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Prom Queencore Is the Ultra-Feminine Trend Taking Over This Fall

Tiaras and sashes and ribbons, oh my!

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Published on November 09, 2024 10:00AM

Devon Lee Carlson wearing a tiara — @devonleecarlson/Instagram

Every Halloween, I find myself drawn to a tiara—I restrained myself this year, but usually my costume revolves around the accessory and a fur coat. Perhaps it stems from a childhood obsession with princesses, but as an adult, I find myself way more interested in imagery of iconic prom queens in pop culture: Carrie White pre-blood dump in Carrie, Rose McGowan in Jawbreaker, and the album cover for Hole's Live Through This.

Halloween may be behind us, but the urge to channel my inner prom queen is stronger than ever. And I'm not alone! The latest in a string of ultra-girly trends like balletcore, coquette, and sugar plum fairy makeup, prom queencore is catching on as the cutest aesthetic to try this fall. From Devon Lee Carlson to Addison Rae, It Girls are piling on the tiaras, corsages, and shimmery eyeshadow. Even Chappell Roan has given the stamp of approval on her album cover for The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. Ahead, everything you need to know about the prom queen trend, plus how to get the look.

model wearing white dress with a sash detail — Ssense

The Trend

I was never even close to being crowned prom queen in high school (nor did I want to be), but I did love getting all gussied up for the big day. So why not keep that feeling going, especially as we head into the holiday season Prom Queencore incorporates touches of that youthful glamour, and lets you play dress up everyday.

The trend is more of an overall vibe than exact pieces, however, there are a few key elements that make up the look. The first and most obvious is a tiara, a must to denote your prom queen status. While plastic or crystal tiaras are a staple for birthdays or bachelorette parties, I've noticed more and more It Girls wearing them on regular nights on the town—Devon Lee Carlson wore one to dinner at the Chateau Marmont, fashion writer Kristin Bateman wore a tiny one to Fashion Week, and Heaven by Marc Jacobs included a toy-inspired crown in its recent collection.

models wearing matching sets and tiaras — @blondita.shop/Instagram

But what separates a prom queen from your run of the mill princess? A sash of course. TikToker Mandy Lee—AKA @oldloserinbrooklyn—pointed out the emergence of best in show ribbon and sash detailing happening this season, and paired with sparkly accessories they really amp up the prom queen vibes. Sandy Liang is really the (prom) queen of this silhouette, and offers dresses with built-in sash details and bow bags meant to be worn across the chest. Photographer Petra Collins' brand, I'm Sorry, also riffs on the prom queen motif with plenty of sashes, including my favorite, an oversized bedazzled T-shirt.

Sandy Liang sash bag — @sandyliang/Instagram

Finally, last year's corsage trend also slots nicely into the aesthetic. While previous iterations of the trend saw lifelike silk flowers tied around wrists and necks, this year's version takes borrowed from the boys approach and includes flowers clipped onto lapels, collars, and even bags. These flowers often have trailing ribbons too, which adds to the "best in show" quality of the prom vibes—just look to Clairo on night one of her LA residency, or Nina Bow's It Girl-approved pins.

How to Get the Look

When it comes to styling the trend, you have options. What decade do you want to channel? For a '90s, grunge-tinged look, try a tiny tiara with your go-to slip dress. For more of a '50s bent, opt for a frothy full skirt with sash details. Or, go '80s with sculpted shoulders or sculptural bustiers (Marc Jacob's latest collection has some fabulous options).

Then of course, there's the question of how much you want to lean in. To indulge fully in the aesthetic, start with a little dress, then add on all the requisite accessories: a sash or corsage, a tiara or headband, and sparkles of some kind. Writer and consultant Madeline Sensibile-Yazzetta embraced this look for her wedding, complete with tiara and gloves, but it would be just as cute for any night on the town or fun event.

However, the best thing about this trend if you as me, is how easy it is to incorporate into your daily life. Since it's mostly accessory based, you can add just a touch of prom queen flair to your favorite piece. Try a tiara and beaded purse with your go-to black mini skirt to make drinks with the girls feel a little more magical. Running errands? Throw I'm Sorry's oversized sash tee over some biker shorts and your set. Or, make like photographer Lauren Leekley, and add a corsage pin and a '90s updo to a sleek suit for a little prom flair.