Prom Shoes 2025

My recent blog about prom dresses included some suggestions of great shoes that work with particular gowns, but there are loads of beautiful prom shoes out there! Here are some you may want to consider if you or a shopping buddy is looking for the perfect shoes for prom (or for any other dressy occasion). And, because I am a frugal Yankee, they're all priced at or below $100 (and most are significantly below $100). Also, because I have weird feet and always need to physically try on shoes, they're all from brick and mortar stores. 

Flats

If you'll be dancing all night and want to have comfy feet, but still look great, there are some very pretty flat options. You may even want to wear heels for photos, but bring along a pair of comfy flats for later in the evening. 

A little floral embellishment lifts these B.O.C. Born Concept Peony flats ($39 at DSW) a step above plain ballet flats. Available in black, which works well with a darker colored gown or one with black accents; off-white (shown), which works well with lighter colors and prints; and red, which can add a fun pop of color to a neutral colored gown, or with a print dress with the right shade of red in it. 

For a more sleek, elegant embellishment, check out these Journee Kim patent ballet flats ($35 at DSW). The beige shade (shown) is a good light neutral for a blush or pastel gown, and easy to pair with a matching bag; they are also available in red, black, and dark grey, all of which have a gold-tone buckle, so avoid silver jewelry or bag embellishments. 

If you're accessorizing a very simple dress and want to add some bling to your shoes, these Journee Collection Renzo pointed toe ballet flats ($19 at JC Penney) have plenty of sparkle. Available in multiple colors, including black (shown), grey, and metallic silver. 

If ballet flats don't have enough style for you, these Naturalizer Hawaii closed toe pointed slingback flats ($100 at Macy's) combine comfort with style. Available in dark gold, black, and crocodile-textured white, they feature a fashionable pointed toe and a flattering wrapped strap. 

Kitten Heels

If you love the look of heels but can't deal with a whole night of dancing in stilettos, look for kitten heels, which combine a graceful tapered heel with just a hint of height  (no more than 2 inches). 

If you love a glittery, strappy sandal, these Touch Ups by Benjamin Walk Maisie Sandals ($66 at DSW) are available in gold or silver (shown). The straps crisscross over the instep and go around the back of the ankle for a comfortable, stay-in-place fit that's perfect for dancing. 

A pointy-toed pump like this Journee Pammie Pump ($60 at DSW) is elegant and provides more coverage if you don't want to bother with a fancy pedicure. Available in 14 different colors including dark and light neutrals (such as light brown, shown), metallics, several pastels, and snake print, so you can coordinate with any prom look. 

If elegance is what you're looking for, these Easy Street Unna slip-on pumps ($49 at Macy's) feature a satin finish, a graceful diagonal swath of rhinestones, and a double strap for comfort. Available in navy (shown), black, silver, and gold. 

If you want lots of bling, go for these Madden Girl Vogue-R bow slingback kitten heel pumps in silver rhinestone ($55 at Macy's). They feature a stylish flared heel and a pert silver bow on the pointy toe. So cute!

Closed-Toe and Peep-Toe Heels

If you don't like to show your toes in sandals, there are lots of pumps, closed-toe, and peep-toe styles with enough elegance to wear with a prom gown. 

There's nothing like an embellished satin shoe for prom, and this Kelly & Katie Baltin pump ($50 at DSW), available in cherry red (shown), emerald green, and black, features a 3" heel, a double bow, and rhinestone embellishments along the back of the shoe and the ankle strap, as well as the interior of the bow and the knot. Gorgeous!

This sheer peep-toe Easy Street Picaboo pump ($65 at DSW) gives the impression of a sandal but without the straps that sometimes slip out of place or dig into your toes. Available in black faux suede, white, and glitter versions in metallic gold and silver, navy (shown), and black. 

