’s blue and white floral dress from the 1999 movie “Cruel Intentions” and Drew Barrymore’s pink tulle dress from the 1999 movie “Never Been Kissed.”

What were the popular hairstyles for prom in the 90s?

The 90s were known for their unique hairstyles, and prom was no exception. Some popular hairstyles included bun, straight, half-up, half-down, and ponytail hairstyles. Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Sarah Jessica Parker were known for their iconic hairstyles during this time.

What were the popular makeup styles for prom in the 90s?

Makeup was an essential part of the 90s prom look, with bright and blue eyeshadows and dark lipstick colors like brown, burgundy, and red being popular choices. Overlined lips were also a trend during this time.

What are some examples of 90s prom dresses in movies and TV shows?

Movies and TV shows from the 90s are a great source of inspiration for 90s prom dresses. Some classic examples include the pink tulle dress worn by Drew Barrymore in “Never Been Kissed,” the black and white polka dot dress worn by Julia Stiles in “10 Things I Hate About You,” and the red off-the-shoulder dress worn by Jennifer Love Hewitt in “Can’t Hardly Wait.”