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Prom. The night of all nights for teenagehood. Though prom season doesn’t technically kick off until late April or early May, dress shopping starts now. It’s easy to find a date or pick a hairstyle but a dress? Oh, no. That’s a whole ‘nother ball game. Especially since there are so many options to choose from. You have classic long-mermaid gowns, sequined midi dresses, and vintage-inspired garments. Can’t forget about the aesthetics like Barbiecore and cottagecore, plus gothic gowns inspired by Wednesday Addams. Tons of options means choice paralysis is imminent and gown shopping has become ten times harder.
But that’s where our prom shopping prom shopping comes in. Why stress when we can do all the work for you? This guide is filled with every style and aesthetic you can think of. And it has tons of budget-friendly picks because we’ve all felt the economy lately. Now, sit back, grab your credit card, and read on to find your prom dress (and maybe some shoes and accessories too!).
Understand Dress Types
You can’t shop for a prom dress without understanding the different types of dresses. To help make things simpler, we’ve gathered together some of the most loved prom dress styles to help you pick!
- Mermaid Dress – The classic prom choice. A mermaid dress is exactly what it sounds like: a fitted bodice that flares at the bottom or below the knee, giving the impression of a mermaid’s tail. It’s not the most comfortable gown, since it’s extremely tight and snug (which can make walking difficult, especially if you’re wearing heels), but the fitted design accents your curvature and presents an hourglass shape.
- Two-Piece — For the girlies who want to show off some skin! Two-piece sets are sexy and bold but still modest. A midriff-baring top and full-length skirt is the most common ensemble, though there are several varieties like a shimmery crop top and straight-legged dress pants.
- A-Line Short Scoop Neck – If you want a princess look but don’t want to carry the (heavy) tulle, opt for an A-Line dress. It has a fitted bodice that stretches to the waist and then slowly extends outward. It’s simple, chic, and is trending right now. This almost a ‘girl next door’ look but one with a little daring to it.
- Satin Sheath Dress — Anything silk or satin is an immediate buy in our opinion, especially if it’s a sheath dress. This style follows the shape of your body and has a fitted straight cut and full-ish skirt. It's flattering to your figure but not restrictive or tight and the satin fabric is smooth and lightweight to make dancing easy.
- Maxi Skirt with a High Slit – A slit is sexy, sultry, and so Hollywood. A full-length skirt with a high slit shows off your skin and helps you dance more freely. The best of both worlds.
- Classic Princess Ball Gown – Remember Cinderella’s blue tulle gown? Yep, that’s a classic princess ball gown. These feature very full and dramatic floor-length skirts and fitted tops. They’re typically worn by the girlies who want a romantic and magical prom — a chance to live out their very own fairytale if you will.
- Timeless Black Dress – A Little Black Dress is always a timeless pick. It might be a cliché, but it’s a classic style that’s sultry, sexy, and sensual.
Consider Colors and Patterns
Honestly, prom is the place to wear what you love best. Whether that’s bright and bold colors, funky patterns, or solid neutrals. Naturally, black, white, or champagne is easier to style and is versatile, so it’s wearable for different occasions. But its simplicity can make you look plain or drab if you don’t have the right accessories. Bold colors like yellow are eye-catching but can be headaches to color-coordinate. If you want a striking gown that’s easy to match, we suggest an understated neutral (champagne or black) with shimmery or sequined embellishments. That way, your dress has wearability but can fit the molds of prom.
You should also consider your undertones and hair color. As much as I love yellow, it doesn’t work with my undertone and makes me look washed out or ill. Pairing the correct dress color with your undertone and hair color ensures the look is complimentary.
Pick a Dress That Matches Your Personality
Prom is personal! Like, yes, there are classic colors and standard dress styles but it’s really a personal decision at the end of the day. And you want the best night of your life (no, I’m not exaggerating) to reflect who you are. So, if you’re an extrovert who wants all eyes on you, buy a head-to-toe sequined gown or a daring cut-out dress. Introverts should be styled up in more quiet and subtle looks, like a neutral floor-length gown or an LBD. There’s no wrong answer here! It’s totally up to you and the kind of statement you want to make.
Wear What Makes You Feel Comfortable
Okay, so you know the different types of dresses? Check. The colors and fabrics? Check. The statement you want to give? Check. Now, let’s talk about comfortability. You can get a dress tailored and hemmed, but you can’t change its style or finish. So, think carefully about how the dress looks and feels before you buy it. If you don’t like how a bodycon mermaid gown affects your walking, then that’s not the gown for you. Same thing applies to a V-neck line or thigh-high slit. Both designs show off skin and it’s important to consider if a little cleavage or leg action will make you uncomfortable. Any style that will make you feel a little out of place will spoil the prom for you, and it’s meant to be a fun occasion.
You have all the tips and tricks for finding the perfect prom dress in your arsenal. Be patient and take your time browsing through our shortlist of styles. The right prom dress is just a search away.
Our Top Picks:
Best Long Prom Dress
If I could redo my senior prom, I’d wear this Katie May gown from Revolve. It’s a classic floor-length dress that looks plain at first sight. But its slight V-neck shows off some cleavage and the deep-cut backless design makes it all the more glamorous. You’ll have to wear the dress braless, but its adjustable straps will provide you enough support (we promise). Pair it with silver dangling earrings and a chic clutch and you have your prom ‘fit.
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Best Medium-Length Prom Dress
This shimmery mini dress from Anthropologie was made for a night out. It has embellished sequins and fringes that move as you dance. Underneath the sequins is a mini silhouette that covers everything and ensures the gown isn’t see-through. The dress isn’t form-fitting, so your curves won't be accentuated. But (!!), the strapless neckline flatters your collarbones and shoulders and makes the look all the more visually appealing.
