We girls already know it—preparing for prom isn’t a stroll in the park. It takes weeks of deciding on how you would want to look, finding a date, fitting items in department stores, dieting, getting a pair of heels, finding accessories to wear, and the most migraine-inducing and stressful task: finding the perfect dress.
Having plentiful budget is great, because let’s be real, money can expand your dress options and style choices. But it doesn’t mean you can’t look great with a limited budget. Sometimes people can even hit a jackpot piece that looks just like one that costs thousands of dollars (and sometimes even better!). All you need is great deal of patience in scouring the Internet for that one stunning dress that will suit your budget, right?
But for the buzzer beaters, the lazy ones, and the don’t-know-what-looks-good type of gal, we’re here for you. We trimmed down your options to 25 most beautiful and glamorous dresses that are not only budget friendly (all under under $400) but will make your prom memorable to you.
BARDOT Gemma Halter Lace Sheath Dress
Price: US$119.00
Buy It
Bardot‘s ‘Gemma’ will dress you comfortably while making you look extremely lovely. The halter neck design goes so well with its open back, baring just the right amount of skin for a beautiful and sophisticated look. It accentuates the shoulder and exudes a classy kind of sultriness through the sheer lace hem design.
XSCAPE Embellished Embroidered Chiffon Gown
Price: US$309.00
Buy It
A splash of sparkle and glitter in an elegant design is quite popular for prom dresses nowadays, yet XSCAPE manages to make it refreshing and interesting. The almond scooped neckline and the triangle cut-out are great accents for the sparkly fitted bodice, while the graceful fall of the royal blue skirt adds up to the highly classy appeal.
DRESS THE POPULATION Blair Embellished Fit & Flare Dress
Price: US$269.00
Buy It
Lace dresses are fab choices for a prom dress design. Dress the Population makes you look no further, as this green sparkly number will surely flatter your curves and bring out your sexy vibe. Key details of that look? The low-neckline, see-through laced hem, tightly fitted waistline and gorgeous sequins.
LULUS Spaghetti Strap Scallop Lace Mermaid Gown
Price: US$88.00
Buy It
Lulus mermaid gown is a highly feminine piece that gives a more toned down look of the lace fabric that ladies love. The deep blue is the perfect hue for this floor length dress, completed with simple yet lovely details: scalloped edges, waist belt design and interesting texture brought by the lace.
Betsy & Adam Embellished Lace Mermaid Gown
Price: US$349.00
Buy It
Starry skies on a pitch black night is exactly the vibe of this Betsy & Adam gown. Made stunning by the plunging neckline and back, lace material and fine embellishments, you sure are going to turn heads while making your way to the cocktail table.
MORGAN & CO. Off the Shoulder Lace Fit & Flare Dress
Price: US$119.00
Buy It
If you’re veering away from the traditional choice of long and flowy dresses, then Morgan & Co. got something to tickle your creative imagination. Although in a light hue, the lace captures the 1950s inspiration of the design, made stunning by the off the shoulder design.
LULUS Glamorous Gala Embellished Maxi Dress
Price: US$94.00
Buy It
If you plan to party all night long, Lulus glamorous maxi dress will carry you comfrotably through all the phases of the prom night: the glammed up entrance, prom photos, slow dancing, fun with friends and of course, partying until dawn. You’ll definitely look so dashing and cozy with this one.
Adrianna Papell Beaded Gown
Price: US$299.00
Buy It
Get a full-on glam with Adrianna Papell‘s beaded gown. It’s rose gold color has a lovely and modern feel, made utterly stunning by the intricate bead embellishments all over. Paired with gorgeous high heels, you can easily be the prom queen in this piece.
LA FEMME Cold Shoulder Open Back Body-Con Dress
Price: US$275.00
Buy It
Be daring and bold with a dress that’s far from the safe and common choices of many: La Femme‘s bodycon dress. The black material goes well with the body-hugging fit of the dress, while the cold-shoulder design has been beautifully accentuated by the ruffle trims. But what really takes this piece to the fashion home run is the backless style that will leave a lasting impression to every person you turn your back on (just literally, of course!).
NEEDLE & THREAD Utopia ruffled lace-trimmed embroidered tulle maxi dress
Price: US$280.00
Buy It
Needle & Thread strikes the balance between dainty and glamorous in this ‘Utopia’ maxi dress. The floral design on the bodice brightens the vibe of the dress, a good contrast to the black color on the bigger parts and on the lace. Keyhole cutouts both at the front and back shows off a bit of skin, giving a nice balance to the long and flowy skirt.
BARDOT Paris Lace Body-Con Dress
Price: US$129.00
Buy It
Bardot’s alluring body-con dress is perfect for those who want to go out of the box and say no to ball gowns and maxi dresses. Don’t underestimate it’s charm though—even with less fabric, it has a very classy look with the way the designer use the lace material, particularly on the mock turtleneck with a partial v-shaped scooped lining on the neck.
VINCE CAMUTO Embellished Ruffle Back Crepe Gown
Price: US$268.00
Buy It
Vince Camuto‘s black crepe gown is a poised formal wear at the front, and an attractive party piece at the back. Its clean design at the front gives off the elegance every girl needs during prom, while the dramatic ruffled design with cutout lets people know that you’ve arrived to have fun, too.
DRESS THE POPULATION Claudia Plunging Illusion Sequin Lace Minidress
Price: US$253.00
Buy It
Impressing your date beyond his imagination doesn’t need big silhouettes—this Claudia mini dress proves that. Its fit hugs your curves at the right places and brings in the “polished look”, beautified with the handsome combination of black and tan. Topping off the design is the illusion of a plunging neckline straight down to the abdomen.
