Best Prom Dresses 2025: Style for Your Big Night

Article published at: Jan 30, 2025 Article tag: Prom
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Prom is one of those events that is anticipated year-round by students, and everyone loves getting ready for prom. One of the most important tasks that must be completed before prom night is finding the best prom dress to flatter your features and make a big impact as you attend prom with your friends. Choosing a prom dress that is trending in 2025 is sure to help you narrow down your dress options and select something that is not only flattering but also perfectly stylish for your prom night.

Below, we tell you more about the best prom dresses in 2025 and the top trends in prom dresses to keep an eye out for.

When Is Prom 2025?

Prom usually takes place at the end of the school year, and this event is used to celebrate graduating high school seniors and juniors who are moving up to their last year of high school. Depending on your school, there may be a separate senior and junior prom, or this event may be combined for both grade levels.

Prom most commonly takes place during the months of April, May, and June.

Is There a Dress Code for Prom?

Typically, proms have a semi-formal or formal dress code. This means you will be expected to wear a formal gown, and most schools encourage that your dress is floor-length. However, you may be able to wear a semi-formal cocktail dress depending on the theme of your prom and your specific school’s rules.

It’s important to check any dress code rules and guidance before going prom dress shopping so you know what type of dress to look for.

Best Prom Dresses 2025: Top Trends and Styles

There are many different prom dress styles and colors you can choose from, though there are a handful of prom styles that are trending in 2025. Below, we discuss the top five prom dress trends that you’re sure to see a lot of during this year’s prom season.

Metallic Colors

Metallic colors are having a moment in 2025, and prom dresses aren’t left out of this trend. Dresses in metallic golds and slivers, in addition to other colors with metallic sheens, are taking the formal dress world by storm. You can choose a plain metallic color or go for a more eye-catching look, such as metallic greens, blues, or even purple, to keep up with this trend.

We recommend accessorizing your metallic prom dress with jewelry in a similar color and shimmery eyeshadow.

Sequins and Shine

Sequins and shine are another popular trend in 2025, with dresses completely covered in sequins and shimmering embellishments being all the rage. You can select a sequined dress in any color, though red, black, gold, and silver are the most popular, or you can select a solid color dress with sequin decorations on it.

Any style of prom dress matches the sequin and shimmery styles that are popular this year, so you can choose something that is on trend and flattering to your figure.

Timeless Classics

The classics are timeless for a reason – simple A-line and ballgown prom dresses are still one of the most popular selections for prom in 2025. These dresses flatter most figures, can be adjusted with different necklines and sleeve lengths, and come in a range of colors and materials.

The most popular colors for these timeless classic dresses are purple, light blue, black, and dark green. If you don’t feel like wearing a long, floor-length formal gown, you can also opt to wear a classic cocktail dress in a color that suits you.

Hot Pinks

Hot pink has come and gone from the limelight over the years, and in 2025, this color is currently very trendy. Hot pinks come in a range of undertones, so you can choose a cool or warm hot pink to perfectly enhance your skin tone and give you a naturally glowing appearance. 

You can accessorize your hot pink outfit with a pair of heels in a neutral color like beige, black, or white, and you can choose subtle makeup that enhances your features while still letting your perfect prom dress be the star.

Two-Piece Outfits

Two-piece outfits are a popular trending look, and these outfits include a top blouse piece and a longer skirt; some two-piece outfits show off the midriff, while others are closer together and show less skin. If you are a fan of slightly more freedom with your formal dresses, or if you want something unique, this is a good choice.

However, keep in mind that you should always check with your school’s dress code rules, as two-piece outfits might not be allowed at your prom if they show off too much skin.

When Should I Go Prom Dress Shopping?

It’s a good idea to start thinking about your prom dress several months ahead of prom night. For most people, this means starting to shop for your prom dress during January and February. The earlier you secure your dress, the better deal you might get, and you have plenty of time to make sure your dress fits, get your outfit tailored, and select accessories.

We also recommend doing a trial run of your prom outfit several weeks ahead of prom night to make sure that your dress, hair, makeup, and accessories match and to identify any potential issues with your outfit ahead of your big night.

How Much Can I Expect to Spend on a Prom Dress?

Prom dresses can range from moderately priced to more expensive, and this range depends on the type of dress you are buying, where you are buying the dress, and the overall fabric and style of your prom dress. Dresses such as ball gowns that utilize a lot of material and may have plenty of embellishments might be more expensive than a simple A-line formal outfit in a classic color.

In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500 for a prom dress. If you are shopping for your prom dress on a budget, you can check out clearance sales and thrift stores before heading to boutiques and your local mall to select a dress.

How Do I Accessorize My Prom Outfit?

Accessorizing your prom outfit doesn’t need to be as difficult as you might think. Corsages are a common addition to your prom outfit, and your date might give you a corsage, or you may choose to wear matching corsages with your friends. You can also give your date a corsage or other floral-type accessory that matches your prom outfit.

If you aren’t interested in adding a corsage to your outfit, you can accessories your prom look with the right jewelry, hair, and makeup. You should select simple jewelry that doesn’t take away from the impact of your dress and choose either silver or gold based on your skin tone; don’t mix and match silver and gold, as this creates a clash in appearance.

Your makeup and hair should be formal to match the rest of your outfit, and some people prefer to get their makeup professionally done or ask a friend to help with hair and makeup before prom.

You can complete your prom outfit with a pair of high heels in a neutral color or a similar color to your dress; dressy flats are also an option if you don’t feel like wearing heels all night.

Choosing the Best Prom Dresses 2025

When it comes to selecting your prom dress and style, it’s helpful to keep up with 2025 trends while still choosing an outfit that flatters your natural features. This year, metallic colors, sequins, hot pinks, and two-piece prom outfits are having a major moment, and you can choose from any of these trending styles for your 2025 prom outfit. 

That being said, if you prefer to go with a timeless classic dress style or a more vintage look, this is also perfectly fine. The most important thing is that you choose a dress that catches your eye and makes you feel your best so you can confidently enjoy your prom night.