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5 must-have trends for prom 2017

Cara Kelly, and Mary Bowerman
USA TODAY

Prom season is here, and it may be the most fashionable to date.

Thanks in large part to Instagram and Snapchat, trends from the runways and red carpets are quickly hitting high school dance floors across the country.

"It’s actually amazing," says Rent the Runway stylist Sarah Tam. "It used to be that you saw a trend and it kind of infiltrated maybe a season or two later. Now you see a trend and it really takes immediate affect because of social media."

For 2017, dresses with bold looks are among the most popular, according to Colleen Winter, the founder of the event-ready brand Lulus. .

“We are seeing a lot of fun trends this summer such as off the shoulder, bell sleeves and ruffles," Winter says.

So what are the other big trends taking shape for 2017? Here are a few standouts.

A few looks from Rent the Runway ahead of prom 2017.

Exposed shoulders

The cold-shoulder look that dominated last spring has morphed into a variety of shoulder-bearing silhouettes. Dresses with one or both shoulders exposed popped up on the Vera Wang and Gucci runways, and Tam says it's one of the most hearted, or liked, looks from Rent the Runway users who are prepping for their prom nights.

"It's very elegant too," she says. "With the neckline, it perfectly frames a pair of statement earrings."

Two-piece dresses

Separates, including crop top and skirt options, have become a go-to in formal dressing, in part because of added versatility, according to Kayleigh McPeck, public relations coordinator at Faviana a special-occasion brand that specializes in  prom dresses.

"These styles can easily transition from red carpet ready to a weekend brunch with the right accessories and styling," McPeck says. "The top from a two piece dress can be worn with a classic pair of denim jeans for after prom fun and girls can even throw on a pair of strappy sandals to make their favorite boho off-the-shoulder dress a bit more casual."

A great dress alternative? The La Petite Robe Blue Raviva Jumpsuit, $110 rental from Rent the Runway.

Pants and suits

Evan Rachel Wood and Scarlett Johansson are among the leading ladies making the case for suiting on the red carpet this season. Bright jumpsuits, black tailored suits and smoking jackets are right on trend for those who want a full range of movement on the dance floor.

"Short block heels provide a lot of comfort, that'd be the accessory I’d reach for if I’m going for a pantsuit look or tux," says Ann Taylor fashion expert Emily Evans.

Bold prints

Statement-making florals bloomed on the Alexander McQueen and Valentino runways in Paris last month, and stars embraced the look on the red carpets during awards season.

"Olivia Culpo's bold floral gown was one of my favorite dresses on the red carpet," Tam says, referencing the star's head-turning Zuhair Murad Golden Globes dress.

It's a less common look for prom, but is slowly gaining popularity. Styling can become a challenge, Evans notes, but the key is to go minimal with a statement ring, and skip the necklace.

"I would make sure that my accessories are little more subdued," Evans says. "Maybe mixed metals with a little sparkle added to it."

High-low hemlines are the best of both worlds with the drama of a ball gown but easy of short dresses. Christian Pellizzari Green Mixed Media Gown, $175 rental from Rent the Runway.

Short and asymmetric hemlines

Gone, too, are the days of being restricted to full-length dresses.

"We're seeing people go shorter and also high-low and asymmetrical," says Tam. "Not just full-length gowns anymore."