MAC DUGGAL Beaded Mesh Gown
Price: US$338.00
Buy It
For ladies who don’t hold back with glamming up, Mac Duggal’s mesh gown will be your perfect match. Its fabulous look has a sweet touch to it, making it not too overpowering and just the right amount of shine to a sparkly night at the dance floor. The high slit, romantic neckline and waist-cinching illusion all add up to a an overall sultry-looking number.
XSCAPE Floral Brocade Fit & Flare Dress
Price: US$188.00
Buy It
This fit & flare dress is a flirty piece to wear on a prom night, sending off a message that the wearer is a fun and adventurous type of a gal. Its name already reveals the design, with the bodice fitted nicely and the skirt flaring into a nice bouncy number. The sweet design at the back and the thin strap will be nicely accentuated with sleek, strappy high heels.
BEAUFILLE Dione ruffle one-shoulder dress
Price: US$310.00
Buy It
Feel a bit more sexy without showing off a lot of skin, as Beaufille gives you this one-shoulder dress in a fab luscious red hue. The single sleeve is made more beautiful by the huge but graceful ruffles, a detail that will surely shine when you’re strutting your stuff on the dance floor.
JENNY YOO Kayla A-Line Halter Gown
Price: US$275.00
Buy It
Simply elegant, this Jenny Yoo gown is perfect for a romantic prom night in a teen’s life. Its main appeal is its classy design, featuring a halter neck and a dainty low back complete with sleek strappy detailing. A slit that reaches up to the mid thigh completes the divine aesthetic of the design.
LA FEMME Ruffle Off the Shoulder Fit & Flare Dress
Price: US$235.00
Buy It
Have fun with shorter piece with La Femme‘s dress. This fit & flare piece is detailed with a playful semi-gathered skirt and utterly charming ruffle embellishments on the off-the-shoulder design. It allows you to show off your gorgeous legs, as well as your beautiful pair of high heels for that cohesive appearance.
ALICE MCCALL Back To You dress
Price: US$400.00
Buy It
Push your style boundaries and put on Alice McCall’s magnificent design on this “Back To You” dress. Bound to give an electric impression right away, this piece has a bright red color that is taken down lightly with the sheer detailing added with a crocheted look, perfect for the sheer and layered effect.
MAC DUGGAL Sequin Slit Gown
Price: US$338.00
Buy It
Another slit gown in this list will surely catch attention, as Mac Duggal ensured that the varying colors of sequins in this piece mix perfectly together. Sparkle your way to the best-dressed award, as not only the slit makes this a sweet outfit to wear, but also the plunging neckline and the low cut back that will surely stun anyone.
BB DAKOTA Lace Fit & Flare Dress
Price: US$115.00
Buy It
BB Dakota‘s lace dress is exquisitely charming, with its washed-off baby pink hue that brings out the loveliness of the lace material. It is partially lined, keeping the design interesting by having the cold-shoulder effect and a sheer hem appearance. Pair it with sleek heels with the same hue and you’ll look utterly chic and graceful.
JENNY YOO Sullivan Velvet Cowl Neck Gown
Price: US$295.00
Buy It
Look like you’ve stepped right out from the red carpet with Jenny Yoo‘s lovely ‘Sullivan’ velvet gown. The deep maroon color is the perfect hue to bring out the sexiness in the design, particularly the draped style of the halter-neck and the long keyhole cutout at the back.
J.CREW Yass one-shoulder ruffled twill mini dress
Price: US$170.00
Buy It
Don’t be afraid to wear a mini dress, especially when it’s well-designed like this J.Crew piece. Not only can it be your most favorite LBD, but it can totally be a show stopper even among a sea of balloon dresses and long gowns. Never underestimate the effect of a body-hugging fit and huge ruffle detailing.
BLONDIE NITES Embellished Gown
Price: US$208.00
Buy It
Look like a classic gorgeous lady with the simplicity and sleekness of Blondie Nites‘ gown. Its sophisticated look comes from the beauty of the solid black hue and the glamorous rhinestones and gold beads embellishing the neck area. One thing’s for sure, you won’t need any sparkly necklace to complete your prom look with this piece.
SEQUIN HEARTS Illusion Waist Lace Fit & Flare Dress
Price: US$78.00
Buy It
We end the list with a lovely mid-thigh length dress from Sequin Hearts. It leaves a fabulous impression immediately, with its silvery finish and silhouette that flatters the wearer’s body. The sleeveless design, low back and neckline are cohesive with the short length of the piece, completing a sultry yet still very classy look.
We hope that by skimming through this list, you’ve come to realize that finding the perfect prom dress doesn’t need to break the bank. Gorgeous designs and lovely styles without the blinding price tags are out there—in fact, they’re very accessible with just a few clicks. Now just make sure you’ve got the correct measurements, ample time for delivery, stunning accessories to go with the dress, and of course your gorgeous smile ready for the photos!
Complete Your Prom Fashion Essentials With These Luxury Pieces:
- 36 Gorgeous Valentino Women’s Footwear Available on FarFetch in 2018
- 21 Most Exquisite Chloé Jewelry Pieces for Sophisticated Women
- Top 16 Valentino Clutches and Pouches for Women in 2018
- Top 8 Most Elegant Black Designer High Heels for Women
- Top 23 Evening Clutches That Are Worth Every Single Cent
- 10 Extremely Stylish Balenciaga Pumps and High Heels
