20 Promising Prom Outfits for 2023

Want to look amazing for Prom without busting your budget? We’ve got 20 full fits from sophisticated to flirty, all at prices that won’t break the bank.

Before the photo seshes, the tiktok postings, grabbing your besties and hitting the dance floor…before all the core memories happen, the pre-prom shopping must occur.

And there’s a lot to plan. Of course, the dress is paramount, but there are so many other things too – the shoes, the purse, the accessories. All this can get seriously overwhelming.

That’s why this year, we’re giving our annual Prom article an upgrade. We’re not just doing our amazing job of showcasing fantastic dresses and suits, we’re bringing them and the accessories that go with them. Talk about a time saver!

Ready to do some one-stop prom shopping? Let’s go!

MARVELOUS MERMAIDS

Classic mermaid dresses are back in a big way this season (let’s just call it the Halle Effect). If you’ve got curves, this dress will flaunt them, as it was designed to accentuate the waist and the hips. One word of advice? This dress can sometimes be restrictive because of how it comes in tighter at the knees. So if heels aren’t your strong suit, but the dance floor is, this would be the perfect time for wearing Prom sneaks or flats.

Windsor, Lyanna Formal Iridescent Sequin Mermaid Dress $119.90

This lovely lavender dress from Windsor checks all the boxes. Mermaid silhouette, lots of sparkle and the color is just gorg. Not sure how to turn this into a whole vibe? Follow our lead by styling it with Frasier Sterling’s initial necklace and Eye Candy LA’s sweet fairy wing earrings. A satin clutch in matching lavender from Nina will hold all you need. All that’s left is to slip into a pair of pastel Stan Smiths from adidas’ new season. The flatform will give you height without the blisters and you can sway the night away knowing they’re made from 50% recycled materials (because every mermaid loves the ocean).

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Windsor, Lorelei Formal Mermaid Long Dress $92.90

Diving into our next look, this Tiffany blue mermaid gown is clean and structured, with plenty of swing room around the bottom, making it easy to move.  With that in mind, sliding into Lulu’s shimmery knotted high heel sandals is the perfect play, especially when paired with some beautiful bling up top, such as Zoe Lev’s choose-your-zodiac signet ring in sterling silver and some multi-colored long drop earrings from Eye Candy LA. Lastly, we add a playful beaded clutch from Cato and you’re out the door in no time, no cap.

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Windsor, Keria Formal Glitter Lace Mermaid Dress $239.90

Definitely getting some major Great Gadsby vibes from this cream and glitter lace dress. Taking our cue from there, styling this becomes a dream with a pair of ballet pink flats with pearl bows, some deco-decadent earrings from Pink My Ear, and a golden gilded clutch from Ella & Elly.

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Windsor, Maribelle Formal V-Neck Mermaid Dress $84.90

This azure blue mermaid gown from Windsor is one cool customer. Blue, BTW, is one of those universally flattering colors that goes amazingly with all manner of skin tones. That high leg slit is perfect for showing off some equally cool shoes, and these ombré pumps from Nina do not disappoint. Pair these with a material mix necklace from A Sinner in Pearls that combines pearls (natch) with blue beads and a multi-toned crystal pendant. Rounding out this outstanding fit, is Pinko’s new season mini bag in glittering goodness.

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Windsor, Rachel Formal Glitter Lace-Up Dress $69.90

Who says mermaids can’t play with fire? Certainly not us, and definitely not when you slip into this fiery red mermaid dress. Made with stretch glitter fabric, this long gown is full on bodycon. Something this bold deserves equally strong accessories, including Circus NY’s major platform heel and a supersized rhinestone cuff from Kenneth Jay Lane. As for your bag, we pull out all the stops with red satin, rhinestones and feathers from Nina.

