The origin of vintage prom dresses is actually unknown. In all probability a youngster must have worn a family heirloom dress to the prom party and unwittingly set a trend. Vintage dresses do retain a totally unique look. They stand out in a world of mass produced look-alike dresses.

However it is true that vintage patterns started in the late 1800s. Patterns, at that time, were easy to get, with listings of pattern numbers being listed in such magazines. The 1950's prom dresses are romantic and glamorous like the era and remain timeless icons. Proms became popular during the 1950's, as did these dresses, which are still being worn today as vintage couture. The 1950's were a time of great change in the fashion industry. New fabrics and newfound independence of girls created a new market for clothing for younger women.

For vintage prom dresses you can go with any era that appeals to you. The most popular and easy to find dresses are from the 1940s and on in time. Dresses of the 1940s tended to be simple and rather tight fitting and often sleeveless or with short sleeves and fuller skirts. The classic lines of the 1950’s vintage prom dresses never really go out of style. There is more ornamentation on these dresses than those of the 1940s, with bigger skirts and a lot of tulle showing up everywhere. Dresses from the 1960s got sleeker with floral patterns, sequins and other big, bold patterns and colors that were popular.

The 1970s followed the fashion trends of the 1960s with sequins still very popular. Pastel colors were often found on prom dresses and bridesmaid's dresses of the era. Influenced by the disco era prom dresses got sexier and sleeker and were often made from velvet, lace or velour. Any local vintage clothing store is the place to find vintage prom dresses.