The Best Prom Dresses for Any Budget

Prom is one of the most exciting events of the year, and the theme can add a layer of fun and whimsy to the evening (and to your prom shopping excursions). While not all proms have themes, many prom committees elect to have one to give an extra sense of celebration to the event.  Sometimes the prom theme can present a shopping challenge by being a bit offbeat or not like your usual style. If you’re not sure how to dress for the theme, we’re here to help.  Top Prom Dress Options Based on Theme When you get your prom theme, you may be asking yourself what kind of dress fits the bill the most. Below, we get into some of our top dresses for the most popular prom themes, so you can have a good place to start researching.  Best Prom Dresses 2026 for Throwback Themes  The 80s, 90s, and 00s were known for neon bright colors. Vibrant tones like fuchsia, red, orange, and yellow will immediately steal the show, especially on a dress that has standout details like a dramatic sleeve. Statement jewelry was big in the 80s, so feel free to pile it on if you’re embodying this era. If you like to keep your colors more neutral, you can let yourself get inspired by silhouettes from the throwback era you’re nodding to. If your throwback prom theme doesn’t have an assigned decade, the 20s and the 40s had more muted color palettes and no shortage of dazzling gown silhouettes, like dropwaist flapper dresses.  Best Prom Dresses 2026 for the Garden Party or Enchanted Forest Theme The garden party and the enchanted forest theme both take inspiration from natural wonders. Floral prints fit right in with these themes, as do romantic dress details like a corset bodice and ruffles.  A ball gown will be the most impactful for either of these themes, though a breezy, more fitted dress can be perfect for a garden party-themed prom, especially in a pastel color. Dresses can lean into a moodier, fantasy vibe for an enchanted forest-themed prom, in darker colors or with more dramatic fabrics like brocade.  Best Prom Dresses 2026 for Casino Night Casino night brings an added sense of adrenaline to prom, which is already exciting in its own right. Darker colors and jewel tones tend to take center stage for casino night, as this theme tends to evoke luxuriousness and mystique.  Dresses that have a sleek, fitted silhouette will fit right in with this theme, evoking a flirty James Bond-type vibe. You can go over the top with shimmers like beading, sequins, and rhinestones, though, and still fit right in. If your heart’s set on a big princess gown, though, feel free to wear it anyway and commit to making an entrance.  Best Prom Dresses 2026 for the Masquerade Ball A masquerade ball is a great excuse for a dramatic gown. Sometimes masquerade balls will be accompanied by color suggestions (a black and white ball, for instance), but in general, you can’t go wrong with any color (or print) that you desire. When you’re accessorizing your dress, don’t forget your mask!  If a big ball gown isn’t really your thing, you can still make an impactful statement with a more fitted dress. You can look at a more subtle mermaid-style silhouette for just a touch of drama, or go with a body-skimming A-line gown in a bold color like red or orange to stand out.  Best Prom Dresses 2026 for the Hollywood Glamour Theme The Hollywood glamour theme is all about elegant glitz and glamour. This is one prom theme where neutrals like black, white, gold, or silver will fit right in, though if you’re looking for a showstopping moment, you can go red to match the red carpet.  Off-the-shoulder necklines and dresses that are cut closer to your body embody the vintage Hollywood vibe, especially paired with elbow-length gloves. Don’t be afraid to explore other silhouettes or dress alternatives like jumpsuits, though; alternative looks can still be totally on theme if that’s what you’re looking for!  Best Prom Dresses 2026 for Under the Sea Theme “Under the sea” is one of the most straightforward themes to dress for. The most common options for theme-ready dresses are sparkly, blue, flowy pieces, but you don’t have to stick with that to still be on theme. You can find inspiration in sea life like lobsters and go with a red dress, or deck yourself out in gold resembling a pirate’s treasure – the sky’s the limit.  When it comes to silhouettes, this is one theme where just about anything goes. A more flowy A-line dress will probably look the most sea-worthy, but mermaid dresses, sheath dresses, and princess gowns can all evoke the sea in different ways. Fabrics like chiffon and details like ruffles will add movement to your look, giving you an underwater effect.  Best Prom Dresses 2026 for An Evening in Paris Theme Finally, “an evening in Paris” is meant to blend a romantic vibe with a nighttime city vibe (that city being, of course, Paris). When you’re thinking about colors, this is one theme where anything can fit; pinks and reds can play into the romance of Paris, darker colors can represent nighttime, and lighter colors or metallics can evoke the stars.  