Skip Nav
Love It. Save Your Favorites Now.
See How Prom Has Evolved Over the Last 8 Decades
View On One Page
ADVERTISEMENT ()
Start Slideshow

The American prom has come a long way since its inception in the late 1890s. Prom, short for promenade, was first used to describe a simple college ball before gaining momentum and popularity as a high school dance. By the 1950s it had become more of the elaborate event it is today, with its prom courts, fancy cars, and expensive dresses — the glorified pinnacle of adolescence. I love looking at prom pics in old high school yearbooks, which range from awkward to awww. So take a look back with me at proms through the decades!

1930s
1950s
1950
1952
1957
1958
1958
1958
1959
1959
1959
1959
1960s
1960
1960
1960
1960
1960
1960
1961
1962
1964
1965
1966
1970
1971
1974
1974
1977
1978
1978
70
more images
Start Slideshow
Around The Web
Is Kate Bosworth Open to Filming Another Blue Crush Movie?
Kate Bosworth
Kate Bosworth Is Down to Give Blue Crush the Sequel It Deserves: "I'd Love to Do It"
by Kelsey Garcia
These Suits From the Runway Remind Us of the Royals' Style
The Royals
Is It Just Us, or Is Royal Suiting Ruling the Runways?
by Sarah Wasilak
Girlfriends Cast Will Reunite on an Episode of Black-ish
Tracee Ellis Ross
The Girlfriends Cast Is Reuniting For a Black-ish Episode, and I've Already Set My DVR
by Mekishana Pierre
Best Home Products From Target 20th Anniversary Collection
Affordable Decor
Target's 20th Anniversary Collection Has Designer Products at Amazing Prices — Need We Say More?
by Lauren Harano
Jennifer Lopez Wears Balmain Denim at the Hustlers Screening
Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez Rocked Balmain's Version of the Canadian Tuxedo at the Hustlers Screening
by Kara Kia
Coach New York Fashion Week Show Spring 2020
Kaia Gerber
Coach's Runway Is a Trip Back to the '80s — Grab Your Leather Jacket and High-Tops
by Sarah Wasilak

From Our Partners

Now You Know

When Does One Day At a Time Season 4 Premiere?

Entertainment News

We're Back, Baby! Here's When One Day at a Time Season 4 Premieres

by Mekishana Pierre

Fashion

Rihanna Danced on Stage in Sexy Savage x Fenty Lingerie, and I’ll Never Be the Same

by Nikita Ramsinghani

Celebrity News

Felicity Huffman Will Serve 14 Days in Prison Following College Admissions Cheating Scandal

by Kelsie Gibson

Celebrity News

Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson Are a Family of 5 — See Their Newborn Baby Boy!

by Kelsie Gibson

Entertainment News

The "Black Bonnie and Clyde" Make a Run For Freedom in the Trailer For Queen & Slim

by Mekishana Pierre

Family

This 9-Year-Old Double Amputee Just Made Her Modeling Debut at New York Fashion Week

by Danielle Jackson

Celebrity News

Cole Sprouse Celebrates Lili Reinhart's Birthday With Several PDA-Filled Snaps: "So Lucky"

by Kelsie Gibson

Family

Chance the Rapper Postponed His Tour to Help His Wife Raise Their Newborn, and What a Guy

by Victoria Messina

Latest Love
We're Hiring! Write For Us About Us Advertising Contact FAQ Archives
Power Your Happy POPSUGAR at Kohl's Collection Beauty by POPSUGAR POPSUGAR Must Have POPSUGAR Insights
Terms Privacy Policy
©2019 PopSugar • POPSUGAR Entertainment & Culture
All the Latest From Ryan Reynolds