If you like height but a more solid heel, this East Street Moonlight pump ($65 at DSW) is available in gold satin (shown), silver satin, navy, and black suede. The gold pump features gold beading; all other colors have silver beading. The elastic ankle strap has enough give for comfort, even after hours on the dance floor. 

Although less common than they once were, dyable shoes are still available for the perfect match to your gown, like these Touch Up Nadia dyeable pumps ($70 at David's Bridal). The peep-toe style features graceful pleating across the toe, and open side, and a reasonable and flattering 2-1/2-inch heel. 

Chunky Heels

If you love the height of a heel but not the balance issues of a stiletto, opt for one of these lovely block and chunky heeled styles. 

If you prefer chunky heels, you will probably appreciate a solid ankle strap, like with these Jewel Badgely Mischka Mayra embellished strap sandals ($66 at Nordstrom). They feature leafy rhinestones on the toe and ankle straps and a sturdy 4-inch heel. Available in silver glitter (shown) or champagne satin. 

If you're wearing a shorter skirt, you can show off your shoes with embellishments at the back rather than on the toe, like with these Allegra K mesh bow ankle strap sandals ($50 at Target). Available in burgundy, fuchsia, green (shown), navy blue, pink, and purple, the satin finish adds polish, the ankle straps and solid heel provide comfort, and the tulle bow adds a touch of whimsy.

For a touch of femininity and fun, these Madden Girl bow strappy block-heel sandals ($59 at Macy's) fit the bill. Available in black, white, and pink (shown), they feature a dainty ankle strap and two straps across the instep with delicate bows, plus a 3-1/4-inch block heel and a square toe. 

If you're looking for a closed-toe option, especially with a hint of a vintage feel, check out these Anne Klein Clove pumps ($60 at DSW). Unfortunately, they're only available in black, but if that works with your look, the wide strap and chunky but slightly tapered heel are elegant and flattering. 

Platform Sandals

If you're looking for height but your feet don't appreciate tottering on a 4-inch heel, the answer is platform sandals. 

Available in gold glitter (shown) or unobtrusive nude, these Sun + Stone Reemaa peep toe platform sandals ($30 at Macy's) have a 4-inch heel with a 1-inch platform, and wide toe strap, and a narrow ankle strap. 

Available in a dozen colors, including lilac metallic (shown) and several neutrals, these Mix No. 6 Sundra sandals ($30 at DSW) are simple and elegant, letting your gown take center stage. 

If pumps are more your style than sandals, these gorgeous London Rag Jastour platform pumps ($45 at Macy's) featured a tapered but still solid heel, and are available in gold-patterned beige (shown), black and white. 

For a more traditional strappy look, these Nina Stormi metallic silver platform sandals ($65 at DSW) feature graceful overlapping straps and delicate rhinestone embellishments, with a 4-inch platform heel. 

High-Heeled Sandals

Of course, the most common shoe for prom is a strappy high-heeled sandal.

If you want to be sure your feet are comfortable all night, opt for these Naturalizer Brenta dress sandals ($36-$65 at Famous Footwear; price varies by color). Available in white faux leather, creme brulee, rose gold, bronze pearl (shown), silver, and black, the 3-1/4-inch heel is offset by a slight platform.

If you need sparkle, go for these Benjamin Walk strappy glitter stiletto heels ($75 at David's Bridal), available in silver (shown) and champagne. They feature quadruple toe straps and a dainty 3-1/4-inch stiletto heel. 

If metallic is not what you're looking for (although they are available in metallic gold or silver), check out these Calvin Klein Tegin square-toe sandals ($70 at DSW) in beige (shown) or black. The tiny-straps are feminine and flattering, as is the 4-inch stiletto heel, and the wrapped ankle strap will keep the shoe firmly in place. 

For a really bare look that will show off your pretty pedicure, these Steve Madden Annie dress sandals ($80 at Famous Footwear), available in gold (shown) and natural, are a delicate and dainty option. They feature tiny straps including an ankle strap, a square toe, and flared 3-3/4-inch heels. 

