Purple gowns invoke images of royalty, so choosing a purple dress for prom means that you’ll be bringing that luxurious energy to your event. Plus, lilacs and other purple flowers bloom in the spring, making it a perfect choice to celebrate the timing of prom night.
Light, breezy dress fabrics also complement the springtime backdrop of prom, whether your silhouette comes in the form of a ball gown, a sleeker slip, or a shorter dress.
When you’re thinking about your dress silhouette, don’t forget your neckline and sleeves! You can go with a strapless purple prom dress for a classic look, balloon sleeves for a romantic vibe, or a one-shoulder dress for something a bit more offbeat.
Dark Purple Prom Dresses
Dark purple, like eggplant, is a fantastic alternative for the ultra-popular black prom dress if you’re drawn to them but want to stand out from the crowd. Plum and other shades of dark purple tend to be super versatile when it comes to complimenting different skin and hair tones.
If you want to go a bit brighter, royal purple prom dresses will make an entrance, as the most popular prom dress colors tend to be neutrals or pastels, like baby blue. Royal purple tends to make cool undertones pop the most in pictures and on video.
Shoes that match your skin tone, or metallic sandals in gold or silver will complement a dark purple prom dress. If you’re going deep in hue, black sandals or heels will pair nicely. You’ll want to stay away from white shoes, as they may compete with the darker (or more saturated) purple of your dress.
Light Purple Prom Dresses
If dark purple is an alternative to black, think of a light purple prom dress as an eye-catching answer to white. Shades like lavender and lilac bring effortless femininity to your prom look, especially when coupled with details like full skirts and ruffles.
Light purple pairs nicely with warm and neutral skin tones, but don’t be afraid to try on a dress you fall in love with if you have cooler undertones! Just be careful if you have very light hair or skin and are leaning toward a very light lavender – you may appear washed out in pictures.
Like dark purple, you can’t go wrong with shoes that match the color of your dress or sandals in metallics like silver and gold. If you go with a metallic, be sure to match jewelry to the same color for cohesion. Avoid black shoes, otherwise, the darkness may clash with your dress, and you’ll want to stay away from white because it may look like a color-match mistake.
Short Purple Prom Dresses
A short purple prom dress brings more of a playful energy than traditional long prom dress silhouettes, which is perfect if you’re keen on celebrating the dawn of springtime.
Short prom dresses also have the benefit of being easier to dance in, plus you’re less likely to be overheated. Most short prom dresses have an A-line silhouette, which features a tight bodice that flares out at the waist. Skirt details like ruffles or layers make them extra fun to dance in! Alternatively, you can go with a form-fitting short prom dress if that’s more your style.
Details like sequins, beading, and lace elevate a shorter gown for your special night. Pair your dress with some extra special shoes – elegant sandals or detailed pumps – to take your look to the next level.
If you still want to maintain a playful vibe but aren’t sure about going short, a purple two piece set brings some extra flirtiness but can still have a long skirt. Just be sure to check your school’s dress code before selecting one of these options.
Long Purple Prom Dresses
Long gowns are the most popular prom silhouette, and for good reason – there aren’t many occasions that you get to go all-out glamorous. While long prom dresses tend to be a little harder to dance in, high slits and good shoes can help you dance the night away.
When it comes to silhouettes, long purple prom dresses tend to either be princess-like ball gowns or form-fitting floor length dresses. If you’re looking for a long purple prom dress that gives you the best of both worlds, go with a mermaid silhouette, which is form-fitting through the bodice and hips and then flares out around the knees.
Prints can add a bit of fun to the formality of prom, and florals particularly nod to the time of year. If you choose a dress with a print, you can match your accessories to the secondary color in the print for a pleasing bit of contrast. Keep jewelry on the simple side to avoid competing with your dress.
Each silhouette can be minimal in detail, or they can be covered in glittering sequins and beads – it’s all up to your personality!
Giving Royal Vibes in a Purple Prom Dress
If you’re looking to bring an air of royalty and luxuriousness while standing out from the crowd a bit, you can’t go wrong with a purple prom dress. From ball gowns to shorter styles, you’ll be sure to exude sophisticated charm and turn heads doing it!
