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What's Your Perfect Prom
Dress Color?

One of the most daunting choices to make when going shopping for 2020 prom dresses is deciding on a color palette. Are you sticking to something safe, or are you stepping outside of your comfort zone? No matter your decision, we’re here to help make the decision easier so you can say yes to the right prom dress for you, babe. Before you even step foot into the mall or start filling your online cart with options, get up to snuff on this year’s trends for prom outfits so you can shop with a goal in mind. Just like in the classroom, doing your research before you dive into the actual work can cut your time and effort in half. And we’re all about working smarter, not harder.

The best part about shopping for formal attire is that other than adhering to your school’s prom dress code, there are no rules. Don’t get us wrong—there are definitely tried-and-true tips and tricks on how to style your prom gowns with prom accessories, but one of the most fun parts about styling yourself is being able to experiment and discover new, exciting ways to craft a look. So let’s learn about the rules before we break them, shall we? To start, what colors are appropriate to wear to prom? Just like other formal attire for women, you can never go wrong with long gowns in classic colors like black, silver, and white (unless you’ve been invited to a wedding). These colors are muted and seamlessly blend with nearly everything else in the closet. You’ll still look dressed up but won’t steal the show, which is perfectly fine. All the world’s a stage, and it needs supporting roles and background actors in addition to the stars of the show! If you prefer pops of color, prom outfit colors that are trending include different shades of blue, red, and pink. Feel free to stray to other shades and paint with all the colors of the wind if you’d like. As long as the color makes you happy and suits your skin tone, go for it, girl. When it comes to silhouette, anything goes but most prom goers tend to opt for long gowns in a variety of styles like fit and flare, mermaid, trumpet, and A-line. Let’s explore floor-length frocks in classic and trending colors to help you decide what to wear to the dance.

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Classic Prom Dresses in Black

Baby’s in black and looking better than ever. Seriously. Whoever said black formal outfits for women were boring hasn’t met these dresses yet. The Amelida evening gown keeps things interesting with large ruffles on either side of the bodice. If you’ve been big on the puff sleeve, balloon sleeve, or bell sleeve trends that have been taking tops by storm, this prom dress takes those styles to new heights and is our recommendation for you. If those styles are still your jam but the Amelida is a little too much for your taste, there’s no harm in toning things down in a puff sleeve satin dress. From the statement sleeves to the long leg slit to the deep V neckline to the open back, you won’t need to say a word when your speechless date picks you up; this gown will do all the talking for you. If you’re promming it up in a warmer region or just want to set your arms and shoulders free, a velvet and pearl slit gown is the classy lady’s best friend in the world of prom outfits. The luxe fabric gets upgraded from business class to first class with pearl embroidery at the waist and a high side slit that demands undivided attention. Complement your sleeveless dress with a pearl handbag and matching earrings to complete the look. For bling of a different sort, trade the pearls for iridescent sequins and bring the drama with a black tulle dress. You’ll feel just like a princess in this ball gown layered to the max with thick tulle and shiny embellishments.

Amelida Long Slim Evening Gown
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Amelida Long Slim Evening Gown

 

Fancy Formal Gowns in Blue

As Pantone has declared “classic blue” the color of 2020, expect to see a lot of this shade and its variations during prom and throughout the year. This cool, calming tone is just what you need for one of the most fun but stressful events of your high school career. Stick to this trend but make it your own in an alternative prom dress in royal blue. This two-piece gown is perfect for the cool girl who wants to rep a classic dress but modernize it for the new decade. If you regularly wear crop tops and high-waisted bottoms, this midriff-baring piece will be an easy formal transition for you to make from your daily casual style. For a more muted, classic look, a navy blue wrap dress is a simple, stunning choice. The best part about formal prom dresses with minimal detailing is that you can get extra with your accessories without fearing that you’ll go overboard. Wear it with prom shoes heavy on the rhinestone fringe. Style yourself in oversized prom jewelry that takes no prisoners. If pastels are more your speed, spice up the night in a cowl neck satin gown in an innocent light blue hue. Criss-cross spaghetti straps add intrigue to an otherwise open back. Level up your back game when you swap this choice for a light blue lace back mermaid dress. A deep V tank bodice will give your bust some love while keeping the girls supported while the dress’s gorgeous train will have you headed straight for the title of Prom Queen, whether or not you’ve actually been nominated for the crown.

Kinsey Two-Piece Glitter Lace Satin Dress
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Kinsey Two-Piece Glitter Lace Satin Dress

 

Glamorous Long Dresses in Red

Heat things up in the most fiery color of them all. Red has a special place in our hearts; how can you not love a color that invokes romance and passion? Perhaps that’s why red lips are most peoples’ lip color of choice. Bring the intensity to your 2020 prom dresses when you rock a red gown for the big night. Pair a classic color with a classic dress with a satin lattice mermaid dress. The form-fitting satin will be drawing all the right attention throughout the evening and the mermaid train will flow beautifully as you shimmy and slide around the dance floor. Crepe is another fabric popular during prom season, so if you’re tired of satin, ditch it for a one-shoulder dress in crepe fabric. The asymmetrical neckline pairs perfectly with a faux fur shawl any prom hairstyle with a side part, particularly vintage side swept pin curls that lay on the shoulderless side of the dress. If sleeves are what you seek, amp up the sleeves and sex appeal in an off-the-shoulder wrap front velvet dress. Its burgundy hue is a mature take on classic red and your date won’t be able to keep their hands off you due to the soft velvet fabric. Because your neckline will be so bare, fill in the gaps with statement prom jewelry like long fringe earrings and a chunky necklace. If dress code allows it, go all out in a velvet halter slit dress that has one of the most daring bodices we’ve yet to see on a formal dress. The ruched drawstring will let you adjust the dress to fit your unique shape and will also mask any insecurities you may have about your torso come prom night.

