PICKING the right look for prom night is no mean feat, so we've pulled together a selection of the best prom dresses that will look amazing on the dancefloor – whatever your style.
Whether you're shopping for your school leaver send-off, a prom-themed party or you just want an excuse to buy a beautiful gown, prom style is the perfect opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and go a little 'extra': be it with length, volume, embellishments or all of the above.
Timeless silhouettes like 1950s A-lines and form-fitting strapless gowns are a popular choice, as chances are – you'll be looking back at pictures from your prom night for years to come, and won't want to go for anything that will quickly look dated.
That being said, prom is a fun snapshot in time, so if on-trend and of-the-moment is your vibe, then there are plenty of dresses to make a statement in.
Black tie dresses aren't something you buy every day, so comfort is another factor as you'll want something that not only looks good but is easy to move in.
Below, we've picked out a winning selection of the best prom dresses to make your night stylishly memorable.
Best prom dresses at a glance:
- Best fit-and-flare: Chi Chi London Halter Neck Mesh Midi Dress in Blue
- Best black gown: Lyla Black Asymmetric Off Shoulder Ruched Maxi Dress with Side Split
- Best plus size: Plus Size Satin Cami Strap Ruffle Detail Bodycon Dress in Rust
- Best 'quintessentially prom': Goddiva Satin Bandeau Maxi Dress – Blush,
- Best mini dress: Mango Ruffled Draped Dress
1. Maya Deluxe Women's Ladies Midi Dress with Halter Neck Tulle
- Maya Deluxe Women's Ladies Midi Dress with Halter Neck Tulle, £69.31 – £85.00 from Amazon – buy here
This dress by Maya Deluxe is perfect if you want something relatively simple that will still look elevated and prom-worthy.
Featuring a halter neckline and floaty tulle skirt that flairs out from the waist for a nipped-in silhouette, the real star of the show is the hand-sewn sequin top which will sparkle beautifully under the disco lights.
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We love the 'Moody Lilac' hue but it's also available in 10 other colourways: from dramatic black to striking emerald green.
'Beautiful dress…Can’t wait to wear this for a formal night' writes one happy shopper.
2. MildApril Women's Long Off Shoulder Chiffon Dress with Slit
- MildApril Women's Long Off Shoulder Chiffon Dress with Slit, £45.99 from Amazon – buy here
This gown by MildApril is suggested as a bridesmaid dress, but we can totally see it working at prom.
Made from soft chiffon fabric, the sweetheart neckline features off-shoulder sleeve detailing that looks ultra chic.
Meanwhile, the high split design adds plenty of drama and will give you room to dance.
It's available in an incredible 15 shades, with each one giving it a slightly different look. From bold green to rich grape, it's hard to pick – but we love the softness and whimsy of the baby blue option.
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3. Club L London Lyla Black Asymmetric Off The Shoulder Ruched Maxi Dress with Side Split
- Lyla Black Asymmetric Off The Shoulder Ruched Maxi Dress with Side Split, £75 from Club L London – buy here
Wearing black to your prom is very much a look (thank you, Wednesday Addams): it's bold, dramatic and ultra-versatile when it comes to accessorising.
With an asymmetric neckline, off-the-shoulder sleeve, and ruched detailing, this figure-hugging gown by Club L London ticks all the boxes for a memorable look.
4. Club L London Eloriana Gunmetal Sequin Bandeau Wrap Skirt Maxi Dress With Side Split
- Eloriana Gunmetal Sequin Bandeau Wrap Skirt Maxi Dress With Side Split, £150 from Club L London – buy here
There aren't many opportunities to go head to toe with sequins – so why not make prom one of them, with this stunning maxi.
Available in gunmetal or black, the corseted bodice and bandeau neckline create a sculpted look that gives plenty of Hollywood glam.
5. Chi Chi London Halter Neck Mesh Midi Dress in Blue
- Halter Neck Mesh Midi Dress in Blue, £72 (was £90) from Chi Chi London – buy here
Shorter styles like this midi from Chi Chi London feel young, playful but still timeless: ideal for prom.
The skater-style skirt features a tulle overlay for a retro feel, with a fitted bodice and high mesh halter neckline to complete the look.
6. Chi Chi London Plus Size Satin Cami Strap Ruffle Detail Bodycon Dress in Rust
- Plus Size Satin Cami Strap Ruffle Detail Bodycon Dress in Rust, £44 (was £98) from Chi Chi London – buy here
Available from sizes 18 to 26, this bodycon dress has a gorgeous Mermaid fit, with sleeves that gently drape over the arms.
The bold rust shade in a silky finish looks really expensive too.
7. Goddiva Satin Bandeau Maxi Dress – Blush
- Goddiva Satin Bandeau Maxi Dress – Blush, £78 from Goddiva – buy here
This pink silky gown is exactly what we think of when we hear the word 'prom'.
The bandeau design, bodycon bodice and mermaid hem are simple but impactful – and really allow the moonshimmer satin to do all the talking.
8. Goddiva Feather Boobtube Maxi Dress – Emerald Green
- Goddiva Feather Boobtube Maxi Dress – Emerald Green, £95 from Goddiva – buy here
Feather detailing is massively on-trend right now and brings a real feel of old-school Hollywood glamour to black tie dresses.
It's the perfect zhuzhed-up addition to this boobtube maxi by Goddiva.
9. New Look Off White Floral Organza Puff Sleeve Mini Dress
- Off White Floral Organza Puff Sleeve Mini Dress, £45.99 from New Look – buy here
If long, dramatic gowns aren't your thing: why not go mini?