The “an evening in Paris” theme can sometimes be tweaked to different cities, depending on the vibe your prom committee wants to evoke (for instance, “an evening in New York City.”)  Do I Have to Dress to My Prom’s Theme?  You definitely don’t have to dress to your prom’s theme. If you don’t find the theme inspiring, or you and your friends want to do your own thing, you can absolutely do so. Participating in the theme can be an icebreaker, and it may make you feel more connected to the event, but there’s no need to invest in a prom look you don’t like just because it’s aligned with the theme.  If you don’t find your prom’s theme particularly inspiring, it may be helpful to talk with your friends about different ways to interpret the theme What If My Prom Doesn’t Have a Theme? If your prom doesn’t have a theme, that just means you can have maximum creativity when you’re researching and shopping for looks.  If you’d like a little more direction, you can coordinate themed outfits with your friends, though always be sure to dress for yourself first, not just because other people think you should dress a certain way. Alternatively, you can also get inspired by your school’s colors for school spirit.  Finding the Best Prom Look for Any Theme  Your prom’s theme will dictate the aesthetic vibe for the night, and how much you want to participate in that is up to you! The theme can serve as inspiration for your prom look, but you can also give any themed look a dose of your personal style.   

Shopping for prom dresses is some of the most exciting shopping that you can do. Naturally, you may want to research what’s in style for prom so you can prepare accordingly. While we encourage you to think about your personal style, the vibe you want to exude, and the dress details you like, knowing what the trends are can be a great starting point for dress research.  Below, we break down 2026’s top five prom trends, with examples for each one so you can get inspired. Later, we cover your top prom questions so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare.  Our Top 5 Prom Dress Trends for 2026 First, let’s take a look at this year’s top prom dress trends! Remember, you don’t have to incorporate any of these trends to find a beautiful dress (or alternative look) for prom; above all, choose a look that makes you feel confident and happy.  Printed Dresses  Printed dresses are coming for 2026 in a big way across pretty much all dress silhouettes, from sleek sheath looks to ball gowns that rival those of a Disney princess. Go for florals for a classic romantic vibe, animal prints for boldness, or polka dots for a twee and whimsical look.  When accessorizing a printed dress, you can go with accessories that match the background color or choose a color within the print to keep your look cohesive. Bold Colors While dreamy florals are definitely having a moment, bold colors definitely are, too. This prom season, we’re anticipating lots of bright reds, hot pinks, and royal blues to help you make an entrance. Go with a ball gown in a bright color for a showstopping prom appearance.  If you’re not feeling like going bold, a black dress can have just as much impact as a vivid color, especially with statement accessories! You can also consider a metallic, which is always timeless.  Romantic Meets Modern Details 2026 is also all about dress details that feel a little extra romantic but have a modern twist. Regencycore is the name of the game, with tons of dresses featuring bows, corsets, ruffles, and backless silhouettes. You may see gowns featuring these details in modern tones like vivid brights or pastels, or they may have details like a high slit to give the gown a bit of edge.  These details tend to be most impactful in a ball gown silhouette, but there are tons of sleek looks incorporating them as well.  All-Over Sparkle The all-over sparkle trend is fabulous if you’re looking to shimmer while you move on the dance floor. This trend is great paired with a metallic or a skin-tone colored dress for a dramatic look, though all-over sequins, rhinestones, and beading can make a black dress look like the night sky!  When choosing accessories for a super sparkly dress, less is usually more. Keeping your jewelry and shoes more demure ensures that your gown will be the star of the night!  Sleek Silhouettes The ball gown is a prom classic, but more tailored, form-fitting gowns are growing in popularity for this event. Sheath dresses and A-line gowns that are cut close to the body add a sense of sophistication and maturity to prom, plus they have the bonus of being versatile for other events later on.  