Happy shopping - and happy dancing!

Fifty Ways To Get Out of Your March Funk

We're heading toward the end of March, with a number of warm days in a row recently, the sky being light when I wake up and still light after dinner (hooray, vernal equinox!), and a pretty good chance of no more significant snowfall this season (*nervously knocks on wood*). But even so, this is a rough time of year for me. I'm sick of winter but the joys of spring have not quite arrived. I have a tendency to fall into a funk this time of year. Fortunately (for both myself and those poor souls around me), I've developed a number of coping mechanisms that serve as a kind of "reset button." If you, like me, struggle to keep a good attitude this time of year, here is a list of fifty things you can try doing to get yourself out of that funk. Some are appropriate for home, some are okay for work, some only require a minute or two, while some need a little more time. But somewhere on this list, I hope, you will find a technique that works for you in any given situation. 

1. Go for a walk. Around the park, around the block, around your desk, around the sofa. 

2. Grab a drink. Water, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soda, wine, tequila, whatever's appropriate given the time and place. Bonus points if you spend a few minutes preparing it.   

3. Phone a friend. Texting is also acceptable. A quick vent to a trusted pal is a great stress release. 

4. Take a shower. Hot or cold, depending. If you have time, throw in a shower steamer. 

5. Listen to some music. Classical, pop, head-banging heavy metal, whatever suits your mood. If you're in public, please use earbuds and refrain from dancing. If you're not in public, have at it. 

6. Go look out the window. Whatever the view, it's different from whatever it is you've been looking at. 

7. Practice making up goofy pseudo-swear words and phrases. McGillicuddy Parnassus Moonshine McRae, is it ever satisfying. 

8. Put away 5 items that are cluttering up someplace near you. Your desk, your house, your car. Could be trash to throw away, papers to be filed, junk mail to be sorted, laundry to be put away. 

9. Wash something. A coffee cup, a load of laundry, a window, your hands. Scrubbing is physically and mentally cathartic. 

10. Smell something nice. Light a candle, pick a flower, put on perfume or aftershave, sniff a bottle of vanilla extract. 

11. Yell into a pillow. You'd be surprised at how satisfying a good primal scream can be. 

12. Change into a favorite article of clothing. Throw on that beloved college sweatshirt, those fabulous heels, the jeans that make your butt look awesome, the sweater that brings out the color of your eyes. 

13. Interact with an animal. Pet your cat. Walk your dog. Watch the squirrels cavorting outside. Drive to a pet store and chirp at the parakeets. 

14. Watch something really silly for 5 minutes. Monty Python. 1980s SNL. The Three Stooges. Road Runner cartoons. Bad lip reading videos. The sillier, the better.  

15. Cook something. Mac & cheese from a box. Duck a l'orange. Oatmeal bread. Fried bologna. 

16. Do something artistic or creative for a few moments. Doodle on a notepad. Write a poem. Give yourself an amazing smoky eye. Whittle a toothpick. Fold an origami crane. 

17. Re-read a chapter (or a few paragraphs) of a favorite book. Preferably one you haven't revisited in a while. 

18. Put on some really nice hand lotion. Good for the skin and for the soul. 

19. Slide across the floor in your socks. (Pants and sunglasses optional.)

20. Eat something sweet. Not necessarily a big something, but a couple of M&Ms, a small cookie, a hard candy, a spoonful of ice cream or pudding, a sip of soda, a strawberry. Savor it slowly. 

21. Eat something crunchy. A couple of peanuts, a pretzel rod, some apple slices, a couple of tortilla chips. Enjoy it as noisily as possible (but clean up your crumbs afterwards). 

22. Gargle. With warm salt water or mouthwash. Swish well and spit as forcefully as you can without making a mess. 

23. Buy a little something for someone. A pack of gum. A cup of coffee. A greeting card. A cookie. Making someone else feel good makes you feel good. 