With puff sleeves and an organza finish, this fit-and-flare design from New Look is finished with a subtle floral design for added cuteness.
10. New Look Red Lace Bustier Midi Dress
- Red Lace Bustier Midi Dress, £45.99 from New Look – buy here
Dare to be the lady in red with this lace bustier midi from New Look.
Featuring bustier cups and adjustable shoestring straps, it nips in at the waist for a timeless fit-and-flare silhouette.
11. New Look Bright Blue Satin Cowl Neck Midi Slip Dress
- Bright Blue Satin Cowl Neck Midi Slip Dress, £29.99 from New Look – buy here
Slip dresses never fail to look amazingly chic and stylish, and are perfect for dressing up and making your own for prom.
Finished in shimmering satin, the cowl neckline of this midi will look amazing with a statement necklace to add some sparkle.
12. Mango Two-tone Flowers Maxi Dress
- Mango Two-tone Flowers Maxi Dress, £170 from Mango – buy here
Make a 3D statement with this black satin tailored dress from Mango.
It's embellished with maxi flowers which give it the ultimate 'wow' factor and is eco-friendly too, as it's made from recycled polyester.
13. Mango Ruffled Draped Dress
- Ruffled Draped Dress, £89.99 from Mango – buy here
Another black mini dress wonder from Mango, this one features a decorative bow showcasing a jewel-effect buckle: talk about statement!
The satin finish and tie back elevates it further: team with opaque tights, pointy heels and a diamante clutch to complete the glam look.
14. Mango Asymmetrical Cape Dress
- Mango Asymmetrical Cape Dress, £55.99 from Mango – buy here
In a zingy shade of chartreuse green, this frock is an unexpected hue for prom, so it's ideal if you like to stand out from the crowd.
The asymmetrical cape design is pure Debbie Harry vibes, too: perfect for swaying and swishing on the dance floor.
15. Mango Ruffled Detail Dress
- Mango Ruffled Detail Dress, £99.99 from Mango – buy here
If you love soft, romantic designs then keep reading.
The dreamy lilac hue and ruffle details of this maxi dress by Mango is super-feminine and floaty for prom.
And styled with Mango's transparent vinyl wedge sandals and silver jewellery, it still feels perfectly contemporary.
16. ASOS EDITION Sequin Halter Mini Dress with Faux Feather Hem in Sage Green
- ASOS EDITION Sequin Halter Mini Dress with Faux Feather Hem in Sage Green, £120 from ASOS – buy here
Sequins and feathers? Now you're talking.
This halterneck mini is embellished with sparkle and trimmed with a faux-feather hem that will give beautiful movement as you glide in it.
'Simply stunning!' writes one five-star review.
17. Pieces Tall Premium Puff Sleeve Organza Mini Dress in Pink
- Pieces Tall Premium Puff Sleeve Organza Mini Dress in Pink, £19 (was £38) from ASOS – buy here
Lean into the pretty-in-pink feels with this super cute mini dress by Pieces.
In a Tall fit, the square neck, puff sleeves and shirred back add lots of fun prom-worthy detailing.
18. boohoo Boutique High Neck Prom Dress
- boohoo Boutique High Neck Prom Dress, £30 from Debenhams – buy here
The antithesis of all things sparkly and OTT, this simple black prom dress is perfect for channelling your best Audrey Hepburn for a timeless look that you'll never look back on and regret.
With a shiny finish, it's all about how you style this beauty, so make sure you accessorise with some statement earrings and killer heels.
19. River Island Brown Animal Print Sequin Mini Dress
- Brown Animal Print Sequin Mini Dress, £95 from River Island – buy here
Another frock that pushes the boundaries of prom style, this River Island mini shift is decked out in animal print sequins for a unique but sparkly statement.
It's available online only, so you won't find it in-store.
20. Nasty Gal Floral Print Tulle Bandeau Maxi Dress
- Floral Print Tulle Bandeau Maxi Dress, £95.40 (was £159) from Nasty Gal – buy here
It may be tulle and it may be maxi – but this Nasty Gal dress avoids looking overly formal with its vibrant floral print that is almost tie-dye in appearance.
With a ruched bodice, sweetheart neckline and tiered ruffles, it's fun, youthful and requires minimal styling.
What is the 2023 prom style?
Prom style in 2023 is all about freedom of expression.
There are no hard and fast 'rules' to live by, so take the opportunity to push the envelope and wear what makes you feel amazing.
Having said that, if you're looking for a place to start, there are always styles that look great for prom: think satin cocktail dresses, mermaid gowns, dresses with sweetheart necklines and anything adorned with sequins, embellishments, ruffles or feather-look trim.
What should a girl wear to prom?
Prom is probably one of the first black tie events you'll get to experience, so it's the perfect chance to shop for formal dresses that you wouldn't normally get the chance to wear.
Full-length gowns are excellent for bringing the drama, but shorter styles look prom-worthy too – especially in fit and flare silhouettes.
Meanwhile, if dresses aren't your thing, tailoring can look ultra-chic. Team a slim-fitting tuxedo suit (extra points if it's sequinned) with a heeled sandal and a statement clutch for a fashion-forward prom look.
What is the best colour to wear to prom?
Again, there really aren't any rules when it comes to prom style in 2023, so if you've got a favourite colour: wear it.
If you need some inspiration though, soft pastels like pale pink and blue look dreamy in tulle and satin fabrics, while jewel colours make a bold and dramatic statement.
You also can't go wrong with glam metallic prom dresses, while black or white dresses are a contemporary choice.
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