37 Gorgeous Prom Dresses You Can Afford With A Student's Budget
Look great without emptying your college savings for a dress.
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1. A glittery maxi dress pretty much made for twirling in.
Promising review: "I purchased this dress for prom because I wanted an inexpensive but elegant-looking dress for attending the dance as a sophomore. The dress was very easy to get into and fit me almost perfectly! The dress has a structured top that can easily be worn without a bra and the dress flowed beautifully with the three layers of tulle that made it just the right volume." —Jamie S.
Get it from Amazon for $45.99+ (available in sizes XS–3XL and seven colors).
2. A lacy frock so cute you won't even mind how many pictures your parents take.
Get it from Boohoo for $34.80 (available in plus sizes 12–20 and three colors).
3. A chiffon gown with gold applique for looking like you recently robbed the duds from a François Boucher painting.
4. A Jessica Rabbit–inspired number that will have everyone going "awooga!"
5. A bedazzled cocktail dress with a chiffon skirt that's a real gem.
Promising review: "Very well-made dress: low price but high quality! I bought a dark purple for my daughter's dance in September. She loves it very much! There is a built-in bra, and some corset bones in the top part. At first it looked a little big, but with an invisible bra, it fit just perfect! The beading are shines under the sunshine." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $49.34+ (available in sizes 0–24 and 20 colors).
6. A backless mini dress for people who believe in bows before 'hose.
Get it from Asos for $34 (available in sizes 0–14; also available in tall sizes).
7. A Jacquard fit and flare with pockets to keep your prom tickets in.
Get it from Modcloth for $49.97 (available in sizes XXS–4XL).
8. A black gown for people looking for Versace on a budget.
9. A two-piece maxi dress, because sometimes more is more.
Promising review: "I was very concerned about the quality because the price is so low compared to every place we've shopped, but it's amazing quality! My daughter wore it to her prom this weekend and got so many compliments." —Melissa Sorensen
Get it from Amazon for $30.10 (available in sizes 0–16 and 15 colors).
10. A backless floral number with a mesh skirt to show off your stems.
11. A glitzy halter dress to grace your school's gym in.
Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and five styles).
12. A ruffly off-the-shoulder dress for leaving a lasting memory once you leave for college.
13. A darling midi dress with a bow in the back because your presence is a gift to everyone.
Get it from Boohoo for $29.40 (available in sizes 2–12).
14. A ruffly, tiered hi-low frock to ensure you really feel like royalty.
Promising review: "I got the dress in the mail today. I was kind of afraid (because the dress costs so little) that it was going to be one of those online fail things. But it wasn't!!! The dress looks just like the picture and is made with the right material. It's beautiful!!! I highly recommend this company. Thank you so much!!! I am disabled and live on a very low income, so I didn't think I could afford such a beautiful dress for my daughter to go to prom with her boyfriend." —Deanna DiPietrantonio
Get it from Amazon for $36.90+ (available in sizes 2–16 and 37 styles).
15. A fun cocktail dress with plenty of room for doing the Cha-Cha Slide in.
Get it from Forever 21 for $48 (available in sizes S–L and two colors).
16. A mermaid dress dripping in glitter for anyone who wants to be swimming in compliments.
Promising review: "I am typically very, very meticulous about where I buy my items and the quality of the material. Last prom I spent waaaaayyyy too much, so this year I’m budgeting. I decided to take a chance on this dress and I was definitely pleasantly surprised." —Simone Anderson
Get it from Amazon for $49.90+ (available in sizes 0–20 and 18 colors).
17. A black midi dress with surprise trumpet sleeves worth singing about.
Get it from Ashley Stewart for $29.70 (available in plus sizes 12–36).
18. A cap-sleeved gown for feeling like a princess, even if your ride isn't a horse-drawn pumpkin.
Promising review: "The dress is BEAUTIFUL. I love it. It fits perfectly, the color is exact (I bought navy blue), and it is just perfect. I'm planning on wearing it to prom this Thursday and I am very glad I ordered this dress. It was worth every cent." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in sizes S–3XL and five colors).
19. A slinky bodycon with a crochet overlay to make grandma proud.
Get it from Rainbow for $19.97 (available in sizes S–L and four colors).
20. A glitter-topped cocktail dress for taking serious style inspiration from the disco ball.
21. A strappy red dazzler to show off the tan you already got started on.
22. A mesh skater dress that starts the party before you even get into the limo.
Get it from Asos for $47.50 (available in plus sizes 12, 14, and 22).
23. A sequined stunner perfect for prom, or a fancy shindig in West Egg.
Promising review: "Feel like the prom queen! Even prettier than the picture. Sizing was accurate and fit well. I knew it would be too long because I am short, but I'll have it shortened and it's perfect for the occasions I bought it for. I am very pleased with the purchase; it even arrived a month ahead of time!" —Debra-Diane McDonnell
Get it from Amazon for $43.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL and four colors).
24. A spaghetti strap gown you'll have so much fun swishing around when "Uptown Funk" comes on.
Get it from Boohoo for $29.40 (available in sizes 4–12 and two colors).
25. A lacy chevron midi dress for a style that zigs when everyone thinks you'll zag.
26. A sophisticated LBD with cut-out shoulders and mesh sleeves.
Get it from Ashley Stewart for $29.70 (available in plus sizes 12–36).
27. A floral mini dress you can actually wear more than once.
28. A mesh-inset maxi for a simple but trendy look that's nothing to ~mesh~ with.
Get it from Nordstrom for $48 (available in sizes XS–L).
29. A V-necked embroidered dress with a floral design that will put your corsage to shame.
Get it from Rainbow for $39.97 (available in sizes S–XL and two colors).
30. A velvet maxi as luxurious as the red carpets you should be walking on.
31. A dramatic, belted shirt dress you'll be required to walk in slow motion while wearing.
Promising review: "Loved it! It is thin material and silky looking. It was very comfortable and fit perfectly. It's very, very long. I got the stick on push-up bra to wear under it and used double-sided clothing tape to make sure my breast were not exposed. The waist is elastic so it stretches." —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $31.22+ (available in sizes XS–L and two colors).
32. A crochet frock for a crafty new look that will separate you from the pack.
Get it from Saved by the Dress for $48 (available in sizes S–L).
33. A retro swing to wear when you're planning on hitting up the malt shop after prom.
Promising review: "I bought this very affordable dress to wear to a wedding. I also purchased a crinoline to wear under it. I really like this dress. There is a good amount of stretch to the fabric and the dress hugs in the best places." —Taura Kilroy
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and 25 colors).
34. A backless maxi we think you'll look ~berry~ cute in.
Get it from Forever 21 for $48 (available in sizes S–L and two colors).
35. A spangly, flapper-approved cocktail dress that works with almost any style.
Promising review: "Love this dress more than I expected to! It's pretty much exactly as pictured. It's super comfortable, and I think I'll be able to make this work with my style." —Carolyn MW
Get it from Amazon for $44.20 (available in sizes M–XL).
36. A cold-shoulder tulle dress, to ensure no one will give you the cold shoulder on prom night.
Get it from Asos for $34 (available in sizes 0–14; a similar dress is available in plus sizes).
37. A mythically beautiful dress featuring Venus, the goddess of love and beauty (aka YOU).
I ordered and returned this dress due to size issues, but I can confirm it's just as cute IRL.
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in sizes S–XXL).
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Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.