For the best of both worlds, look at a mermaid gown, which is fitted through the torso and flares out near the knees or calves. There are subtle mermaid gowns, which have only a bit of a flare, and there are more dramatic mermaid looks, which add an extra sense of intrigue.  What Should I Avoid Wearing to Prom? The two most basic rules for what to avoid wearing to prom are much like dressing for a party: avoid anything that doesn’t make you feel cute, and avoid anything that isn’t formal enough. Most prom celebrations are formal in dress code, so keep this in mind.  Be sure to try your whole prom look on ahead of time so you know it fits, it’s flattering, and you like it.  Does the Prom Theme Matter?  Your prom’s theme matters as much as you want it to matter. You can find plenty of looks that fall in line with your prom’s theme (that are still trendy), but you can also do your own thing or make up a theme with your friends.  Your prom’s theme can be a good starting point for outfit inspiration, especially if you get overwhelmed by choice. However, if you find that you’re not inspired by it, don’t torture yourself.  Ultimately, how much you decide to incorporate the theme into your look is up to you. If you don’t want to dress to the theme at all, you don’t have to.  How Do I Accessorize My Prom Look?  How you accessorize will depend on the look you decide to wear to prom. For instance, you may not want to put very dark accessories with a very light dress, but the same accessories may be perfect for a dress in navy blue.  Be sure to choose your accessories ahead of time so you know exactly how to put your look together. Also, make sure you try your shoes on during any dress hemming alteration session. Before the big night, test that your shoes are comfortable for dancing in, especially if you want to dance the night away.  Prom Dress Trends 2026: Our Final Thoughts Now you know the trend forecast for 2026, so it’s time to start your prom moodboard (if you haven’t already). Think about how you’ll add your personal style to any trends you want to incorporate into your look; when you do, your personality will shine through and make your night even more memorable!   

When you’re getting headshots taken, it’s usually because you’re reaching a new milestone in your schooling or career, which can be very exciting! Regardless of why you’re getting a headshot done, your headshot is going to be your first impression to fellow students, potential clients, coworkers, or employers, so it’s important to dress the part and look your best.  If all of this is overwhelming, we have you covered. In our guide, we’ll get into the basics of what to keep in mind when choosing a headshot look, as well as a few outfit ideas for photo day.  Choosing What to Wear for Headshots: Items to Consider Beforehand  What you wear for a headshot is going to depend highly on the parameters set by the person organizing the headshot, whether that’s your school, company, or just your photographer. When you’re thinking about your headshot look, keep these things in mind so you look your best.  The Reason for the Headshot Getting a headshot for a school picture has a totally different vibe than taking a headshot for your business’s website, so before anything else, think about why you’re getting the headshot and what you want the vibe to be.  If there are any parameters, like a dress code, or restricted colors and prints, keep these in mind first and foremost when choosing your headshot attire. You don’t want to keep a professional photographer waiting because you chose the wrong outfit.  Headshot Outfit Colors If your headshots are for something like school or a company photo, they may have rules on color choice. Above all, if you’re asked to wear or avoid certain colors, keep this in mind so you don’t have to change outfits the day of.  If you don’t have any color parameters to meet, generally you’ll want to go with darker hues for a sense of gravity. Be sure not to choose a color that’s too close to your hair color if you have long hair, as it all may blend together in the headshot, especially in smaller versions of the picture. You can also ask your photographer if certain colors look better on camera versus others.  If your headshot is for your business or your own website, you’ll want to keep your brand in mind. You don’t have to wear the same exact colors, but consistency is always a good thing. More creative headshots offer more creative color choices, especially if your brand or aesthetic has more pastels or jewel tones.  What’s Comfortable and Fits Well  You don’t want to be uncomfortable on any day involving a lot of photographs; even if you’re a great actor, it'll likely show on your face. Alongside this, you (unfortunately) can’t wear your baggiest sweatsuit to a headshot shoot and expect to look professional. You’ll need to find a balance between looking good and feeling good.  