Some people can juggle. Some are freakishly good at impressions. My hidden talent has always been finding the right dress for a person’s vibe. It’s a quirk I’ve inherited from my mother, who frequently gets asked by our friends to pick out their outfits for events.
Prom is in May, when both juniors and seniors have their special night. So, to help anyone looking for the perfect dress to say yes to this prom season, I made a list of my top stores.
But first, I asked seniors Francesa Morales ’26 and Chloe Straker ’26 what they thought.
“I don’t want to have the same dress anyone else has,” Morales said. “But it’s hard to keep track!”
“There are so many different categories to think about,” Straker said. “With style, color, fit, and brand to choose from, it can be too much.”
I took trends, a variety of price ranges, different colors, and unique styles into account when making “A Shopaholic’s Guide to Finding the Perfect Prom Dress.” Using these metrics, I made a pros and cons list for each of these stores. Let’s get into it!
1. Revolve: https://www.revolve.com/dresses-gowns/br/ce1e59/?navsrc=subDresses
Revolve is pricey, but the styles are very distinctive and different from what most people wear to prom, making it perfect for someone who wants to stand out.
Stores: Online only
Best for: High-fashion, unique looks
Pros:
- Carries multiple designer brands in one place
- Wide range of prices
- Very strong style curation (sleek, modern, editorial)
- Inclusive range of silhouettes (slip dresses, structured gowns, bold cutouts)
- Easy browsing with detailed model sizing info
Cons:
- Prices can climb quickly depending on the brand
- Some dresses prioritize aesthetics over comfort
Price range: $78 – $1500
2. Lulus: https://www.lulus.com/categories/13/dresses.html
Lulus is a long-standing classic. There’s nothing better than consistent reliability, and that’s exactly what this brand offers. Also, I personally love a good bargain, and Lulus often has a nice BOGO or a sale.
Stores: Online only
Best for: Affordable, classic, and universally flattering styles
Pros:
- Very budget-friendly
- Large selection
- Elegant silhouettes
- Consistent sizing and reliable fabric quality
- Ideal for first-time prom shoppers
Cons:
- Less edgy or high-fashion compared to other stores
Price range: $54–$148
3. Oh Polly: https://www.ohpolly.com/collections/gown-dresses
I love how current Oh Polly is, and their collection this year is on the pulse of rising fashion trends like beading, embroidery, and sheer overlays.
Stores: Online only
Best for: Glamorous, body-contouring prom looks
Pros:
- Known for ultra-flattering silhouettes that emphasize curves
- Strong selection of satin, corset, and draped styles perfect for a red-carpet vibe
- Trend-forward colors (chocolate brown, sage, icy blue, metallics)
Cons:
- Limited size inclusivity compared to some competitors
- Dresses often prioritize style over comfort
- Prices can feel high for trend-based pieces you may only wear once
Price range: $83-$415
4. Princess Polly https://us.princesspolly.com/
Best for: Trendy, fashion-forward prom dresses
Stores: Online, though some dresses are in select Pacsun stores
Pros:
- Excellent for trends: cutouts, bows, mini-maxi hybrids
- Frequent sales and promo codes
- Fast shipping and easy returns
Cons:
- Fabric quality varies by style
- Some dresses may feel more “party” than “formal”
- Not ideal for very traditional prom themes
Price range: $11-$99
5. Lucy in the Sky https://www.lucyinthesky.com/
Stores: Online and one boutique in Los Angeles
Best for: Bold, playful, statement dresses
Pros:
- Unique designs with dramatic details (open backs, ruching, slits)
- Great for those who want something non-traditional
- Lower prices than many trend-focused brands
- Stand-out colors and prints
Cons:
- Sizing can be inconsistent
- Some fabrics are thinner than expected
- Less forgiving fits for extended wear
Price range: $36-$99
6. Nordstrom: https://www.nordstrom.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooKC4NUEzByyeYQvkgFamYGdyfKhp5Lx4KK_S5puq3lImsULiT0
I know throwing a department store in here might be a curveball, but I truly think Nordstrom is overlooked by Gen Z. For events like proms, physically trying on the dress before buying is a smart choice, and being able to go to one of Nordstrom’s many in-person stores makes buying a prom dress easy and accessible.
Stores: Online and physical
Best for: Reliable quality and wide brand selection
Pros:
- Carries everything from budget brands to designer gowns
- Excellent customer service and easy returns
- In-store shopping allows you to try on before buying
- Strong options for petite, tall, and plus sizes
Cons:
- Trendier prom styles may sell out quickly
- Can feel overwhelming due to the large selection (My advice? Use the filters to separate the dresses by color or style, so you can just see what you’re looking for.)
- Higher prices for designer labels
Price range: $27–$9000
7. ASOS https://www.asos.com/us/women/dresses/cat/?cid=8799
At five feet tall, dress sizing is often difficult for my mom, and from seeing her, I can attest to how flexible and inclusive ASOS’s size options are. It’s definitely a store to consider if you’re on the more petite side.
Stores: Online only
Best for: Size-inclusive, trend-driven prom looks
Pros:
- One of the most inclusive size ranges (petite, tall, curve)
- Huge variety of styles—from minimalist to dramatic
- Budget-friendly options alongside statement pieces
- Ideal for experimenting with bold cuts or colors
Cons:
- Quality varies widely by brand
- Some dresses look different in person than online
- Can require multiple orders to find “the one”
Price range: $23–$520
8. House of CB https://app.houseofcb.com/
In the fashion industry, which is oh-so oversaturated, House of CB has managed to differentiate itself in not one, but two, styles: corsets and bandage dresses. I personally love how the corsets have different size options, and I would say the quality of fabric is definitely worth the price.
Stores: Online and carried in retailers like Nordstrom
Best for: Structured, corset-style, luxury prom dresses
Pros:
- Known for exceptional structure and tailoring
- Dresses feel luxurious and very flattering
- High-quality fabrics and construction
Cons:
- Very expensive compared to most prom retailers
- Less forgiving fits (precise sizing is crucial; use the size chart found on their website)
Price range: $285- $999
9. Windsor https://www.windsorstore.com/collections/occasions-prom-dresses
Windsor has high-fashion styles for a low price, which is the best of both worlds. While the fabric quality can vary on the dress, there are a lot of in-store locations to try on options.
Stores: Online and physical
Best for: Classic prom styles with frequent sales
Pros:
- Dedicated formalwear and prom section
- Affordable pricing with many under-$100 options
- Physical store locations for fittings
- Wide range of traditional silhouettes
Cons:
- Designs can feel less unique
- Fabric/fit quality is mid-to-low range
Price range: $9.97–$269
10. Aritzia https://www.aritzia.com/us/en/clothing/dresses
For the girls that want a dress they can wear not only to prom, but over and over again, Aritzia is the place for them. With the right accessories and shoes, a dress can always be styled up or down for the occasion. Aritzia’s sleek, flattering looks can make a prom dress become the gift that keeps on giving.
Stores: Online and physical
Best for: Minimalist, elegant, understated prom looks
Pros:
- Clean lines and timeless silhouettes
- High-quality fabrics and tailoring
- Great option for modern, ‘low-key’ prom aesthetics
- Dresses can be reworn for future events
Cons:
- Limited selection of full-length gowns
- Less sparkle or drama than traditional prom retailers
- Higher prices for minimalist designs
Price range: $38.99 – $188
With all of these stores listed, the most important thing is to find a dress that suits you.
Your prom outfit should feel special to you, without considering trends or others’ opinions. Wearing what makes you feel confident is the first step to a great night!
