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.
