Allure of the Lilac Mermaid Gown - 2023's Dreamiest Prom & Wedding Dress Trend

The Allure of the Lilac Mermaid Gown

Lilac may seem like an unusual color choice for a formal gown, but the romantic hue is having a major moment. From blush pink to cornflower blue, pastels are dominating prom and wedding trends. And the lilac mermaid gown is leading the pack as the dream dress of 2023.

What is a Mermaid Gown?

A mermaid gown is a style of formal dress that fits close to the body through the hips and thighs, then flares out dramatically at the knees. This creates a shape reminiscent of a mermaid's tail. Mermaid gowns are known for being figure-flattering and sexy.

Mermaid gowns come in many different fabrics like satin, chiffon, lace, and tulle. The tight fit usually involves boning or shapewear lining. The flared bottom is perfect for showing off flashy heels and accentuating curves. This style is popular for red carpet events and black-tie affairs.

Why Pastels Are Trending

Pastels are having a major moment in fashion right now. Lilac, mint, blush, and baby blue gowns are dominating formal wear trends. After years of bold jewel tones and metallic sequins, these soft, romantic hues feel fresh and modern.

Influencers and celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Kacey Musgraves have fueled the pastel revolution on the red carpet. At high fashion events like the Met Gala, icy lilacs, baby pinks, and cloudy blues were everywhere. This adventurous use of color has filtered down to mainstream trends.

Pastels also have a dreamy, ethereal effect that is perfect for special occasions like proms and weddings. They photograph beautifully and stand out in a sea of black dresses and neutral tones. Whether you gravitate towards a dusty rose or a pale lavender, pastels feel special and whimsical.

Why Lilac is Having a Moment

Of all the pastel hues, lilac is having the biggest moment right now. Something about the unique blend of purple and pink feels modern and fresh. Lilac manages to be romantic and edgy at the same time.

Much like millennial pink before it, lilac has developed an entire aesthetic around it. Top designers like Oscar de la Renta and Gucci showed lilac dresses on the runway. Celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Bella Hadid stepped out in lilac outfits. Now the color is filtering down to prom dresses and wedding gowns.

Lilac is a unexpected color that commands attention. It has a quirky charm that reads as both sweet and sophisticated. Though it may seem unconventional at first, lilac has all of the allure and romance of traditional formal gown colors.

Style Tips for the Lilac Mermaid Gown

If you're smitten with the lilac mermaid trend, here are some tips for styling it gorgeously:

• Play up the drama with metallic shoes in silver or rose gold. Strappy sandals or pumps will elongate your legs.
• Accessorize with clusters of crystals or pearls to accentuate your gown's sparkle.
• Keep your makeup soft and shimmery. Lilac shadow and glossy lips complement this hue.
• Wear your hair in a sleek updo to show off the dress's details. But feel free to leave down a few romantic tendrils.
• Opt for a lilac with pink undertones if you have a warmer complexion. Blue undertones flatter cooler skin.
• Look for gowns with beading and embroidery to make the color pop even more.

How to Find Your Dream Lilac Dress

Lilac mermaid gowns are having a major moment, but finding that perfect dress can feel daunting. Here's where to begin your search:

Popular online retailers: Check out formal dress giants like Nordstrom, ASOS, Anthropologie, Lulus, and Revolve. Macy's and David's Bridal also carry trendy lilac options.

Big box stores: Dillard's, JCPenney, and BHLDN often carry pastel gowns that won't break the bank.

Local boutiques: Independent shops are great for finding one-of-a-kind gowns. And they usually offer tailoring services.

Online specialty stores: Sites like Cocomelody, Azazie and Revelry are dedicated to formal fashion. Expect lots of on-trend styles.

Etsy shops: You can find indie designers selling handmade lilac dresses here. Great for a custom creation.

Rentals: Rent the Runway and Nuuly allow you to try out trendy styles affordably.

Always leave time for tailoring. Even straight sizes often need adjusting. Trust your instincts and don't settle. Your dream lilac mermaid gown is out there waiting for you!

