Neon prom dresses and glittery styles are big on Long Island
Lots of colorful dresses – even neons – are expected to pop at Long Island proms this year, reflecting the bright mood teens say they’re in now that COVID rules haven't cancelled their graduation celebrations.
Also among the hottest trends are gowns with feathers and girls taking the red carpet route to prom – showing their eagerness to play dress-up again. This prom season, as a top prom designer puts it, is about “fun” and emerging from two years of “dark” days.
Dominique Lewis, a senior at Calhoun High School, 17, shows off her neon yellow prom dress. Credit: Chris Ware
“My older sister, in the Class of 2020, had no prom so I’m very excited and grateful the restrictions have been lifted,” says Daniela Goldbaum, 17, a Dix Hills resident and senior at Half Hollow Hills High School West. “I get to celebrate with friends and do normal prom things that people have been waiting for for two years. We can have a fun prom.”
PROM IN FULL COLOR
Dominique Lewis, 17, of Merrick, a senior at Calhoun High School, will be wearing a bright yellow gown.
Top prom dress trends, according to Jovani designer Julie Durocher
- Neon and other bright colors
- Feathers
- Red carpet looks
- Sequins
- Beading
- One-shoulder styles
- Mermaid silhouettes
“With COVID, we weren’t really able to do much, and those that had a prom didn’t get to do what they usually do, so I’m glad this will be back to normal,” Lewis says.
Goldbaum says that although she chose a gray gown that shows off two other prom dress trends for this year – beading and sequins – she says most of the other girls she knows went for vivid color.
“We have this group chat with all girls from the school and for colors, they’re choosing mostly bright colors like bright red and orange – no black or white at all.”
Victoria Paquette, 17, of Bellmore, tries on her prom gown at Omnibus Fashions in Babylon. Credit: Morgan Campbell
And Julie Durocher, the designer for the prom go-to brand, Jovani, says girls are a lot happier about their proms this year and it shows in their vivid color selections.
The Manhattan-based fashion house focuses on prom and evening wear and the label is carried in a dozen small Long Island shops. Celebrities who have worn Jovani include Kim Kardashian, Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, Jewel and Carrie Underwood.
“We’ve all come out from the dark and color brings out this imagery,” says Durocher. “The girls are going for lime, orange and hot pinks… colors that are very vibrant and fun after being in sweatpants.” She adds, “Last year, the girls were in darker colors and simpler styles, saying it didn’t really matter what they wore.”
Durocher says she’s seen the same desire for standout hues among girls all over the country during her travels to such states as New Jersey, Texas, Ohio, Alabama and California. “It’s nice to see.” She adds the other big trend is feathers. “They’re fun. I can’t keep a dress with feathers in stock.”
Caroline Bokszczanin, who co-owns A La Mode Boutique in Huntington with Jordann Freifeld, says it’s color many girls are looking for.
The vibe that traditionally surrounds proms is definitely back this year, says Paula Evangelista, owner of Omnibus Fashions in Babylon.
“There’s absolutely a lot more energy,” Evangelista says. “It’s very positive – the girls are happy they don’t have to wear masks after two years. They’re wearing bright neon colors in pink and green…colors are very strong and beading and sequins.”
NO STICKER SHOCK HERE
Estelle Schlossberg, owner of Estelle’s Dressy Dresses in Farmingdale, says it’s “very exciting” seeing enthusiasm surround proms again.
“Everyone’s coming out and they’re eager to buy,” Schlossberg says, “And they’re not caring about price.”
Evangelista and Durocher agree there seems to be no sticker shock.
“Price doesn’t seem to be much of a problem this year,” Evangelista says. “People are spending.”
Durocher says parents seem to want to make up for what the girls have gone through.
“It’s like they want to please their children because they see how much they’ve suffered,” Durocher adds.
Tailor Tom Kim, of Herman’s Cleaners, prepares the hem and shortens the gown chosen by Daniela Goldbaum, 17, of Dix Hills, for her Half Hollow Hills High School West prom. Credit: Cristina Goldbaum
Victoria Paquette, a Bellmore resident, 17, and senior at John F. Kennedy High School, says she wanted her gown to be both colorful and fun. She chose a sky blue dress with feathers attached to the shoulder straps.
“I wanted a bright color and something summery, and I wanted a little spice but not too much, so I got the feathers,” says Paquette. She adds mermaid-style gowns in blues, reds and hot pink are popular among her friends. “We’re all very excited.”
