2026 Prom dress trends
Prom dresses for the Beneath the Waves theme this year (Sloane Crocker / The Puma Prensa)
By Sloane Crocker, Co-Executive Editor
With the theme and location for Maria Carrillo High School’s 2026 prom already dropped (Beneath the Waves and the Academy of Sciences, respectively), it’s now time for the prom dress craze to begin. So, if you find yourself unsure of which direction to go for this year’s dress, then this is the perfect article for you!
In terms of go-to styles, hot stones are set to be a popular choice for 2026. This style features heat-set rhinestones over jersey or mesh fabric; the effect is a shimmering and stunning look. Hot stones dresses are also often paired with another popular style: open back dresses. Whether the dress has a lace-up corset, crisscross back, or plunging scoop, the open back style is both daring and elegant. Additionally, ruffles are always a great option, and that is no different this year. This can take on many different forms, whether it is a tiered ballgown or more understated asymmetrical ruffle, while fabrics like tulle create volume and movement that is hard to take your eyes off of.
As for the best prom dress vendors, Hello Molly, Lucy in the Sky, Beginning Boutique, Pepper Mayo, and Princess Polly are top contenders in terms of more affordable options. Additionally, Sherri Hill and House of CB have a plethora of gorgeous dresses for the 2026 season, though these brands are certainly on the very high end price-wise. If you are apprehensive of ordering online without trying on the dress first, in-person options include Macy’s and Windsor in the local Santa Rosa Plaza or Starlet Bridal and Prom in Windsor.
And finally: color. Aquatic hues would certainly be fitting for this year’s theme, so if you are set on adhering to the theme, purples (lavender, lilac, orchid), greens (seafoam, mint), and blues (sky blue, navy, turquoise) would all be excellent choices. Of course, there is no rule that your dress must be strictly nautical, though. If you would prefer to simply find the best color for you, cool pastel blues and greens best fit pale complexions with cool undertones, though warmer blonds may want to lean more towards brights like red and purple. For darker complexions and darker hair colors, metallics, vibrant brights like fuchsia, and jewel tones are a go-to, while the traditional redhead and green combination is always a great pairing. Of course, in general there is no wrong choice when it comes to color, no matter your particular hair color or skin tone.
So, with prom fast approaching, don’t let yourself get overwhelmed with the flood of options at your fingertips. Just embrace the fun of finding that perfect dress, and get ready for a night you’ll never forget.