+5 Prom Dress Colors for 2022: Shades and Styling Ideas

1. Very Peri: a color reference from 2022

Pantone named Very Peri its Color of the Year for 2022. Its reference is PANTONE 17-3938, a periwinkle blue with a violet-red undertone.

Picture a blue-violet gown with a silver bag and small earrings. Keep the accessories simple if the dress already has layers of tulle or beading. You don’t need to match the accessories to the dress down to the last bead.

2. Black: let the fabric add detail

Black works well when you want the neckline, cut or texture to do most of the talking. A satin skirt catches light differently from matte crepe, even when both are sold as black.

A silver shoe adds a bright accent. Black shoes keep the palette simple.

3. Red: make one bold choice

Red can carry the outfit on its own. With a full skirt or a fitted dress, try a small gold earring and leave the neckline clear. If the fabric is already covered in sequins, another large sparkling accessory may feel like too much. Scarlet, cherry and burgundy are different reds, so compare the actual fabric rather than relying on a shop’s color label. The #FF0000 swatch here is a digital reference, not a dye specification.

4. White Smoke: a soft neutral

White includes cooler and warmer shades. White Smoke, #F5F5F5, is a pale gray-white screen color. It gives you a reference for a soft neutral palette, but a dress described as ivory may look warmer.

Try pearl details, a silver sandal or a colored bag. Before buying, check the lining in bright light and move around in the dress. A pale fabric can look different on a hanger, against a lining and in a flash photo.

5. Royal Blue: a brighter blue option

Blue offers plenty of room between pale powder shades and deep navy. Royal Blue, #4169E1, is a vivid blue; Very Peri leans further toward violet. Try it with silver jewelry, a small white bag or matching blue shoes. Hold the fabric near your face in daylight before deciding. If it feels too bright for the outfit you want, compare a deeper navy.

Color names and reference codes

The four HEX values below are standard CSS color references. Very Peri is listed by its Pantone reference instead. These screen colors help compare a palette. They do not guarantee an exact match to dress fabric.

Before you choose the dress

1. Check the fabric, not just the swatch. Look at it in daylight and under indoor lighting.
2. Try the whole outfit. Put on the shoes and check the hem while walking and sitting.
3. Set a comfortable budget. Include alterations and accessories before committing to the dress.