Prom fashion trends are always fun to watch evolve over the years. The 1970s brought us belted dresses, high necklines, and empire waists. The 1980s were all about big sleeves, ruffles and bows, and drop waists. In the 1990s, we saw off-the-shoulder dresses, slip dresses, and spaghetti straps. The 2000s ushered in beaded gowns, one-shoulder silhouettes, and so much strapless. More recently, the 2020s have seen the rise of the mini dress-and-sneaker combination. But as with any fashion trend, today’s prom dresses borrow design elements from every era that came before. Fashion always finds its way back.
It’s not only style that evolves. We see those same trends reflected in prom florals as well. Prom season in a floral studio means coordinating corsages and boutonnieres for dates, color-matching dresses, and identifying each client’s overall vibe to create the perfect floral accent for the evening. While the timeless wrist corsage remains a favorite, petite bouquets and nosegays have become increasingly popular in recent years.
In honor of prom season, we thought it would be fun to revisit our own high school proms. Our team members dug deep into their personal archives, and our floral designers had a blast reimagining the floral accents they would suggest if these were our prom clients today. Join us on this journey and let us know if you recognize any of these familiar faces.
Mia, 1981 – The Cottagecore It Girl
Dressed in a Gunne Sax dress with a sheer bolero, Mia is the quintessential cottagecore girl. We picture her meandering through a wildflower field with her favorite novel tucked under her arm. Her petite nosegay is filled with soft yet moody tones and modern blooms. Lisianthus, chocolate hellebores, butterfly ranunculus, stock, waxflower, and pops of raspberry come together in the perfect bouquet. Mia is the total It Girl. Dance the night away to Bette Davis Eyes.
Steven, 1985 – Business in the Front, Party in the Back
A double mullet called for nothing less than punk-rock flowers, and freesia practically has a mullet form. This duo gave us wild and funky vibes, so naturally they deserved bold yellow florals. Inspired by their coordinating outfits, we created matching floral accents, including a corsage on a black cuff band. These kids will be dancing to Everybody Wants to Rule the World in no time.
Tiffany, 1995 – Vintage, Classic, Timeless
Tiffany was giving us full Audrey Hepburn vibes with her red lip, satin gloves, and pearl jewelry. This vintage-inspired look called for an updated take on the classic 1960s pageant-style calla bouquet. We created a modern double-cascade design that meets at the handle, finished with ribbon and a strand of black beads. The prom probably had plenty of Mariah Carey on rotation, but we're guessing Tiffany was more of a timeless jazz girl.
Tracy, 2004 – Y2K Pink Explosion
A floor-length, hot-pink, beaded strapless gown practically screams Y2K. We leaned into coral tones for a funky, fun, yet undeniably girly bouquet. The petite arrangement features modern blooms, including garden roses, spray roses, ranunculus, scabiosa pods, dragon wing begonia, and stypa grass (the pink feather element). Tracy is serving peak Y2K energy—updo, silver accessories, and all. Yeah! by Usher may be a forever wedding-playlist staple today, but it had to start somewhere, right?
From big hair and bigger sleeves to Y2K sparkle and cottagecore charm, prom fashion has certainly given us plenty to talk about. While the dresses may change with the decades, fresh floral artistry continues to be the finishing touch that ties the whole look together.