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COME ON BARBIE, LET’S GO PARTY

Talk about pretty in pink! All of us fell hard for Barbiecore this year, so of course *spoiler alert* we’re not letting go of our mood-boosting, vibrant hued fits anytime soon. So bring on the fuchsias, the hot pinks, the magentas – All. Of. This. It’s a Barbie world, and we’re not even mad…

Windsor, Blair Lace-Up A-Line Rhinestone Formal Dress

$99.90

So, so glam. This rhinestone formal dress from Windsor is just stunning, and we love the lined mesh fabric which gives you stretch while it hugs your curves. With that vibrant hue as the lead, we add some great supporting characters, such as Baublebar’s double-sided waterfall earrings (it links like an ear jacket so you have bling on both sides) and some champagne silver heels by Coconut. Of course, you have to have a statement bag, and this velvet red heart clutch from JellyYoo works.

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Jules and Cleo, Embellished Waist Plunge Neck Mini $129.95

We all love a dress that gives us some twirl. This mini from Jules and Cleo will catch your every move on the dance floor. With sizing up to 24x, the deep front plunge is party perfection. Truly personalize this look with Baublebar’s pavé custom nameplate necklace (choose from Block or Script fonts, up to 10 characters). And no, you’re not seeing double per se, but yes we did manage to find this fuchsia and rhinestone heels that are seriously twinning with our dress. And for keeping all your necessities for the night, Ella & Elly’s crystal clutch does the trick.

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Boston Proper, Modern Double-Breasted Blazer $149.50 and Slim Leg Fit Trouser Pant $98.50

Channel your inner Zendaya with Boston Proper’s hot pink double-breasted suit. Of course Daya’s head to toe look worked great at Paris Fashion Week, but we’d suggest breaking up the silhouette with some fun and sleek accessories, such as DB Studio’s beautifully beaded strap top, M. Gemi’s cool convertible crossbody, some double-sided hoops from Kenneth Jay Lane and Love, Bonito’s metallic leather oxfords.

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Lulus, Iridescent Hot Pink Sequin One-Shoulder $49

(on Sale NOW from $88)

Short, sweet and sequined, Lulu’s hot pink, one-shoulder mini brings the bling. Keeping this the main character of the story, we pair it with Zoe Lev’s whimsical white gold emoji bracelet (perfect for placement on your open arm). M. Gemi’s crinkly silver platforms keep the show going and we end this look with a sweet, heart-shaped bag from Parisian brand TOUS (if the crossbody strap isn’t your thing, just remove it and sport the bag as a top handle).

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Windsor, Connie Formal Velvet One-Shoulder Dress $59.90

Nothing quite hits different like velvet, the feel, the way the light plays on it…we could go on, but let’s first talk about this one-shouldered stunner from Windsor. Besides the gorg color, we’re loving the ruching and the high, open slit which combines to show off the very best of your everything. To all this tastiness, we add champagne-colored heels from Valenti Franco and Nina’s shell-inspired metallic frame bag. Finishing out this glorious fit, we add some multi-colored rhinestone earrings from Versona (which we found for a total steal).

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ON WEDNESDAYS, WE WEAR GOTH

Do we even have to mention how amazing Jenna Ortega is? Nope. All we’ll say is that if Season 2 is even half as good as the first, Wednesday will continue to be our favorite day…ever.

Windsor, Monica Sequin Embroidered Lace Ball Gown $149.90

Formal meets goth in this long black embroidered gown from Windsor. The sheer mesh bodice with corset boning comes together for a look that is sexy and confident. Philip Gavriel’s dark gemstone pendant gives elegance with just a touch of goth. Some champagne gold chunky heels from Carvela and JellyWoo’s sleek black and rhinestone clutch complete the outfit.

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Sugarlips, Cosmic Dreams Puff Sleeve Dress $79

This celestial-inspired dress will have you dreaming of the stars. With sheer puffy sleeves and plenty of ruffle action, it has goth vibe with a fresh take. We keep that playfulness going with a new season clutch by Barrow, the digital native-obsessed Italian brand. We finish with some vintage-inspired statement earrings from Marchesa Notte and Charles David’s sexy sandals.

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Windsor, Paityn Formal Off-The-Shoulder Sequin Dress $119.90

Seriously, how stunning is this filigree sequin pattern gown? We love the combo of a little goth and a little Bridgerton. A gown this interesting requires equally interesting accessories. Lulus’ rhinestone wrap-around heels match so well with Stolen Girlfriends Club serpent ring, just as Ella & Elly’s flower shaped clutch pairs well with Versona’s oversized stud earrings with their embossed floral ornament.

