8 Most Popular Prom Dress Colors

When people ask what the most popular prom dress color is, it’s tough to answer because…the top prom dress colors change every year! While some of the best prom dress colors are classic hues that tend to pop up frequently (we’re looking at you, red, black, and navy blue!), the shade that is considered the MOST popular in a given year can vary. With that in mind, let’s look at the top 8 most popular prom dress colors this season, then you can decide which are the most attractive and flattering colors for you! Starting with the top four trending prom dress colors and ending with the top four classic hues (followed by a few honorable mentions), Amarra has got everything you need to know about the best prom dress colors that are worth checking out for your school dance this year.

Top 4 Trending Prom Dress Colors

On-trend this season, these prom dress colors are the ones you’re sure to see popping up at your favorite online retailers and formal dress salons. If you like to ride the wave of the latest fashions, then you’ll definitely want to go with one of these top colors for prom dresses this year.

#1 Light Blue Prom Dresses

Light blue is a prom dress color that’s soft and muted, adding a touch of charm and magic to your overall look. There are many shades of light blue colors for prom dresses, so this season you might see pale blue hues with names like azure, powder blue, sky blue, light cyan, cerulean, and pale turquoise.

Use the enchanting vibe of this popular prom dress color to really lean into the whimsical, fairytale feel by going for a timeless ball gown style, complete with shimmery ruffled tiers or a metallic floral pattern. Prefer to add a little spice to this magical hue? Pair this top prom dress color with a fit-and-flare style made to contour and hug your curves in all the right places. Then again, if you’re looking for an elegant, irresistible design, then you can’t go wrong with a soft powder blue prom dress color in simple, unadorned satin with a classic corset and figure-flattering pleating. Honestly, there are so many ways to express yourself with this trending prom dress color that it almost feels like the possibilities are endless.

Explore the possibilities in the Amarra blue dress collection.

#2 Royal Blue Prom Dresses

Honestly, the name itself shows just how majestic this top prom dress color is, so it’s no wonder it’s trending this year. Royal blue is a deep, vivid hue that is known for its natural dignified elegance, perfect for those of us who want to feel like royalty when we show up at our formal dance! Although blue is usually a cool color, the purple undertones of this shade makes it universally flattering for both cool and warm complexions (just another perk that makes royal blue one of the best prom dress colors this season!).

Build off of the regal vibe by choosing a dazzling royal blue prom ball gown featuring brilliant crystal embellishments and intricate details in the bodice and layers of ethereal tulle that are positively magical with every move you make. Sometimes feeling royal is less about luxurious design and more about feeling like a sultry queen. That’s when a tight royal blue prom dress with a sheer corset and high side slit can make you feel like you’re ready to rule the world in a look that can’t be matched! Whatever style is your go-to for formals, there’s no denying that royal blue is one of the best prom dress colors for boosting your confidence.

Discover your dream regal attire in the Amarra blue dress collection.

#3 Pink Prom Dresses

Beautiful, feminine, fun, flashy, and elegant, pink will always be one of the most beloved go-to colors for prom dresses. And the best part? With so many different shades available, pink prom dresses offer a little something for everyone. No wonder this top prom dress color keeps coming back year after year in various hues! In recent years, some of the most popular pink prom dress color hues included light pink, hot pink, rose pink, fuchsia, neon pink, rose gold, and more. From warm undertones to cool shades of pink, you have plenty of choices when it comes to this top prom dress color.

Pink has so many amazing vibes to explore! Go full on flirt with a short pink prom dress with an artistic watercolor-style floral print and oversized bow or a frilly a-line style with eye-catching ruffles and sassy off-the-shoulder straps. Tap into your inner princess with a cupcake-style pink prom ball gown with cascading tiers and an intricately beaded corset bodice. Prefer sultry celeb-worthy look? The sophistication of a fitted pink prom dress with sheer details, an open back, and a dramatic sweep train is sure to have you feeling red-carpet ready. Whichever your chosen hue for this trending top prom dress color, you’ll be ready for the fun and excitement of your formal dance.

