From getting ready with friends to the last dance of the night, prom attire has to work as hard as the moment it's made for. As you plan your prom buying for the upcoming season, here's a roundup of what to expect on the showroom floor during Formal Markets this August.

Prom Dress Styles: Silhouettes, Structure & Sparkle

Prom goers are always searching for a showstopping look, but the traditional prom look is shifting. The looks shaping the upcoming season lean into detail and sophistication, departing from the once typical A-line or full-skirted look. While those traditional styles are still present, expect sleeker silhouettes like slip dresses to share the floor with more expressive designs that include intricate beading, movement-driven fringe and new takes on fit and flare designs. The common thread: elevated, full-glam styling that feels more refined than prom's traditional playbook.

Styles and Details to Watch

• Corsets & boning
• Sheer paneling
• Cut-outs & keyholes
• Slip silhouettes
• Fit & flare
• Embellishments & beading
• Intentional pleating
• Fringe
• Open and lace up back
• Tiered layers

Color Stories

Pastels continue to shape formalwear looks, building on romance and regency style inspiration. But shoppers looking to make a statement are reaching for something bolder — deep, moody hues that feel just as dressed-up as anything covered in sequins.

On the pastel side: butter yellow, soft pink, periwinkle and lilac.

On the statement side: royal blue, cherry red, hot pink, espresso, plus traditional navy and black.

Also expect shimmer and metallic finishes to show up in the form of all-over sequins or a hint of sparkle at the neckline.

Whatever your customer's prom moment looks like, these are the details that will get her to say yes to the dress. Register to attend Formal Markets, August 3 – 7, to find the latest looks for Prom 2027. For more inspiration ahead of August, explore our 2026 Formal Trend Report.