26 Head-Turning Prom Dresses That Are Trending Right Now

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Even though it’s been 11 years since I went to prom, I still remember the magic of it all. I’d dreamed of the night since I was a little girl — romanticizing it on a whole other level after watching High School Musical 3 — and could not wait for the day to actually come. There are so many details to consider. Everything from how to style your hair, what shade of spray tan to get, how to paint your nails, and whether you should go soft glam or all out on your makeup look. However, the most important detail of them all is choosing the perfect prom dress.

I’m all about keeping it classy when it comes to formal events. There’s just something about a stunning, elegant dress that makes you feel beautiful. If you’re searching for a prom dress that’s going to turn heads this spring, I’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for a dress with sparkles, one with ruffles, or a dress style no one else will most likely have, you’ve come to the right place. 

Keep reading to find the perfect style and shop the trending prom dresses this year.

Prom Dress FAQ:

What color prom dress should I wear?

When it comes to choosing the perfect prom dress color, it can feel overwhelming. If you don’t already have a specific color in mind, choosing a dress that pairs perfectly with your skin tone, eye color, and hair color will make your look stand out even more. That’s where “color analysis” can help select the best color of a dress. Here are the colors that look best on each color season:

• Light Spring: Corn Yellow, Light Green, Aquamarine, Peach
• Bright Spring: Violet, Deep Gold, Bright Red, Shocking Pink, Deep Blue
• Warm Spring: Lime, Yellow-Green, Bright Coral, Kelly Green
• Light Summer: Ice Pink, Pastel Green, Baby Yellow
• Muted Summer: Light Grey, Lilac Grey, Mushroom, Lavender
• Cool Summer: Fuchsia, Sea Foam Green, Grey, Periwinkle, Maroon
• Dark Autumn: Deep Teal, Soft Cream, Rich Merlot, Java Brown

Check out this in-depth Color Analysis Cheat Sheet from the Style Coaching Institute. It’s in-depth and will help you determine the colors that will look best.

When should I start shopping for a prom dress?

The earlier you buy your prom dress, the better. We recommend shopping for a prom dress two to three months in advance That way, you have time to make alterations if you need them. Additionally, knowing what your dress will look like can give you an idea of how you want to style your hair and glam.

How much should a prom dress cost?

Prom dresses vary in price depending on the designer or retailer you purchase your dress from. You could spend as little as $150 to $1,000+ on a prom dress. Before you begin shopping, make sure you know how much you are willing to spend. Staying within a healthy budget will help you prep for shopping.

The average cost for a prom dress is typically around $250 to $500; however, high-end designer dresses are much more. Remember to budget in costs of alterations (which could add up to $150) and accessories (like shoes, jewelry, etc.).

Classy Prom Dresses to Shop Now

Sparkle Prom Dresses

Sparkle prom dresses never go out of style. Every year, there are fresh, new ways of taking the crystal detail to another level. If you’re looking for a design that will turn heads this prom season, a sparkle dress is always a frontrunner. After all, when will there be another time you can wear such a fun dress to an event?

Polka Dot Prom Dresses

Polka Dot patterns are timeless, and we love how Sherri Hill has kept the pattern a staple in her design for years. If you’re looking for a fun way to wear black and white, these are the top dresses we’re eyeing to do just that this prom season. Polka dots are fun, so you could have fun with footwear as well — we can just imagine pairing any of these dresses with cute Converse sneakers.

Floral Prom Dresses

There’s just something about a floral prom dress that gets me every time. Maybe it’s because I wore a floral prom dress when I had senior prom, and it makes me feel nostalgic. However, I truly feel like it’s such a feminine style that will “wow” a crowd. Whether the detail is in embellished flowers or throughout the entirety of the fabric, you can never go wrong with any of these dresses.

Simple Prom Dresses

For the girlies who want to keep things simple, these prom dresses are the best of the selection. While simple in style, these dresses will never be overlooked. We can just imagine how stunning they would look with a gorgeous half-up, half-down hairstyle and a glowy glam makeup look.