Find a look you’ll love in the Amarra pink dress collection.

#4 Emerald Green Prom Dresses

Ever wonder where the expression “green with envy” came from? It's got to be because when people look at you in an emerald green prom dress, they wish they could be you! In all seriousness, there’s a lot to crave when it comes to this rich jewel tone. The deep, vibrant tones of this popular prom dress color are very complementary for everything from fair to dark skin tones. The hue itself is naturally luxurious, bringing a bold visual impact that’s perfect for making a grand statement and eye-catching entrance. 

Play along with the sophistication of this top prom dress color by choosing a style that’s equally lavish. Emerald green prom dresses with shimmering embellished lace offer head-to-toe shine that’s perfect for catching the spotlight. Up the allure by choosing a backless emerald prom dress with a plunging sheer v-neckline and curve-contouring silhouette. If ballroom elegance is more your vibe, then nothing beats an emerald green prom ball gown with delicate lace appliques and an adjustable corset bodice. Whatever your style, emerald green is one of the best prom dress colors to get you the look you want…and everyone else is sure to want too once they see it on you! Afterall, green is all about inspiring envy, right?

Discover a variety of envy-worthy emerald green styles in the Amarra green dress collection.

Top 4 Classic Prom Dress Colors

Tried and true, these are the best prom dress colors for a timeless look that never goes out of style. Even better, classic prom dress colors often lend themselves well to a variety of special occasions, making a gown in one of these shades a very versatile and worthwhile investment too!

#5 Black Prom Dresses

The epitome of timeless, a black prom dress is the most classic of color choices for any special occasion. To put it simply, black is the IT color. Whether you’re going for elegant, bold, edgy, flattering, simple, or flirty, a black prom dress can strike the perfect vibe because it’s just that versatile. Bonus perk: Black is one of the best prom dress colors because it’s visually slenderizing and universally flattering!

Go for head-to-toe glamour by choosing a black prom dress with a glimmering allover sequin print. Up the sophistication with a high-neck black prom dress with an equally high side slit, or turn on the charm in an enchanting ruffled black ball gown with draped off-the-shoulder straps. Elevate the fun with a super flirty backless black prom dress with cut-in sides and shimmery, stretchy jersey fabric. Truly, whatever vibe you’re going for, black is the best prom dress color to help you pull it off.

Check out the variety of chic designs in the Amarra black dress collection.

#6 Ivory Prom Dresses

Ever dream of wearing an ivory wedding dress to prom? (Yes, prom wedding dresses are a thing!) Well, you’re not alone, and an ivory prom dress can either help you achieve that dream or, if you prefer a less bridal look, can flatter you with just the right hue and pure sophistication. Ivory pops on dark skin tones but won’t wash out light skin tones the way white can, which makes it easy to see why ivory is one of the most popular prom dress colors. And did we mention that there’s pretty much no right or wrong way to accessorize an ivory dress? This classic hue just keeps on giving! 

When you’re choosing an ivory prom dress, you’ll want to decide if you want to lean into the bridal vibe or avoid it entirely for your formal dance. If prom wedding dress is the way you want to go, check out ivory prom dresses with little to no color contrasts. Styling can vary, since both an ivory prom ball gown with sparkling beaded bodice and a tight ivory satin prom dress with a draped sash over a side slit could pass as bridal. In order to go more prom than bridal, look for ivory prom dresses with a bright floral print, sequin and beaded patterns in metallic gold or silver hues, or a layer in a neutral, nude hue that complements the pale ivory shade. Whatever style you prefer in this classic prom dress color, ivory is ready to have you looking your very best!
 
Discover gorgeous ivory styles in the Amarra white dress collection.

