Prom Trends for 2026

It’s not that easy fortune-telling prom trends for 2026, but let’s pretend we have a crystal ball and can see what celebrities will be wearing in the next few months. Because let’s face it, anyone heading for a formal soon is going to want to know what to wear. Prom styles change from year-to-year and no-one, I mean no-one wants to be seen in last year’s fashion, darling . . .

Firstly, let’s talk colour palettes. We love black, of course. But the colour of this season is, you guessed it, butter yellow. Butter yellow and pastel lemon is definitely on everyone’s lips (or hips to be specific) – this lemony, baby chic fade is everywhere. In fact, this refreshing colour blew all other hues out of the water this year. Rhianna, Eva Longoria and even Timothey Chalamet wore yellow on the red carpet during the red carpet season 2025. And, you’ll be pleased to know, this colour theme is predicted to continue for 2026 prom.

In the Pink

But if you’re not into yellow (and let’s face it, it can be a hard colour for some skin types), we are calling pink to be the next big shade. Pink? Yes, I absolutely predict pink for Spring 2026. Prom shops are already getting inundated by customers requesting various shades of pink from the lightest of shades across to the brightest fuchsia. Sabrina Carpenter rocked in an embellished long pink maxi dress on the red carpet making this rose-coloured hue a major influence for prom trends next year.

Her Disney Princess look at the 2025 Brit Awards was pure perfection. The detailed embellished hand sewn beading was simply exquisite. The milkmaid bodice was cinched in with a contrasting vintage maxi skirt. This hourglass design is sure to stick around for the next year or so, influencing special occasion dresses for years to come. Come to think about it, Sabrina wears pink often, it accentuates her colouring highlighting her petite frame and empowering her figure with a boldness that is breath defying.

Shakira, Shakira

 

And continuing the theme on the lust-have colour pink as a prom trend for 2026. We absolutely loved Shakira at The Met Gala in 2025, wearing a fairytale ball gown with long train in a gorgeous light pink. We loved the corsetry and dramatic over-sized sleeves on this gown. It was hands down the best thing, as if she had just tumbled out of a scene from Alice in Wonderland. The quotes running through our head mirroring those of Lewis Caroll: "There is a place. Like no place on Earth. A land full of wonder, mystery, and danger! Some say to survive it: You need to be as mad as a hatter. Which luckily, I am." 

Fairytale Dresses

So, let’s explain a little bit more about the colour pink. It’s perfect for fairytale dresses such as the one Shakira wore with floating, tassels and dreamy fringe embellishments. Just the ticket for girls heading to their dream party and want to really make a statement.

However, if pink just isn’t your colour, think outside of the box. Individual colours such as bright golds and bold pastels were also seen scattered across red carpets this year.

The Zendeya Effect

 

Celebrities often went against the trends or party theme to really cause a stir in 2025. Just look at Zendaya wearing Louis Vuitton and her brand-new Tom Holland engagement ring to the Golden Globes this year. You must have been able to hear the sharp intake of gasps as she entered the arena. The copper toned gown features a body-hugging silhouette with a voluminous detachable skirt train. Matching copper stilettos completed the outfit. Gowns can do this, wearing the right colours for your own natural colouring can provide a Fairy Godmother effect. Zendaya’s shorter bob haircut completed a very vintage look in Spring 2025. We’re predicting metallics will play a big part in colour themes for prom next year. So, get your magic wand ready (or ask your mums to dust theirs down). Think silvers, bronze, shimmering golds and rose-coloured hues.

Instead of choosing something expected, buck the conformity of trends and you’re set to make your next prom outfit your own. Make your dress reflect your personality just like Zendaya does. And own it. Zendaya wore the most stunning metallic copper ballgown at the Golden Globes and it honestly stopped traffic.

Its combination of an hourglass sheath paired with a dramatic bow train was a vision. A very Zendaya moment. Let me explain. Zendaya does not need to chase trends like us mere mortals. She is the trend. Whatever she decides, simply put, it's the right dress code. The Old Hollywood style is just our go-to vibe at Little Black Dress and Zendaya, now nearly 30, has oodles of it. But the next day she can equally pull off day casual. The trick is to choose a dress style suiting your body shape. We will go into that a bit later in this article. See below or read our BodyShape article for more.