24. Take off your shoes. If you're already barefoot, put on a really nice pair of socks. 

25. Wash your feet and trim your toenails. You know they need it. And it is weirdly satisfying.

26. Think of a place you've always wanted to visit and look up a hotel there. Research it thoroughly. 

27. Find something pretty or interesting around you and take a photo of it, the artsier the better. 

28. Look up the Merriam-Webster Word of the Day and try to use it in a conversation before the end of the day. 

29. Make paper clip art. (Fun fact: May 29th is National Paperclip Day. Really.)

30. Rip up a piece of scrap paper. Slowly and neatly, or fast and haphazardly. Let the little pieces flutter into the trash can. 

31. Chuck some things at or into other things. Pitch pennies into a cup. Throw darts at a dartboard. Flick cards into a box. Throw dirty socks into the laundry hamper. If you're sports-minded, shoot a few hoops or toss a baseball at a target. 

32. Breathe in through your nose for four counts, hold for four counts, then blow out through your mouth for eight counts. Repeat, upping the "blow out" count to twelve, sixteen, and twenty counts. 

33. Sing yourself a lullaby. Really. Hush Little Baby, Baa-Baa Black Sheep, All the Pretty Little Horses, Moonshine Lullaby (sorry, that one was my daughter's favorite). 

34. Take a spoon nap. Hold a metal spoon loosely in one hand while sitting in a chair on a hard surface. When you've fallen deeply enough asleep that you drop the spoon, the clatter will wake you up at a point in your sleep cycle where you feel refreshed rather than draggy. This trick got me through college. 

35. Touch nature. Go outside and touch a tree trunk, stick your bare toes in some mud, snap off a dead branch, feel a fuzzy bud. 

36. Go outside and listen. Close your eyes and concentrate on what you hear. Birds. Road noise. Children's voices. Grass rustling.

37. Snuggle in a warm blanket. No matter the temperature (inside or out), nothing is as comforting as being wrapped in a cozy blanket. 

38. Stretch. Touch your toes. Crack your knuckles. Circle your shoulders and your ankles and your neck. Reach over your head.   

39. Massage something. Your feet, your neck, your hands. Use a tool if you have one and your own hands if you don't. 

40. Consciously relax each part of your body, starting with your feet and working your way up. I taught my son to do this as a child when he had trouble falling asleep, and I use it myself on occasion. 

41. Dance. Graceful ballet, freestyle boogie, theatrical tap. Music and skill both encouraged but by no means required. 

42. Organize something. Not something big. Your junk drawer. A box of old toys in the basement. That shelf in your closet. 

43. Solve a puzzle. Crossword puzzle, jigsaw puzzle, word puzzle. Something that uses a different part of your brain than you've been using. 

44. Watch a movie. An old favorite, or a new one you haven't seen. If possible, watch it with someone else. If you don't have time for the whole thing, just watch a scene or two. 

45. Read some comics. Calvin and Hobbes is good. So is classic Peanuts. And The Far Side. And - if you and/or your kids are band nerds, like me - Funky Winkerbean. 

46. Find some water. Ocean. Pond. River. There's something incredibly primal about being near a body of water that is incredibly de-stressing. If nothing else is available, soak in the tub. 

47.  Blow bubbles. Gum or soap. Or packing stuff. Blow them, chase them, pop them. 

48. Make a list. Stuff you need to do. Stuff you want to do. Stuff you love about yourself. Cool things you've accomplished. Cool things you'd like to accomplish. Past, present, or future. 

49.  Exercise. It doesn't have to be heavy-duty, but get some form of physical exercise that you enjoy. Walking, jogging, dancing, yoga, biking, tai chi, swimming, whatever. 

50. Say "no" to something. No, I can't join that committee. No, I can't finish that task this week. No, I can't work late tonight. No, I don't want to help you do that. No, I don't wanna. It's okay to say no sometimes. It's necessary to say no sometimes. 