#7 Red Prom Dresses

Bold and vibrant, red is one of the most popular prom dress colors because it’s both a true showstopper and a timeless hue. Because it’s classic, red conveys elegance and sophistication, especially in darker hues. Rich, deep hues include maroon, burgundy, crimson, and wine, then there’s bold, bright hues like ruby, scarlet, and true red. For reds with a little more pink or orange, go for raspberry red or coral. Needless to say, this timeless top prom dress color makes it so easy to find the perfect shade for you.

Enhance the naturally breathtaking vibe of a red prom dress by choosing a style that’s equally dramatic. Look for features like strappy open backs, sheer corsets, or extravagant beadwork. Drum up the classic elegance of this popular prom dress color by choosing a red lace dress or a red ball gown with gorgeous cascading layers in the voluminous skirt. Prefer to bring out your inner diva with this stunning prom dress color? Look for fitted styles with off-the-shoulder straps, plunging necklines, or thigh-high slits to create a spicy look that’s sure to turn heads and make your diva-self want to sing with confidence! For a look that says you’re the life of the party, red is the best prom dress color!

Explore the stunning possibilities in the Amarra red dress collection.

#8 Navy Blue Prom Dresses

One of the ultimate classics, navy blue is a prom dress color that is timeless, elegant, and flattering. Looking good on just about anyone, navy blue is considered a “universal neutral” because of the way it can sub in for black with a softer effect. Sophisticated and versatile, navy blue is the perfect backdrop for accessories in vibrant colors or classic metallic hues like gold and silver.

Embrace the elegance of navy blue by choosing a style with an illusion high neckline and fitted silhouette. For a sultry, romantic look, go for a navy blue prom dress with rhinestone-embellished lace appliques and backless design that’s sure to turn heads as you walk by. Prefer to up the glam factor? Navy blue prom dresses with sequin stripes or beaded floral prints are sure to mesmerize. For a beautiful look all around, no matter the vibe, navy blue is the best prom dress color.

Check out the navy blue styles in the Amarra blue dress collection.

Prom Dress Color Honorable Mentions

Often making their way into the top count, these prom dress colors are still pretty popular this season and may even make their way back up on top again in the near future! So, if you’re hoping to show up to prom in a color that’s a little more unique, but still totally fashionable, these honorable mentions might be just what you need to stand out in a sea of the top eight colors.

• Pastel Prom Dresses: Tap into springtime vibes with the beautiful, pale hue of a pastel prom dress color. Explore sky blue, lavender or lilac, mint green, light yellow, and baby pink to find your favorite.

• Metallic Prom Dresses: Shine on at prom in a metallic prom dress this year! Without the heft of sequins and beads, metallic fabric is a great, lightweight way to shimmer, and just about any prom dress color can come with a metallic sheen.

• Jewel-Tone Prom Dresses: Beyond ruby red and emerald green (which are among the top prom dress colors this season), there are many other jewel-tones to explore. Check out sapphire blue, amethyst purple, topaz gold, or citrine yellow and see if any of these luxurious shades flatter you!

• Neutral Prom Dresses: While ivory and black are neutral hues that are considered two of the best prom dress colors this year, other neutral shades are definitely worth checking out too. Go for other earthy hues like beige, nude, or champagne, or dive into gray, charcoal, or silver.

So what would you say is the most popular prom dress color this year? Perhaps blue is the real MVP, since light blue, royal blue, and navy blue all made the top eight this season! Whether a blue prom dress color is right for you or you’d prefer another hue, it’s easy to pull off a look you’ll love when you choose an Amarra prom dress for your big night. Amarra features styles in all of the most popular prom dress colors, as well as a variety of other beautiful prom dress colors too. That means if you want to stand out or blend in at your school dance, an Amarra prom dress can help you live your dreams. Browse through all of the colorful possibilities in the Amarra prom dress collection or follow us on Instagram for extra prom dress inspiration year round.

About the Author

Julie Lacey, Formal Wear Style Expert — Julie Lacey is a formal wear style expert who has spent years tracking prom market trends, silhouette innovations, and the fabrics and details that define each season's must-have looks. She brings deep knowledge of consumer preferences and pricing to help shoppers make confident choices.

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