The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Prom Dress (2024)

Whether you’re attending your actual prom or coming back as a date to someone else’s, finding the best prom dress is probably the first thing on your to-do list.

And after all the recent award show red carpets (Oscars, Grammys), we've gathered tons of trend notes, dress, and gown inspiration from our favorite celebs (look at you, Zendaya). From elegant long mermaid gowns, romantic cottagecore dresses, sleekprom suits, trendy black sheer dresses that could have come straight out of theEuphoria set, and gothicgowns inspired by Wednesday Addams, and affordable prom dresses on Amazon, there’s no shortage of options.

We also scrolled through TikTok and reached out to our peers, friends, and students to find out more about their dream prom dresses. Some are going for the traditional IRL prom experience by going in-store to try out different styles from their favorite brands and retailers like Windsor, Jovani, and Sherri Hill. Others are going all out by getting custom made dresses from local designers.

If you're planning to shop online, we suggest getting the search started now since styles can go quickly. If you see something you like, you'll want to snag it — and maybe even in a few sizes in case you run out of time for alterations. We’ve scoured thetop prom dress websites to bring you unique designs for every style and budget. Now, all you have to do is try them on, and then find the perfect heels (orprom sneakers) to go with it.

Our Top Picks:

• Best unique prom dress: Butterfly Prom Dress, $62
• Best long prom dress: Smileven Sparkle Starry Tulle Prom Dress, $85
• Best short prom dress: Windsor Rachael Velvet Faux Pearl Party Dress, $60
• Best plus-size prom dress: Ever-Pretty Sequin V-Neck Glitter Mermaid Dress, $67
• Best prom dresses for small busts: 3D Butterfly Applique Tulle Dress, $120

Best Long Prom Dresses

Ah, the classics! Evening gowns and occasion dresses are the go-to for prom night for a reason. You can find plenty of stunning picks at affordable retailers like Amazon and Windsor. (Pro tip: don't rule out wedding or bridesmaid dresses as viable prom options, either — the one-shoulder chiffon dress below is actually a bridesmaid dress in olive!)

Best long prom dress

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Best Affordable Prom Dresses

You don’t have to spend triple digits to find your perfect pick — retailers like Nordstrom and Lulus have cheap prom dresses for under $100. Many fashion influencers have also shown off how amazing their Amazon dresses looked on the special night (likeTikTok user _annamiller). From unique styles to extended size ranges, there are plenty of dress options to choose from, especially if you’re in a time crunch (hello, two-day Prime shipping!)

Save on these best prom dresses with these Nordstrom, Windsor, and Amazon promo codes.

Best Black Prom Dresses

You can never go wrong with the color black. It’s timeless, oh-so versatile, and easy to wear (you don’t need to worry about accidental stains showing!). Pair it with any subtle pop of color (like a neon-colored handbag or shoes), and you’ll have the winning look of the night. Whether you prefer to go full-on glitz and glam with sequins and rhinestones (the corset ball gown is everything) or keep your look more subtle and chic, we’ve got some gorgeous black prom dress ideas for you.

Best unique prom dress:

Best Cottagecore Prom Dresses

From Regency-era ruffles to empire-waist silhouettes, you'd makeBridgerton'sKate Sharma proud if you go for one of these dresses. You can opt for a full-on-floral mini dress from investment brands like For Love and Lemons or shop for more casual frocks that don’t skimp on ruffles and design. Whatever you do, hold the corsage. Extravagant gloves are not included but are highly encouraged.

Save on these best prom dresses with these Nordstrom and Amazon promo codes.

Best Short Prom Dresses

Take note from Cassie’s winter formal look from season 1 ofEuphoria: Just because you’re in the market for evening dresses doesn’t mean you can’t go with micro mini styles. There are so many cute cocktail dresses out there — including sequin dresses, bodycon styles, and even a sequin feather trim mini that you can absolutely wear again after prom — that would surely make you stand out.

Best short prom dress

Save on these best prom dresses with these Nordstrom and Amazon promo codes.

Best Unique Prom Dresses

One thing to consider when choosing a one-of-a-kind prom dress is how you will incorporateyou(your personality, your extra flair). You can easily make a simple dress look more unique by adding a pair of bold statement earrings or even sparklyprom sneakers. But we also highlighted the cool dress styles below that'll help you stand out in a sea full of fancy gowns.

Save on these best prom dresses with these Amazon, ASOS, and Forever 21 promo codes.

Best Barbiecore Prom Dresses

If you’re living for the Barbiecore trend like we are (can’t get enough of Margot Robbie), this is your prom dress category. Think pink in all shades, fabrics, and designs. If you have the extra coins and can splurge, we suggest going for the Anthropologie one-shoulder gown — thefront slit adds a dramatic flair. If you’re looking for a dress with a low hem to show off your heels, we’ve got some cute options for that, too! You can coordinate your accessories to match the silver rhinestone details in the tulle maxi dress from Lulus.

Save on these best prom dresses with these Nordstrom and Rent the Runway promo codes.

Best Goth Prom Dresses

If you are a Jenna Ortega fan, you already know how iconic her character's style is inWednesday.Tiktoker's went crazy recreating her iconic looks, so we took note and applied the samegoth-y aesthetic to our prom dress selects. The butterfly applique gown features gorgeous lace sleeves that give off a dark and alluring appeal. We also love the mesh details all over the back of the Hutch dress — Morticia Addams would be very proud.

Best prom dresses for small busts

Save on these best prom dresses with these Nordstrom and Amazon promo codes.

Best Prom Suits

Who says the perfect prom dress is actually a dress?Prom suits are ideal for the dance floor and (more importantly) waiting in line for post-prom fast food. They may not be prom gowns, but you definitely don’t have to worry about losing ruffles, sequins, or rhinestones — just look at the molded velvet suit or the shiny satin option. The best part? You can split up any of these and wear them as separates post-prom.

Save on these best prom suits with these Amazon and Revolve promo codes.

Best Plus-Size Prom Dresses

From strapless ball gowns to off-the-shoulder minis, there are so many plus-size prom dresses that are truly fun this year. Spaghetti Strap dresses like the silk one below are great if you are after that sleek vibe. But if you want something that gives off more prom queen vibes, we can’t get enough of the navy sparkly sleeveless dress from Amazon — we're almost certain Cinderella would choose it in today’s world.

Best plus-size prom dress

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Best Cut-Out Dresses

Want to show a little skin while still feeling formal? There are plenty of ways to do so. The sparkly halter dress features a cut-out waist that looks stunning. There are also plenty of classic evening gown styles that feature cutouts in the back for a fun surprise every time you twist and twirl around.

Save on these best prom dresses with these Nordstrom and Amazon promo codes.

Best Designer Prom Dresses to Rent

Renting a prom dress is a great option to go with if you're looking to save some coins. Plus, you won't have to worry about buying a dress you'll only wear once in a lifetime. Rent the Runway offers a variety of incredible designer gowns and dresses you can rent for affordable prices. From strapless to puff sleeves and asymmetrical silhouettes, there are hundreds of rental styles to choose from. And who wouldn't want the chance to wear an exclusive designer item on prom night?!

Best Two-Piece Prom Dresses

You’ll need to make sure your school dress code doesn’t have any prom-specific rules, but if you’re in the clear to wear a two-piece, look no further than the below dress styles. These two pieces let you have fun with the neckline and length and we’re certain Maddy Perez would approve of the plunging v-neck satin maxi set and the sequin two-piece gown.