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BELLE OF THE BALL

Prom is a great time for going extra (in the best way) and nothing pulls focus like a beautiful ball gown. It can be frothy and decadent, or freshly formal – all depending on your personal style.

Windsor, Stacy Glitter Sequin Tulle Ball Gown $139.90

This rose-gold, sequinned tulle from Windsor is a ball gown that understood the assignment completely. Plenty of volume and sparkle, with a generous waist band and a deep plunge top, this is a dress with a timeless silhouette. So it seems only right that we would pair it with equally romantic pieces. A double-strand gold and pink crystal necklace by Kendra Scott, a beautiful floral clutch and Nina’s sparkly rose heels all come together nicely to support this stunning fit.

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Windsor, Alexis Formal Rhinestone A-Line Dress $119.90

Here’s another ethereal beauty from Windsor in a soft sage. There are so many things to love about this dress! The high slit ensures your amazing shoes are on full display, the tiny rhinestones sewn into the fabric will catch the light with every step, and…wait for it…two hidden side pockets (because, pockets). As for accessories, we skip the expected silver and go for more interesting finds, such as combo’ing up a velvet rope choker with a gunmetal silver lariat necklace (both with moody black pearls). Lulus leaf ankle strap sandals are unexpected and fun. Just add a complementary dark emerald clutch and you are ready for the party.

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Windsor, Bonnie Formal Metallic Two-Piece Dress $139.90

Craving a new take on the traditional ball gown? How about giving a two-piece a try on for size? This iridescent metallic fabric gown takes the iconic silhouette and instantly makes it current. But why let your dress have all the fun? Enhance the mercurial nature of your dress with accessories like an ombré bag from Nina, Eye Candy LA’s multi-faceted sun and moon celestial statement earrings, and Circus NY’s metallic block heel.

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SHORT & SWEET

They may be less on hem, but these Prom dresses are not short on style. Proving you can pack major fashion into a smaller package, we will always appreciate a well-made, short prom dress.

Windsor, Lucy Taffeta Bow Mini Party Dress $79.90

Case in point, this sleek black dress has a simple silhouette up front, with a fantastic big bow and fun trail in the back. Delightfully dramatic, it just begs for some beautiful bling. This matching set of  rhinestone drop earrings and necklace from Badgley Mischka is just right (and we found it for an absolute steal of a price). And those hot pink shoes were so perfect, of course we had to recommend them. Especially when they go so well with Ganni’s satiny ruched top-handle bag.

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Jules and Cleo, Plus Size Floral Embroidered Corset Dress

$159.95

So much romance in this corset mini dress. The peek-a-boo illusion corset plays so well with the floral foil embroidery and the blush on blush tones. Matching that energy, we pair it with some rose gold satin sandals with charming rhinestone butterflies. A rosy-toned crystal necklace from Marchesa Notte adds some fun bling above and Lady Arya’s bejeweled clutch completes the look.

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Windsor, Kayla Tulle Short Party Dress $89.90

To tulle or not to tulle is definitely not a question with this dress. With a built in no-slip grip up top, you’ll have no excuse not to give it your all on the dance floor. Especially when we pair this frothy fantasy with some ultra-pink, feathered hotties from Nina plus an adorbs mini bag from TOUS. But what about the bling, you say? Baublebar’s ear crawlers create a fringe effect of cascading rhinestones all down your ears.

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Windsor, Katie Rhinestone Short Party Dress $119.90

If Tiktok hasn’t properly informed you yet, our love for Euphoria lewks don’t exactly go over with most school dress codes. This bodycon short dress however gives plenty of big East Highland High energy without the drama of too much reveal. To this we pair some butterfly and pearl chandelier earrings and Circus NY’s marvelous Miranda heel. For keeping all your necessities, Versona’s embellished top handle satchel is a great choice. Now put on your sharpest Maddy wing and command the room.

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