Oversized ballgowns

So, going back to the new trend of wearing over-sized ballgowns, we predict Cinderella vibes will be very big for 2026. Trending prom gowns for 2026 will need to be voluptuous soaked in sequins and embellishments. Try corset bodices, a damsel in distress look always turns heads and you can add an edge aka Netflix’s Wednesday series for the more rock chic look. Black ballgowns are definitely holding their own on the red carpets this year.

LBD themes for Prom Trends 2026

Nataly Osmann the Instagram sensation stunned at Cannes Film Festival wearing a black ball gown with a net hat. The gown was floor length with a fitted bodice and backless. Definitely a contender for prom 2026. Bella Hadid also wore black at Cannes with a thigh-high split dress. This simple LBD allowed her over-sized diamond earrings to stand out even more, if that was possible (they were huge).

Dramatic cut outs

Dramatic cut outs are also making a comeback for 2026. Dualipa stole our hearts with her silver little number on the red carpet this year.  Cut outs can be large, or subtle, perfect for enhancing tiny waistlines or adding untold drama to your prom outfit for next summer.

Asymmetrical hemlines are also turning up the heat – high low hems are perfect for those less than 5ft 5” as they showcase the legs and add much needed height without the need for platform heels.

Also, think Bardot necklines, show off those curves with an off-the-shoulder design – a jaw-dropping prom trend.

Shop Red Carpet Ready

 

Shine for Prom 2026

Reds are almost always in fashion – Taylor swift mixed a dramatic corset with elegant ruching for a mini ballgown look when she braved the paparazzi this year. See above. 

 

Finally, sequins and metallics are definitely worth considering if you’re off to prom or a formal next year. See Tate Mcrae’s metallic shiny dress for inspiration above.

Try beaded embellished dresses the rising trend for 2026. Modest or revealing the choice is yours.

2026 is all about being unique and buying from individual sources that offer smaller runs. Avoid mass production outlets.

The Fairy Godmother Effect

As mentioned earlier in this article, I referred to The Fairy Godmother Effect. This is real. Listen up. I will share a secret. If you wear the best dress suited to your body-shape, you will look fantastic. 

Have curves? Or are you more straight up and down? You need to be honest and really look at your body shape in the mirror.

Here are a few tips to really nail the best dress for you. See these fashion illustrations  styles below? These are the types of prom or formal dress currently available. Each shape of dress suits a type of bodyshape.

Here’s a breakdown of recommended prom dress styles for common body shapes, with explanations:

1. Pear Shape (smaller bust, fuller hips & thighs)
Recommended Style: A-line or Ball Gown
These dresses highlight the waist and gracefully flow over hips, balancing proportions. A structured or embellished bodice draws attention upward, while the flared skirt skims the lower body. This creates a flattering hourglass illusion and enhances curves without emphasizing the hips too heavily.

2. Busty  or Curvy (full bust, narrower hips/waist)
Recommended Style: Empire Waist or A-line
Empire waistlines elongate the torso and direct attention downward, reducing emphasis on the bust. A-line silhouettes provide balance by adding gentle volume below the waist. V-necklines or sweetheart necklines help flatter the bust area tastefully without overwhelming the overall look.

3. Slender/Rectangle or Athletic (straight frame, minimal curves)
Recommended Style: Ball Gown or Mermaid
Ball gowns add volume at the hips, creating curves and enhancing femininity. Mermaid dresses hug the figure and flare dramatically at the knees, sculpting the illusion of curves. Both silhouettes add dimension and structure, helping slender figures achieve a more balanced, hourglass effect.

4. Apple Shape (full midsection, slimmer legs/arms)
Recommended Style: Empire Waist or Sheath
Empire dresses define just under the bust, flowing loosely over the waist and stomach, creating a graceful, elongated figure. Sheath dresses with vertical lines elongate and skim over curves without clinging. Both styles minimize midsection focus while showing off arms and legs beautifully.

What are your thoughts? We’d love to hear about what you predict to be the best prom trends for 2026. Drop us a comment or reach out. The best comment will earn a £20 off your next purchase voucher.

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