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Best Black Prom Dress
You can never go wrong with a black dress. And this pick from FWRD is the glamorous gown you need for your special night. It has a peek-a-boo keyhole cutout that shows just the right amount of skin and a skimming silhouette to flatter your figure. The dress is covered in sequins, which makes it super eye-catching, and has pin-thin straps to highlight the dramatic backless design. Go light on the accessories with this Monot gown—this dress is so striking that it speaks for itself.
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Most Unique Prom Dress
This NBD maxi dress is the moment. Sure, its cut-outs and floral embellishments don’t scream prom but its uniqueness adds to its sensuality. So does the strapless neckline and high slit. If you’re looking to stop the music when you walk in, then we suggest this Revolve pick.
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Best Cut-Out Dress
We said it! Revolve has some of the most stunning prom dresses and this Bardot slip dress is one of them. Unlike the other gowns on this list, this maxi dress is more affordable (under $150!) and can be dressed up or down for different occasions. Versatility aside, it’s striking with a waist cut-out adorned by a rhinestone trim. The satin fabric means the gown is super comfy to dance in and feels nice on your skin. It’s a braless dress, but the adjustable straps and hidden tied closure ensure everything is held up nicely.
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Best Designer Prom Dress To Rent
Back in my day, there weren’t any clothing rental services. So if you wanted a designer prom dress, you’d have to splurge. But with Rent the Runway, you can wear a designer gown like this A.L.C Andie Dress for less than half the retail price. The faux leather material gives a sexy but elevated look that’s totally age-appropriate. It's strapless and features hidden waist cutouts. The leather isn’t stiff or heavy, so dancing won’t be a problem in this getup.
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Best Two-Piece Prom Dress
Okay, but Free People Did. Its. Thing with this two-piece set. The dark purple sequins naturally draw eyes to the ‘fit, while the skirt’s high slit gives some leg action. The crop top has a V-neckline and tied straps to provide support. Pair it with a block heel and a black clutch.
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Best Vintage-Inspired Prom Dress
Found: the Roaring ‘20s prom dress you’ve been looking for. 100 percent silk that feels *amazing* and is super lightweight. A tied halter neckline that fits snugly at your bodice, while the skirt is relaxed and loose. The neckline is embellished by lace trim which makes it dainty and elegant but also vintage. Add some ‘20s memorabilia like boa feathers and pochettes to hone the look, and don’t forget to style your hair in flapper waves.
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Most Comfortable Prom Dress
A silk-satin gown will always be the most comfortable dress for any occasion—and yes, that includes prom too. This Nili Lotan satin gown from Net-A-Porter is our pick for the most comfortable prom dress simply because it’s 100 percent silk-made, so it feels soft and smooth on the skin. It has a loose enough fit to not feel constrictive but still snug to highlight your body curvature. A minimalist look but is still elegant and chic.
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Best Sustainable Prom Dress
Renting a prom dress is cost-effective and more importantly, eco-friendly. So, if you’re going for the sustainability route this prom season, why not wear this maxi dress by Hutch? It gives prom vibes with its tiered tulle skirt (is it even prom if you’re not wearing a tulle skirt??) and satin bodice. You’ll look like a *literal* princess in this A-Line gown—you’ll just need the crown to match.
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Best Floral Prom Dress
Forget what I said prior. This would be my prom dress if I had another redo. An asymmetrical flowy number with ruffles, thigh-high slit, and rosy floral prints. I’m speechless.
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Best Cottagecore Prom Dress
Cottagecore but make it *prom*. This babydoll dress from For Love and Lemons looks like something from your mom's closet (it’s ‘70s inspired!). There are lace trims and floral patchwork plus chiffon-tie straps, all of which give the country-house vibe that is cottagecore.
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Best Barbiecore Prom Dress
Who said Barbiecore is over? Surely, not us. There are a lot of Barbie-inspired dresses out there, but we love this one from Revolve because it’s a replica (ok, maybe not an exact copy but close enough!) of “Solo in the Spotlight” Barbie. The same Barbie Margot Robbie wore to the world premiere of Barbie in Los Angeles last July, fyi. The dress has silk fabric and a halter neckline that’s easily secured by the clip attachment. And of course, there’s the feathery hem that makes the dress super stunning.
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Prom Dresses FAQs
Found the perfect dress, but still got some questions? No worries. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about prom, including the ones circling your brain.
What dresses are appropriate for prom?
It’s important to check your school’s dress code before prom shopping. Though most prom dresses are age-appropriate since they’re long formal gowns, some may show too much skin (from long slits or cutouts). Double-check your school’s prom guide to see if skirts with slits or cleavage-baring dresses are allowed. And if they aren’t, remember that prom is about self-expression. You don’t need to show off your legs or shoulders to feel sexy!
Do I wear a bra under my prom dress?
It depends on your prom dress, truly. Some of our picks are deep-cut backless and thus, can’t be worn with any bra including strapless or front-style. In those cases, wear sticky nipple covers (*cough* Tita is the best *cough*) to avoid showing the areola. Strapless bras are usually fine for strapless dresses and pencil-thin strapped gowns. But if you can see your bra in your gown, don’t wear it and stick to the nipple covers. Or, wear a sheer silhouette underneath if the style of the dress allows it. You don’t want any embarrassing accidental flashes!
What can I wear to prom instead of a dress?
A two-piece set is a great alternative to a classic dress. Not all two pieces are crop tops and skirts either; some are paired with pants or shorts. You can also mix and match them too. Wear a formal midi or maxi skirt with a dress top or camisole. For a one-piece garment, check out jumpsuits and rompers as they can be dressed up or down, depending on the style and fabric. And, who said you can’t wear a suit or tux to the prom? There are no rules. Prom is all about you and how you want to look, bb.
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