Last year, prom was all about crop tops and matching skirts. The year before that, you wouldn't dare hit the dance floor not wearing an all-sequin dress. This year, everyone wore Fashion Nova mini dresses – but with a sick DIY.
Yep, teens are transforming cheap dresses from the fast fashion retailer into gorgeous full-length ball gowns that look like the real deal. The pictures will seriously blow your mind.
Like this girl, who bought a £40 brocade dress then added a flower train.
This teen straight-up DIYed her dress the night before prom and still managed to give us Met Gala-levels of slay.
Another girl turned her £55 bodycon into a cobalt-accented mermaid gown (the original dress is still available to shop here).
And this girl, who's serving us so much princess realness, even Meghan Markle is jealous. (Shop her dress here.)
Want even more DIY prom dress inspo? Click here for cool handmade dresses.
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23 best prom dresses to wear for your school leaver's ball
A sleek, sultry slip dress will be the belle of the ball (/prom). If your usual weekend get up is lots of black, grunge baggy jeans and band t-shirts, this 90s style dark burgundy dress will suit you down to a tee. Silver accessories will pair perfectly.
If we're discussing prom dresses then we are, ofc featuring some sequins. Make a major statement in this purple wrap micro dress, adding platform shoes and matching eye shadow to turn up those glam vibes.
Oh the glamour. River have outdone themselves with this art deco style embellished maxi gown. If your prom has any sort of Great Gatsby theme (and if not, can we suggest it?) then this is the dress to pick.
Ever thought about renting your dress for prom? It's a great way to find your dream dress for a fraction of the cost, plus, you'll feel smug with your sustainable choice, too. By Rotation have a bunch of amazing options from so many designs like Bec & Bridge, Rixo, Rat & Boa and this beaut House of Cb number. They've even got a section dedicated to prom dresses. Thank us later.
Urban Renewal One-Of-A-Kind Grey Floral Lace Prom Dress
Urban Outfitters have started stocking vintage, one-off pieces including some incredible 90s dresses from the likes of Jane Norman, which are destined for a retro prom look. They get snapped up quick though, so keep you eyes peeled to the site for new drops.
This satin stunner has fun fashion flourishes that make it look far more expensive than Mango's price tag. The gorge drape neck has a halterneck bow tie that falls long at the back, and that colour is TDF.
A red carpet throwback, this gown is totally reminding us of Emma Stone's 2014 Met Gala killer red and pink number. The colour combo is one of our faves and is Hollywood approved.
Talking of celebrity dresses, H&M deliver another designer dupe with this halterneck style that resembles the Rodarte slip dress worn by both Phoebe Bridgers and Jenny Slate during awards season. A great girl gang to be a part of we say.
Reformation always know how to nail a simple, elegant silhouette. With a fashion forward crew neck and ruched detail at the waist, you'll feel a million bucks in their Senna dress.
This dress has the most gorgeous cut and just wait til you see the open back and criss cross straps. It'll double up as a great summer holiday dress, too.
Oasis' tie shoulder dress is classic and elegant, with added thigh slit for some swooping dance moves. Ideal for those awkward prom dance floor moments. It's also similar to Reformation's Westerly dress at a much more budget friendly price.
Now, after watching the Barbie movie trailer, we're doubling down on all thinks pink. Including this hot pink midi from Nobody's Child with the most voluminous bell sleeves going. Love.
Oh and on the topic of volume, feast your eyes on this masterpiece from Stories. Prom calls for a statement dresses and this ticks all the boxes.
Check out designer Jenny Yoo for some seriously stunning maxi gowns that'll be sure to make a statement. Their velvet gown also comes in a burnt orange shade and is available in up to a size UK 20.
Florals for spring may not be groundbreaking, but this dress is definitely a showstopper. It's a spenny option, but you can guarantee this will be a dress you can covet for so many years to come, especially if you have any weddings coming up.
You can't go wrong with a simple yet elegant black gown and the cut on the 'Secret Agent' dress has the most flattering hourglass shape. This is a dress you'll have in your wardrobe forever.
We're obsessed with this bandeau sweetheart neckline. The coral pink colour is a total summer vibe. Add a pair of strappy heels and bold lip and let the dress do the rest.
If you're loving the idea of renting your dress for prom, Hurr Collective is another great fashion rental site to check out. Just look at this gorge royal blue gown and you won't need anymore convincing.
ASOS Design Curve Exclusive tie front plunge maxi dress in orange abstract print
This 70s inspired maxi dress has such a cute plunging neckline with a tie bow do-up at the bust. It'll look incred with a gold pendant necklace and statement earrings.
That 90s square neckline and double straps is such a vibe. And don't even get us started on that icy blue shade. Our fave colour this summer. This is a knockout prom dress.
This New Look halter maxi is not only a beautiful shape and colour, it's available in up to a size UK 20 and it's under £30. Tick, tick and tick.
A fave dress of the edit, the Bardot off the shoulder drop sleeves are beaut. If the hot pink isn't your shade, it's available in another five different colours to pick from.
Chi Chi London Plus Size Cowl Neck Satin Slip Maxi Dress
This Chi Chi London dress in a dreamy champagne shade is available in sizes UK 18-26 and we're obsessed with how chic it looks. It's currently got 20% off so get in there quick.
Kelsey is Seventeen.com's fashion expert and resident Harry Potter nerd. At the office, she spends her day writing about style, beauty, and literally every move Kylie Jenner makes. On the weekends, you can find her sifting through vintage shops and hunting for the perfect burger. Follow her on Instagram at @klstieg.