Lilac Gown Inspiration from the Red Carpet

While lilac mermaid gowns are dominating proms and weddings, the color has also been making a splash on Hollywood's red carpets.

Celebrities are embracing the icy pastel hue in glamorous gowns with dramatic trains, sparkling accents, and plunging necklines. The lilac carpet looks showcase just how glamorous the unusual color can be.

Zendaya's Custom Valentino

At the 2021 Venice International Film festival, style star Zendaya positively glowed in a show-stopping Valentino Haute Couture gown. The pale lilac dress featured a mermaid silhouette with a off-the-shoulder neckline and voluminous floor-length sleeves.

Anya Taylor-Joy's Dior Haute Couture

Actress Anya Taylor-Joy brought down the house at the 2022 Emmy's in a breathtaking pale lilac Dior gown. The strapless dress combined a whimsical tulle skirt with a beaded bodice that hugged her waist.

Jennifer Lopez's Ralph Lauren

JLo looked divine in Ralph Lauren at the premiere of her film Marry Me. Her halter neck lilac gown was slit to the hip and embellished with crystals that caught the light.

Sophie Turner's Louis Vuitton

Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner attended the 2022 Met Gala in a dramatically ruffled Louis Vuitton mini dress in sugary lavender. The embellished off-the-shoulder neckline gave the short style an elegant feel.

Selena Gomez's Louis Vuitton

Also at the 2022 Met Gala, Selena Gomez looked like a modern muse in a sculptural lavender mini dress by Nicolas Ghesquière for Louis Vuitton. The futuristic corseted bodice contrasted with a wispy tulle peplum.

These gorgeous lilac red carpet looks prove the versatility of the romantic pastel shade. Stars embrace the color in gowns that range from whimsical and feminine to slick and modern. Lilac makes a statement and allows celebrities to stand out in a crowd of black and neutral gowns. If it's good enough for the red carpet, it's more than good enough for your special occasion.

Embrace Your Inner Mermaid in Lilac

The lilac mermaid gown trend is having a major moment in formal fashion. Are you tempted to embrace the whimsical pastel hue for your next special event?

Lilac is a unique color that manages to be dreamy and edgy at the same time. It photographs beautifully and perfectly captures the ethereal aesthetic that is dominating formal fashion right now. And the mermaid silhouette is always a gorgeous choice for showing off your curves.

Look for luxe fabrics like satin and tulle with embellishments that allow the lavender shade to really pop. Metallic shoes and sparkling jewelry complement the style perfectly. Keep your makeup and hair soft and feminine to complete the fairy tale vibe.

The lilac mermaid gown is elegant, unexpected, and completely dreamy. Whether you're attending a wedding, red carpet event, or prom, it is sure to get you noticed. So embrace your inner mermaid in this on-trend pastel dream dress!

FAQs

What colors pair well with lilac gowns?

Silver, gold, and blush pink complement lilac beautifully. Metallic shoes and jewelry make great accent pieces. Dusty blue and sage green can also be pretty paired with lilac.

What makeup works best with a lilac dress?

Avoid heavy, dark makeup with lilac. Go for a romantic glow with lavender shadow, peach blush, and glossy nude lips. A sparkly highlight and fluttery lashes complete the fairy tale vibe.

What hairstyle goes best with a lilac mermaid gown?

An elegant updo like a bun or braided style keeps the focus on the dress's details. But loose, softly curled locks or a half-up style adds romantic vibes. Add sparkling clips or pins for extra glam.

How do I avoid looking washed out in a pale lilac gown?

Boost your glow with bronzer and highlighter. Go for bold lips and eyes - no minimal makeup! Metallic shoes, jewelry, and embellished gown details also make the color pop against your skin.

What fabric looks best for lilac formal gowns?

Satin, chiffon, tulle, and lace all complement lilac wonderfully. Look for gowns with embellishments like beading, crystals, or embroidery that add depth and sheen.