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best prom dresses

23 best prom dresses to wear for your school leaver's ball

The countdown to prom is on 🎉

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The end of the school year is fast-approaching meaning that the frantic search for prom dresses is now starting to reach fever pitch and whilst exams are around the corner, may we interrupt your revision sesh with some shopping inspiration for your next study break.

There are a multitude of great options out there and decisions to be made. Do you go for a fierce statement gown or something cute and summery that you can rewear as your next wedding guest dress. All good questions, which only you can really answer, but we're here to make that search a little easier so that you can get back to revising toot suite.

To assist you on your quest ahead of the ball, we've rounded up a little bit of everything from your favourite UK retailers to help you figure out your perfect prom look. Whether you're into a shorter length or maxi, fitted or flow-y, long sleeve or short sleeve styles, there's a dress for you waiting to be picked.

1

H&M Satin slip dress

Satin slip dress
Credit: H&M

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.

2

H&M Sequined wrapover dress

Sequined wrapover dress
Credit: H&M

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.

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3

River Island Plus cream sheer embellished maxi dress

Plus cream sheer embellished maxi dress
Credit: River Island

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.

4

House of Cb Lemon yellow Alicia floral sundress

Lemon yellow Alicia floral sundress
Credit: By Rotation

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.

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5

Urban Renewal One-Of-A-Kind Grey Floral Lace Prom Dress

One-Of-A-Kind Grey Floral Lace Prom Dress
Credit: Urban Outfitters

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.

6

Mango Draped neck satin dress

Draped neck satin dress
Credit: Mango

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.

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7

Amanda Uprichard X REVOLVE Avani Gown

X REVOLVE Avani Gown
Credit: Revolve

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.

8

H&M Appliquéd halterneck dress

Appliquéd halterneck dress
Credit: H&M

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.

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9

Reformation Senna Dress

Senna Dress
Credit: Reformation

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.

10

Bhanuni Sheer Appliqué Dress

Sheer Appliqué Dress
Credit: Anthropologie

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.

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11

Oasis Premium Crepe Tie Shoulder Midi Dress

Premium Crepe Tie Shoulder Midi Dress
Now 48% Off
Credit: Oasis

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.

12

Nobody's Child Zola Midi Dress

Zola Midi Dress
Credit: Nobody's Child

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.

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13

& Other Stories Voluminous Pleated Detail Maxi Dress

Voluminous Pleated Detail Maxi Dress
Credit: & Other Stories

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.

14

JENNY YOO Melanie V-neck velvet maxi dress

Melanie V-neck velvet maxi dress
Now 60% Off
Credit: Selfridges

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.

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15

Reformation Ronda Silk Dress

Ronda Silk Dress
Credit: Reformation

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.

16

Katie May Secret Agent Dress

Secret Agent Dress
Credit: Revolve

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.

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17

H&M Long bandeau dress

Long bandeau dress
Credit: H&M

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.

18

Misha Rent Alastair Satin Gown

Rent Alastair Satin Gown
Now 85% Off
Credit: Hurr

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.

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19

ASOS Design Curve Exclusive tie front plunge maxi dress in orange abstract print

Curve Exclusive tie front plunge maxi dress in orange abstract print
Credit: ASOS

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.

20

Whistles Emily Maxi Dress

Emily Maxi Dress
Now 49% Off
Credit: Whistles

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.

Lettermark

Sophie Leen is the Bookings Editor for Cosmopolitan UK and Women's Health UK. She specialises in creating fashion and shopping content across both digital and print platforms, as well as producing all of our fashion editorial photoshoots, which have included our digital cover with Olly Alexander and our curve influencer’s letter to the high street story. Sophie also looks after our Try Before You Train franchise where our team have tested and reviewed over 100 gymwear items. 

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