Photo: Splash News 

Sarah Hyland looked absolutely fab at the Golden Globes, wearing a floor length vintage Dolce & Gabbana gown with a surprising twist: a mermaid flare. Previously isolated to frilly over the top wedding gowns and bizarelly stiff pageant dresses, the mermaid flare cut has made a comeback on the red carpet during award season. The newly revamped mermaid flare had tempted stars with its form flattering appeal and eye-catching dramatic silhouette, making it perfect for prom night. You can rock this modern take on the mermaid flare by experimenting with flirty fabrics, bold textures (just say no to polyester!) and drawing attention to your curves with details at the waist. Check out out top picks for the perfect mermaid flare prom dress (and tips for how to rock them all)!

Photo: Courtesy of PromDressShop BG Haute lace dress, $540 Flirty Fabrics 

Fight the mermaid flare negativity by choosing a dress with a soft, feminine fabric, like the black lace in the dress above.

Photo: Courtesy of PromDressShop Mori Lee blue mermaid flare dress, $398 

Be Bold A huge part of this trend is the sense of drama that the flare brings, so embrace it all the way! If lace isn’t your thing, look for a high impact color or a dress that has a huge sparkle factor.

 

Photo: Courtesy of PromGirl Favianas beaded gown, $338 

Waist not, want not Picking a dress with a detail at the waist, like the simple ribbon belt in the dress above, draws attention to the majorly flattering silhouette of mermaid flare dresses. Avoid: giant bows, heavily encrusted heavy weight champion style belts. 

 

Photo: Courtesy of PromGirl Jovani beaded gown, $570 

Sultry Sleeves If you aren’t feeling the strapless look, go for a dress that has delicate sleeve detail. It brings together the entire look by mimicking the sheer fabric of the flare.

 

Photo: Courtesy of PromDressShop Alyce lavender beaded gown, $789 

Two Tone If you can’t pick between two colors, try purchasing a dress that with beaded accents that match the swooping flare, like the purple flare and beading. 

 

Photo: Courtesy of French Novelty Jovani gray beaded gown, $640. 

High Glam Mermaid flare dresses can carry the heavy bling that some of us crave. If you’re feeling extra daring, go for a dress that has rhinestone detail throughout.