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!