Red Prom Dresses

Red is the color of passion and boldness, with red gowns (and red lipstick) being popularized by the iconic Marilyn Monroe. A red prom dress ensures that you’ll have all eyes on you, so be prepared for some extra attention!

When you’re thinking about fabric choices for your dress, you’ll want to keep the atmosphere of prom in mind. Since it’s a warmer-weather event with lots of dancing, lighter fabrics like satin and tulle will be your best friends.

Red prom dresses may have details like beading in the same color red for a subtle touch of glam, or it may be in a different shade of red to stand out more. You may also see details in metallics, or even other jewel tones for extra contrast!

Dark Red Prom Dresses

A dark red prom dress includes shades like merlot, berry, scarlet, or cherry, all of which exude sophisticated elegance. Dark red gowns tend to be a bit more understated than bright red dresses while still being eye-catching.

Because of the contrast, dark red tends to make cool undertones pop in pictures and in videos. Darker red hues complement most hair shades as well, though if your hair is already dark red, you may want to consider another color for higher contrast (or wearing your hair in an elegant updo).

Most neutral makeup will complete your look, though since your dress is darker, your makeup can be a bit darker and not stick out too much. If you’re a fan of the classic smokey eye or have a signature eyeliner wing, it won’t look out of place paired with a dark red prom dress.

Light Red Prom Dresses

Light red is typically where red meets pink, like rose or coral, and a light red prom dress will bring a sense of warm radiance. However, light red can also sometimes mean bright red, which is always audacious and dazzling.

Pinkish light red prom dresses tend to shine on warm or neutral undertones, and any hair color will play nicely with them. Bright red prom dresses, on the other hand, tend to make cool undertones pop. If you find a red prom dress that you fall in love with, though, don’t be afraid to try it on regardless of your undertones. You never know!

When it comes to your makeup for both bright and light red prom dresses, you’ll want to stick with more neutral shades to avoid competing with your dress. Stark makeup in dark colors or jewel tones may distract from your dress.

Short Red Prom Dresses

A short red prom dress is sure to stand out, as shorter dresses typically are offbeat choices for prom. Short red prom dresses can come in any shade and can have just as much detail as their longer counterparts, from fringe to beading to long sleeves.

Short red prom dresses may be totally form-fitting, but the most popular silhouette is the classic A-line. A-line dresses are fitted at the bodice, but the skirt flares out at the waist, which brings a sense of formality to a dress with a shorter hemline.

If you’re choosing a shorter dress for prom, it also means being able to have some extra fun with your shoe choice since you’ll be able to show them off! Just be sure to pick shoes that you can dance in, otherwise you’ll be sitting on the sideline of the dance floor (or worse, holding your shoes in your hand!)

Long Red Prom Dresses

The classic long red prom dress silhouette tends to be cut close to the body, and if this style suits your personality, you should definitely go for it! These dresses may be strapless, have spaghetti straps, or be off-the-shoulder.

If you’re looking for a bit more drama, red ball gowns are becoming more and more popular. Ball gowns with high slits can help you dance more freely (and show off your shoes – more on that later!)

A red mermaid prom dress brings the best of both worlds, with a figure-hugging silhouette and a flare around the knees. The flare may be big and dramatic, a bit more streamlined, or include a slit. Regardless, you’re sure to make an entrance if you go with a red mermaid prom dress, no matter which shade of red you choose.

Accessorizing a Red Prom Dress

Shoes that are close to your skin tone will make your dress the star of the show, and this is probably the look you’ll want to go with if you’re doing a red ball gown. Alternatively, you can buy shoes in the same shade of red as your dress, but be sure you get an exact match – if you’re off by a few shades, your shoes may end up clashing.

Metallic neutrals like silver or gold will add subtle contrast, just be sure your shoes don’t compete with your dress and that you match your jewelry to the metallic on your shoes. Black shoes will add some heightened contrast, but be careful with patent leather or anything else that makes your shoes super shiny, as this can make the extra contrast distracting.

If your red prom dress has lots of details like beading, you’ll want to keep accessories dainty and soft. Remember – accessories are supposed to complete, not compete! If your gown has more of a minimalist vibe, you have a little more freedom to choose statement accessories.

Finding Your Show-Stopping Red Prom Dress!

Researching prom dresses can be stressful, but if you already know you want to go with the color red, you’ve got one of the hardest parts figured out. From coral to cherry and every shade in between, you can’t go wrong with a red prom dress!