Addie Satin Lattice Mermaid Dress
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Addie Satin Lattice Mermaid Dress

 

Stunning Sleeveless Gowns in Silver

Did someone order a silver siren? Silver is the upgraded sister of gray. With her shimmery sheen and her eye-catching qualities, it’s no wonder that this shade is popular in the world of formal attire at any time of year, whether or not it’s accompanied by blingy embellishments. Take the plunge and dive right into these color scheme in a plunging a-line evening gown with glitter and caviar beading. From the busy skirt to the daring neckline, this sleeveless dress is the epitome of extra. For showstoppers who want more of a fitted ‘fit for prom night, look no further than the Constance lace back sequin dress. This sequin gown has mesh-lined nude fabric that hugs your curves in all the right places while creating the illusion that you’re wearing a little less than you actually are, without actually breaking dress code. That’s a win-win if we’ve ever seen one, sis. But what if the nude of this dress doesn’t match your skin tone? Don’t fret, because a sherri shine high-low dress will more than make up for it by helping you appropriately show a little skin for real. Holla at all of our high school ladies in extracurricular sports; you’ll be able to show off your toned legs in this little number. Also, for our indecisive dolls, why force yourself to choose between short prom dresses and long prom gowns when you can have the best of both worlds? But for our decisive divas who know they like their prom dresses long and elegant, modernize your prom outfit with an ombré ball gown in silver. This tulle gown will wear perfectly with a glittery evening bag and those trending ombré manicures every it girl has been getting.

Gemma Shine Ombre Tulle Gown
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Gemma Shine Ombre Tulle Gown

 

Fancy Formal Dresses in Pink

Call us cliché, but we’re a sucker for prom dresses in pink. It’s a classic feminine color that, depending on the shade, works for every girl out there. And tbh, we’ve always longed to have our own pink dress moment like Molly Ringwald’s character in Pretty in Pink. Have your own Andie moment and feel sweetly feminine in this hue with a touch of lace on an off-shoulder crepe dress. Glitter mesh provides a subtle sheen so you can shine in simplicity in this beautiful gown. For those seeking a bit more of a classic girly hot pink, the Bridget double slit tulle dress gives you what you need. Rock this dress with matching faux fur stilettos to make it known that date or not, you’re here to have a good time. If you prefer a bit of a softer serve or your dress code calls for a more conservative prom outfit, a long sleeve chiffon dress with a forgiving wrap front is the perfect feminine alternative to the previous louder and prouder options. Puff sleeves will have you perfectly on-trend; just make sure to invest in pasties or nipple covers if you don’t already own any, as you can’t wear a regular bra with this piece. Put a twist on this shade and look magnificent in mauve when you wear a long gown for prom with a velvet burnout design. Velvet burnout is an easy way to wear floral in spring without rocking loud and proud flowers in various colors that take over your look; monochrome is one of the trends that 2020 outfits are all about, after all.

Peyton Off-Shoulder Lace Crepe Dress
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Peyton Off-Shoulder Lace Crepe Dress

 

Elegant Long Prom Dresses in White

Here comes the prom queen, all dressed in white. You don’t need anyone to put a ring on it to be able to rock a white gown, so if you’re feeling so fresh and so clean, rock an ivory prom dress to the big dance. Because you’re essentially wearing a blank canvas, go crazy on the details and level up your style game for prom. One of our top choices for ‘fits in this clean color is the Beka mesh and heat stone high slit dress. This fierce baby has heat stones, mesh, feather-hemmed sleeves, and a high slit. The person taking your prom photos won’t know which detail to focus on first as you’ll be looking fierce from head to toe. Match your accessories to your gown when you wear feathery mini hoop earrings that will draw eyes toward your beautiful face and beat. With so much going on, we recommend an up-do so that your hair doesn’t cover any of the fabulous details. For an extra option that’s just as fab minus the sleeves, a sequin mermaid dress with a deep V bust is your best bet, babe. Other students will be in awe of your loveliness as you seemingly glide around the venue and dance floor in your floor-length mermaid train. Because your dress will cover your shoes, we recommend wearing matching footwear but you can truly wear whatever heels you’d like because no one’s going to see them unless you’re really kicking up your feet under the disco ball and strobes lights. For a deep V with a little less bling, a pleated tulle gown with a lace inset at the bust will have you covered, literally. The double slit on the skirt is offset with a mesh overlay so you can show off your assets without revealing too much to your date and prom squad. If spring is your favorite season and florals are your favorite print, a white chiffon gown with a white and rose floral design will satisfy your needs. A wrap front and balloon sleeves will keep you on trend and covered, which is super important for those going to proms with more conservative dress codes.

Beka Mesh & Heat Stone High Slit Dress
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Beka Mesh & Heat Stone High Slit Dress

 

Before you get your prom on, find your perfect shade with our wide variety of prom dress hues, silhouettes, and lengths on windsorstore.com and at over 200 retail locations nationwide. New prom outfits hit the website every day and arrive in store each week, so there’s no reason to not find the prom gown of your dreams here. If you rock a Windsor ‘fit to the big dance, tag us in your prom photos on Instagram at @windsorstore with hashtag #WindsorProm2020 for your chance to be featured on our website and our feed. Go ahead—color your world!

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Melissa Casas

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