Try your planned headshot outfit on ahead of time to make sure it’s comfortable enough and fits nicely on your body. Clothing that’s too loose may wrinkle oddly in the pictures, and clothing that’s too tight may look awkward and be uncomfortable. Be sure to iron or steam your outfit (at least the top portion) so you look crisp and professional.  If there’s a mandatory outfit for your headshot and it’s not the most comfortable look, bring a more comfortable outfit that you can change into after your photo shoot. You can also plan on arriving at your photoshoot location early in comfortable clothes and then changing into your headshot outfit, but do be sure to plan carefully.  Headshot Outfit Ideas Below, we give you our top outfit ideas based on the type of headshot you’re taking, so you can dress your best.  School Headshot Ideas It’s popular for schools to have you take headshots for senior pictures. If you don’t have an assigned outfit to wear, it’s a great idea to choose something that shows your personality a bit.  These headshots don’t typically have to be as formal as other headshots, so you can get a little creative. A dress or blouse with an interesting neckline, when paired with a demure necklace, can really pop. If you have to go more formal, a button-down shirt in a solid color like black or navy will work perfectly.  If you go with separates, you can pair your top with a pair of jeans or a comfortable skirt to ensure that you look confident and relaxed in your pictures. This will also help if you’re waiting a bit for other students to have their photos taken, or if you’re taking pictures at more than one location.  Formal or Corporate Career Headshot Outfit Ideas For a more corporate headshot, you can’t go wrong with a crisp, well-fitting long-sleeved button-down shirt and a blazer. Solid colored shirts like white, navy, or light blue tend to work well for more corporate environments, with white and navy being more formal and light blue being slightly more relaxed.  When wearing a button-down shirt, it can be helpful to undo one or two buttons of your collar to elongate your neck in the photo, as long as you’re comfortable with that.  A dress paired with a blazer can also be a good choice for a corporate headshot, though always be sure the neckline will work and that it’s a solid color. For dresses, you’ll definitely want to stick with darker tones like navy, deep purple, or dark green to keep it professional, even if you plan on topping your look with a blazer.  Creative Career Headshot Outfit Ideas If you own your own business or you’re in a more creative field, you can have a bit more fun with your headshot outfit choice. Keep in mind, though, that pastels and very bold colors may be distracting for a headshot since the focus is meant to be on your face. Think about muted, darker tones for best results, and avoid prints.  Layers can be a great way of showing a bit of personality while still keeping your look polished. Be sure to put lighter colors underneath darker ones (a white shirt underneath a forest green sweater, for example).  Long sleeves will be less distracting, but if your career calls for it, shorter sleeves may be appropriate. Chat with your photographer about ideal sleeve lengths, and bring a sweater or backup shirt if you’re not sure.  Bridal or Wedding Headshot Outfit Ideas Bridal headshots are becoming more popular for engagement announcements, for wedding websites, and more. If you’re getting wedding headshots done on the big day, don’t worry too much about styling, as you’ll already be in your wedding look.  If you want to get some headshots done for your wedding website, keep minimal makeup and an elegant, non-fussy hairstyle in mind.  For headshots taking place before the wedding, you can wear your wedding dress as a sneak peek. However, if you’d rather keep that under wraps, go with a dress or blouse that’s the same color as your wedding look. You can even look for details that are similar to your dress, like pearls if they’re included or similar-looking lace.  How to Accessorize Your Headshot Outfit Keep accessories minimal, especially in the area that’s being photographed. Metallic necklaces, earrings, and bracelets will all capture the light and may distract from the rest of your headshot, especially if they’re statement pieces. Also, choose one focal point, as it may look a little much to have a pendant necklace, an eye-catching bracelet, and dangly earrings.  When it comes to your makeup, the more natural, the better. Bold eyes or lips sometimes don’t photograph well and may distract from the rest of your face in a headshot. You also run the risk of your photo looking dated as trends change. Avoid any makeup that’s shimmery, dewy, or glowy, as this may capture the light awkwardly in your photograph.  Looking Your Best for Your Headshots It can be intimidating to plan out what to wear for a headshot, but it doesn’t have to be. If you have any questions about attire, always feel free to reach out to your photographer for advice.