As one of the last momentous occasions of their high school years, for girls, prom is likely the first of many big events in their young lives where they’re the center of attention to an entourage of “oohs and awws” when searching for THE dress. It’s a whole process. For boys, prom means renting a tux with a tie or cummerbund that will maybe set them apart from the sea of other tuxes crowding into the hotel banquet room. Definitely less work.
Before the Internet, I was forced to go to a different city to shop for my puffy prom dress at local boutiques for fear someone else would be wearing the same one. Those days are gone. Now, shopping online gives you a way bigger pool to pull from. The downside is you keep your fingers crossed it fits perfectly without intervention from a seamstress. Most prom dress retailers recommend shopping for a prom dress starting around three months before the date.
This year’s prom styles trend toward hot pink hues adorned with sequins or rhinestones, corset bodices and open-back designs, according to the Windsor Store. For dresses, there really are no rules, except perhaps the school dress code.
Junior prom dresses typically have a ball gown or princess-y vibe, while senior prom dresses exude more sophistication and will make your high schooler look way more grown up than you prefer. Prom dresses are usually floor-length and have an A-line, mermaid, trumpet, ball gown or sheath silhouette. But again, there’s no rule that a prom dress has to be long or even a dress for that matter.
These are some of the most popular — and affordable — stores for getting prom ready in 2023:
1. Camille La Vie
With prices starting at $50 and going up to $600, there’s a prom dress to fit any budget at Camille La Vie. Since 1985, the brand has been providing affordable prom dresses to wedding dresses to every type of shopper, along with nonprofits throughout the U.S. so “every girl has the opportunity to live their dreams.” The inclusive online retailer sells dresses in every size for a picture-perfect prom in 2023.
2. Couture Candy
Couture Candy helps capture your distinctive style while making lasting memories in the perfect dress. It has everything from affordable long, flowing gowns to sassy corset dresses from top designers, including Jovani, Sherri Hill and Mori Lee. Sale prices start at $49 and go up to $4,800 for regular-priced prom dresses.
3. David’s Bridal
Whether you’re shopping for wedding dresses or prom dresses, David’s Bridal has one for every occasion in a plethora of styles and silhouettes. Regardless of the event, David’s Bridal offers affordable options for a range of budget-minded prom dress shoppers. You can book a free one-on-one appointment with a personal stylist in-store, online and via text. Prices start around $99 and go up to $600 for ball gowns.
4. JJ’s House
JJ’s House has won numerous awards for its wedding dress selections. But the retailer, which started in 2010, has equally amazing prom dresses at super affordable prices in regular, petite and plus sizes. Prices start around $50 and go up to $260. One thing we love that’s different from other prom dress retailers is that JJ’s House gives you the option to try on specific styles at home for $10 prior to making a purchase. And bonus points for getting a student discount at this store.
5. Lulus
Looking for head-turning prom styles that blend affordability into today’s trends? Lulus is your store. From figure-skimming bodycon dresses to flowy frocks, the budget-friendly choices range from under $100 up to $170. Plus, Lulus offers free ground shipping and free return shipping if you want to try out more than one dress at a time.
6. Macy’s
Macy’s is a trusty shopping destination for fashion, beauty, cookware and, yes, prom dresses. From dresses created just for Macy’s to designer brands to prom dresses under $100, the choices are abundant, sparkly and affordable. Prom dresses that are on sale start around $50 and go up to $360 for regular-priced dresses.
7. New York Dress
New York Dress carries prom dresses from high-quality luxe designers as well as high-quality affordable ones, too. Choose from form-fitting dresses with or without slits and princess-y gowns with full skirts. Prices start around $40 for sale dresses and go up to $6,000, so there’s a wide variety to choose from for every body type and personality.
8. Nordstrom
When you think of Nordstrom, the first thing that comes to mind might not be “affordable.” Although the retailer does carry high-priced merchandise, there are plenty of budget-friendly options, too. And prom dresses are one of those categories. This one-stop store has short, long and ball gown dresses in a wide range of size options, along with coordinating shoes and jewelry to make this year’s prom the most special. You can snag prom dresses on sale starting around $40 and regular-priced dresses at up to $500.
9. PromGirl
Aptly-named PromGirl is the online destination for all things prom. From simple dresses to embellished gowns, the hardest part will be choosing just one of these fabulous options. You’ll find top prom dress designers like Jovani, La Femme and Faviana, to name a few, along with styles and colors you can’t find anywhere else. Prices range from $100 up to $1,500 with sale styles starting at $19. PromGirl also offers a handy cost calculator so you can plan ahead for the big event.
10. Windsor
Windsor isn’t new to the fashion world. Since 1957, the Windsor brand has been focused on designing special occasion dresses for women. The family-owned business’ mission is to make pretty things accessible to everyone. Windsor prom dresses start around $40 and go up to $230, with sale styles starting at $10. Windsor stores are found throughout the U.S. in over 200 locations.
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