Prom season is upon juniors and seniors, and that means it’s prime dress-shopping time. Prom dresses are the showcase of the event and getting all dolled up can be one of the main highlights of the night. But the excitement of a new dress also comes with many stressors, causing students to ask themselves, “What if someone has the same dress?” or “What if my dress doesn’t get delivered in time?” and finally, a new source of anxiety, “Why do people on TikTok not like my dress?”
Trends have always had great influence, especially for teens, but lately, on TikTok, I’ve seen a new debate over what types of prom dresses are preferred. On one side, girls have been leaning more towards simple prom dresses that include a lightweight material, florals, and usually a pastel palette. This new trend of so-called “Easter dresses” does not come as a surprise due to the ongoing trend of a clean girl look, which includes more simple, solid-colored clothing. These new dresses are trading in lavish looks for a more comfortable option. For people who want a movable and stylish look at the same time, I think this is a great choice.
However, on the other side, people on TikTok don’t seem to take this new wave of prom dresses well, saying that the dresses are informal and boring. I feel this is overly critical. Someone choosing to wear a less formal dress doesn’t negatively affect anyone else, so I don’t understand why people have so much to say. Instead of these more springtime dresses, TikTok users are advocating for the old, more dramatic prom look. Prom dresses from the 2010s include a lot of sparkles, brighter colors, and occasionally a princess-like fit. All those themes combined give a less relaxed look compared to the new trend of dresses, which people think is more appropriate considering that prom is only one night. If you’re taking the more formal approach, this is also a great option.
As a sophomore, I cannot attend prom this year, but if I could, I would wear a dress that could be categorized into these “brunch dresses.” I like that the look is simple yet classy. I also love the spring theme and that it incorporates lots of silk and lighter colors like baby pink or butter yellow.
Even though I would pick the brunch-themed dresses for myself, I still think both of the dresses are equally as pretty. Both have great pros and cons. For example, prom looks from the 2010s could make the night more memorable if your dress was a bit more out there, and there are not many other occasions that call for more extravagant princess dresses. But on the cons of this look, it could be uncomfortable and dim the enjoyment of your night if you feel like you can’t move in your dress. As for the more informal prom look, the casual look of the dress could make the night more enjoyable because you’re more comfortable, but it can also make it less memorable. In 15 years, you might not look back and recall the luxuriousness of your dress.
But even with my pros and cons about the two dress categories, I think the Internet is being too harsh and also way too invested in what teen girls want to wear on an important night. People shouldn’t put so much criticism on young girls who just want to wear what they feel good in. If they want simple dresses they should wear them, and if they want more dramatic dresses they should also wear those.
The internet has also created this really toxic and judgemental environment that targets teen girls. We have become so invested in consumerism and following the trend that the internet’s opinion is dictating what girls should wear on a night that’s about celebrating their high school years.