I hope this list helps you get through the days until spring feels like it's really here. It's coming, I promise!

Prom 2025

Although my own children aren't quite prom age yet, I love keeping an eye on the current styles that appear at local proms. As someone who went to my senior prom in 1986 (yes, I wore an off-the-shoulder watermarked taffeta ballgown and metallic blue eye shadow), I am delighted as the elegance and sophistication that has come into fashion over the past few years. Here are some of the lovely gowns the stores are showing this year (at multiple price points) that I look forward to seeing at this year's prom! [Note: Prom gowns need to be tried on, so I have limited my recommendations to brick and mortar stores.] 

Under $100

If the words "sleek," "elegant," and "classic" describe the gown you're looking for, look no further than this DJ Jaz sleeveless evening gown (on sale for $42 at JC Penney). The slim crepe column features a tuxedo-inspired bodice with stylized satin lapels and a straight skirt with a thigh-high slit. Accessorize with a delicate, unobtrusive necklace such as this silver chain with black onyx bead ($17 at Amazon); dangling black bead earrings ($20 at Macy's); black strappy sandals with silver or crystal details, like these Jones New York block heel rhinestone bow sandals (on sale for $42 at Macy's); and a blingy clutch like this Kelly & Katie jeweled clutch ($30 at DSW). You could also add a fun pop of color in a bright pair of shoes or a bag!

There's not usually a rule that prom dresses need to be floor length! If your prom-goer prefers a more casual look, this R&M Richards sleeveless fit and flare embroidered lace dress (on sale for $64 at JC Penney) is completely prom-worthy. The halter-style bodice features a wide collar band and a deep keyhole opening, with an empire seam and a flared, thigh-length skirt. Pair it with chandelier earrings, like these Bling Jewelry cubic zirconia dangle statement earrings ($26 at Macy's); a sparkly silver cuff bracelet ($35 at Macy's); simple black satin sandals ($54 at Macy's); and a black evening bag with a hint of embellishment, like this N by Nina M-Esme silver-trimmed black clutch ($38 at Kohl's). 

The sleek silhouette of this lilac (technically, "blossom") Emerald Sundae square neck sleeveless satin gown ($79 at Macy's) is accented with an empire waistline, wide straps, flattering pleats at one hip, and an angled, overlapping front slit. Accessorize with gold jewelry with purple stones like this gold and purple amethyst pendant and earrings (on sale for $68 at JC Penney); gold metallic heels, like this Simone metallic sandal in pale gold ($49 at Michael Kors Outlet); and a floral clutch combining purple and gold, like this rhinestone-accented wristlet ($20 at Etsy).

This gown is all about the sparkle and the drama! This Eclipse gold sequin gown ($89 at Lady Black Tie) features a wrapped silhouette with a deep v-neckline, delicate straps, and a wide side slit, plus an open back with criss-cross lacing and gathering at the lower back falling to a short train. The gown has plenty of built-in bling, so go light on the accessories by adding blush-toned, non-glittery pieces, such as these Simply Vera Vera Wang blue hanging bead crisscross earrings ($18 at Kohl's); light blue strappy sandals such as these Allegra K strappy lace-up chunky heel sandals ($62 at Target); and a simple blue satin clutch like this Ophelia pleated satin frame clutch ($30 at Nina Shoes). Black heels and a plain black evening bag would also look great with this gown. 

$100-200

If your prom-goer loves to follow red carpet fashion, this black and white BG Haute by Scala gown ($125 at Glitterati), also available in French blue and red, could have walked the red carpet at the Oscars.  It features a sweetheart neckline and a fitted miniskirt overlain with a flared sheer organza floor-length skirt. Stick to a black-and-white palette with accessories as shown, or have a little fun with bright accessories like a red bead necklace such as this Simple Vera Vera Wang beaded filigree statement necklace ($42 at Kohl's); these red beaded I.N.C. International Concepts Gelsey slingback kitten-heel pumps ($60 at Macy's); and a red and black bag like this JNB color block envelope clutch ($38 at Amazon). 

If your girl prefers simple over flashy, this Le Gala by Mon Cheri gown ($125 at Glitterati), available in royal blue or black, might be the right choice. The sleeveless gown features a sheer, round neck, racer back yoke over an opaque sweetheart neckline surplice bodice, and a skirt that gathers in to one hip with a thigh-high slit, and a short train (which can easily be removed by a tailor). Accessorize either color gown with long silver and crystal earrings ($18 at Macy's); a pair of rhinestone cuff bracelets ($10 at Amazon); silver and rhinestone sandals, like these Berness Lshika rhinestone sandals ($40 at Nordstrom Rack); and a simple silver evening bag, like this Kelly & Katie Betty clutch ($35 at DSW). 

If halter neck is her style, take a look at this B. Darlin v-neck patterned sequin halter dress ($139 at Dillard's) in neon pink/iridescent (also available in red). The simple silhouette is fitted to mid-thigh then flares slightly. The texture and sparkle of the sequins provides plenty of visual interest, so keep the accessories simple: long pink sparkly earrings like these simulated pink sapphire and cubic zirconia drop earrings ($59 at Ross & Simons); nude heels like these Steve Madden carmel [sic] pointed toe pumps ($50 at Nordstom Rack); and matching tan clutch like this Four Seasons patent clutch ($20 at Shoe Carnival). 

If you're looking for a soft print rather than a solid color, this delicate Marta strapless floral dress ($159 at Lady Black Tie) is a great option. It features a gently draped bodice with a sweetheart neckline, corset-style back lacing for a perfect fit, and a gracefully flared skirt with a small train. Accessorize with a pale pink pendant necklace and drop earrings, like this Austrian crystal teardrop and flame set ($33 at Innovato Design); embellished pink satin sandals, like these Fashion to Figure Tatiana heeled sandals ($65 at Target); and a pop of brighter color in a deeper pink evening bag, such as this Concord pleated frame clutch with crystal clasp ($30 at Nina Shoes). 

$200-$300

For a slightly less traditional look, try this Pear Culture corkscrew ruffled strapless gown in ombre burgundy and pink ($229 at Macy's). The gown has a fitted bodice featuring horizontal ruching, a sweetheart neckline, and a touch of glitter; a ribbon tie belt; and a flared chiffon skirt with multiple vertical ruffles fading into pale pink at the hem. Accessorize with a simple gold pendant necklace, like this Tasha baguette crystal y-necklace ($19 at Nordstrom Rack); gold stud earrings like these Anne Klein knot studs ($18 at Macy's); black satin sandals like these Nina Venus crisscross stiletto evening sandals ($54 at Macy's); and a matching black satin evening bag like this Gunne Sax by Jessica McClintock pleated clutch (on sale for $23 at JC Penney). 

If she's put off by the revealing bodices in a lot of gowns (or if her bust is too small or too large to look good or feel comfortable in them), this beaded Eliza J sleeveless ruffle gown ($248 at Bloomingdale's) is sultry and elegant but provides plenty of coverage. It features a figure-flattering (and curve-enhancing) champagne satin wrapped waist with stylized bow and cascading ruffle topping a wide side front slit. The bling of the dress calls for simple accessories like rhinestone chandelier earrings ($16 at Nordstrom Rack) and perhaps a cocktail ring like this citrine and white topaz ring ($60 at Amazon); pale gold heels or sandals, like these Bandolino Madia two piece sandals ($69 at Macy's); and a simple champagne evening bag, like this Damara pleated clutch ($17 at Amazon). 

This dramatic Aqua embellished-waist navy and silver gown ($268 at Bloomingdale's) features a simple silhouette with a v-neck, an empire waist with wide silver and bead embellishments, and a straight skirt with a thigh-high slit. Echo the beading in leaf-patterned jewelry, like this Bling leaf motif pearl and cubic zirconia choker and earrings ($42 at Macy's); then add silver ankle strap sandals like these Nine West open toe stiletto sandals ($79 at Macy's); and finish off with an embellished black bag, like this Gunne Sax by Jessica McClintock Heidi evening bag (on sale for $32 at JC Penney). 

This Jules and Cleo floral sequin sweetheart neckline ballgown ($280 at David's Bridal) combines a little sparkle and a little color for a youthful but formal feel. The gown features a combination lace-up and zippered back and narrow straps for a secure fit, and an A-line skirt. Set off the fuchsia color with a deep pink gemstone pendant necklace, like this Simona sterling cubic zirconia pendant necklace ($32 at Macy's) and drop earrings like these Kenneth Jay Lane teardrop cubic zirconia earrings ($35 at Nordstrom Rack); dark fuchsia shoes such as these Nine West Faive slingbacks ($56 at Zappos); and a simple satin clutch ($20 at Amazon). 

$300+

For more of a ballgown silhouette, this Clarisse gown ($319 at Glitterati) is available in a rainbow of colors, including forest green (shown). It features a deep curved v-neckline edged in rhinestones, with a sheer colored insert and narrow straps, with a natural waistline and a bell-shaped skirt formed by inverted pleats. Accessorize with earrings that echo the trim of the neckline, like these I.N.C. International Concepts glass stone chain earrings ($15 at Macy's); perhaps a fun rhinestone cocktail ring ($39 at Macy's); rhinestone strap sandals like these Jessica Simpson Jaeya sandals ($60 at DSW); and a simple silver bag like this Gunne Sax by Jessica McClintock Oriana embellished evening bag (on sale for $28 at JC Penney). 

I love the fabric of this Donna Karan New York straight neck ruffle trim gown ($349 at Macy's). The soft metallic silver has a subtle rippled texture and features floral print in several shades of blue. The strapless gown features a fitted bodice and an A-line skirt, with a side slit edged with a wide ruffle. Accessorize with simple silver jewelry like this Bold Elements 10-inch collar necklace (on sale for $9 at JC Penney) and Silver Reflections silver drop earrings (on sale for $10 at JC Penney); metallic blue strappy heels like these D'Amerlio Footwear Lania sandals ($79 at Macy's); and a dark blue satin clutch like this Kelly & Katie pleated clutch ($37 at DSW). 

This Andrea and Leo Couture sage floral print layered A-line dress ($349 at Lady Black Tie) is as feminine and frothy as any prom queen could ask for. With a sweetheart neckline, delicate straps, a sheer corset bodice laced at the back for a perfect fit, and a multi-layered ruffled skirt, this dress flatters any figure. The floral print and delicate colors beg for equally delicate accessories, such as a  gold and pink porcelain rose pendant ($38 from 1928) and coordinating rose and pearl drop earrings ($34 from 1928); dusty pink kitten heels ($40 at DSW); and a small pink clutch that's simple but has just a hint of personality, like this Nina Goodie bow-handled clutch ($48 at DSW). 

If you want the whole princess experience, this delicately beaded Jules and Cleo applique glitter tulle gown ($350 at David's Bridal) has it all. It comes in deep green, as shown, or petal pink. The fitted bodice is encrusted with floral beading and features a semi-sheer panel revealing corset boning, narrow straps, and a zipper closure, and the full skirt has an even fuller organza overlay with additional beading for a floaty feel. Skip the necklace and accessorize with black crystal or bead earrings, such as these Bling Jewelry art deco chandelier earrings ($15 at Macy's); perhaps even a black crystal hair accessory ($13 at Amazon); black platform sandals, like these Naturalizer Abby platform sandals ($70 at DSW); and a basic black beaded clutch like this Nina crystal minaudiere (on sale for $47 at Macy's).

Now figure out your budget, grab that young lady, and get shopping!