Fashion

30 Stunning Unique Prom Dresses Perfect For Looking Anything But Cookie-Cutter At The Big Dance

Though it feels as if winter ended a mere blink of an eye ago, prom season is fast approaching. For those planning to attend, iPhones in hand, Instagram at the ready, the countdown to prom is simply a race to find a fashionable frock to beat all others. Though the sequined tulle ball gown will undoubtably remain a prom staple until space suits become the formal norm, the style doesn't thrill everyone. If your idea of the perfect prom involves stepping out in a frock that makes your friends gasp in shock and admiration, read on for 30 unique prom dresses that are up to the task.

by Tyler Atwood

Urban Outfitters Ecote Strappy Back Safari Maxi Dress

Urban Outfitters Ecote Strappy Back Safari Maxi Dress, $98, Urban Outfitters

Attend prom in effortless bohemian garb with Urban Outfitters’ Ecote Strappy Back Safari Maxi Dress.

Reformation Yasmin Dress

Reformation Yasmin Dress, $158, The Reformation

Reformation’s Yasmin Dress harkens back to the ’70s with its bias cut and back-baring halter design.

Noam Hanoch Alegra Asymmetric V-Neck Dress

Noam Hanoch Alegra Asymmetric V-Neck Dress, $675, Bergdorf Goodman

Rendered in riveting yellow, Noam Hanoch’s Alegra Asymmetric V-Neck Dress is just the frock to place a prom attendee on the “Best Dressed” list.

Ohne Titel Striped Pleated Cutout Dress

Ohne Titel Striped Pleated Cutout Dress, $650, Bergdorf Goodman

An intricate an optical pattern transforms the simple silhouette of Ohne Titel’s fit-and-flare into something utterly unique.

Kenzo Torn Paper Printed Satin Dress

Kenzo Torn Paper Printed Satin Dress, $820, Bergdorf Goodman

If art history is your subject of choice, step into Kenzo’s painterly-printed Torn Paper Printed Satin Dress for prom.

Veronica Beard Floral-Print Cutout-Back Dress

Veronica Beard Floral-Print Cutout-Back Dress, $595, Bergdorf Goodman

Dare to break tradition in a long-sleeved, printed sheath with a dipped back like this silken creation by Veronica Beard.

Haute Hippie Asymmetric Two-Button Tuxedo Dress

Haute Hippie Asymmetric Two-Button Tuxedo Dress, $595, Bergdorf Goodman

Who says a prom dress has to resemble Cinderella’s gown? Haute Hippie’s Asymmetric Two-Button Tuxedo Dress adopts a gender-bending style that evokes Bianca Jagger in a big way.

Halston Heritage Strapless Sequined Cascading-Ruffle Dress

Halston Heritage Strapless Sequined Cascading-Ruffle Dress, $545, Bergdorf Goodman

Add shimmer to your night with Halston Heritage’s Strapless Sequined Cascading-Ruffle Dress, whose semi-deconstructed style is an unexpected twist on the classic prom dress.

Milly Sleeveless Tropical-Printed Full-Skirt Dress

Milly Sleeveless Tropical-Printed Full-Skirt Dress, $950, Bergdorf Goodman

Simultaneously vintage and modern, Milly’s swirling Tropical-Printed Full-Skirt Dress is not for the faint of heart.

Aidan Mattox Dolman-Sleeve Beaded Godet Gown

Aidan Mattox Dolman-Sleeve Beaded Godet Gown, $595, Saks Fifth Avenue

Daisy Buchanan would be proud of any soul who dares to wear Aidan Mattox’s Dolman-Sleeve Beaded Godet Gown.

Black Halo Licari Digital-Print Gown

Black Halo Licari Digital-Print Gown, $850, Saks Fifth Avenue

Both prim and pretty in silhouette, Black Halo’s gown achieves intrigue thanks to a digital print that appears akin to paint suspended in water.

Mignon Sequined Chevron Gown

Mignon Sequined Chevron Gown, $378, Saks Fifth Avenue

Take after Blake Lively in an Art Deco-inspired gown fit for shimmying — or twerking — all night long.

Michael Michael Kors Fringed Printed Georgette Dress

Michael Michael Kors Fringed Printed Georgette Dress, $195, Net-A-Porter

Embrace spring’s fringe trend with this Michael Michael Kors Fringed Printed Georgette Dress, whose animal pattern and tassels make for a movement-friendly style.

Markus Lupfer Bananas Frankie Printed Satin Mini Dress

Markus Lupfer Bananas Frankie Printed Satin Mini Dress, $295, Net-A-Porter

Indulge in your witty side with Markus Lupfer Bananas Frankie Printed Satin Mini Dress, and don’t be surprised if you’re nominated Class Clown and Prom Queen.

Topshop Unique Ruffled Organza-Trimmed Silk-Satin Mini Dress

Topshop Unique Ruffled Organza-Trimmed Silk-Satin Mini Dress, $375, Net-A-Porter

If you adore stealing the gaze of an entire room within moments of stepping inside, snap up Topshop Unique’s Ruffled Organza-Trimmed Silk-Satin Mini Dress, whose unexpected ruffle and eye-catching crimson hue will focus all eyes on you.

Opening Ceremony Printed Jersey And Twill Mini Dress

Opening Ceremony Printed Jersey And Twill Mini Dress, $445, Net-A-Porter

A mod print and shape give Opening Ceremony’s patterned shift dress a dose of throwback allure.

Finds + CeliaB Patchwork Metallic Jacquard Mini Dress

Finds + CeliaB Patchwork Metallic Jacquard Mini Dress, $625, Net-A-Porter

Neon hues, patchwork, and contrasting patterns lend Finds + CeliaB’s mini dress an incredible amount of impact in a compact garment.

Self-Portrait Tulle And Guipure Lace Dress

Self-Portrait Tulle And Guipure Lace Dress, $364, Net-A-Porter

Romantic and avant-garde all at once, Self-Portrait’s tulle and lace dress will satisfy your inner rebel while pleasing your sentimental side.

Rachel Comey Miramar Dress

Rachel Comey Miramar Dress, $655, Lagarconne

Take a cue from Emma Stone’s red carpet attire and step into Rachel Comey’s Miramar Dress for prom if you desire a winsome and fuss-free look for prom.

3.1 Phillip Lim Satin Dress

3.1 Phillip Lim Satin Dress, $790, My Theresa

A dash of golden brocade at the shoulder furnishes 3.1 Phillip Lim’s angelic satin slip dress with visual interest.

Alexander Wang Degrade Weave Tank Dress

Alexander Wang Degrade Weave Tank Dress, $795, Far Fetch

Those who appreciate a body con sheath with a bold pattern will fall head over Christian Louboutin’s for Alexander Wang’s Degrade Weave Tank Dress.

Philipp Plein Sequined Print Dress

Philipp Plein Sequined Print Dress, $699, Far Fetch

A captivating, vibrant print and figure-enhancing shape make Philipp Plein’s Sequined Print Dress an unexpectedly ideal fit for the singular prom-goer.

Amen Embellished Techno Tulle Dress

Amen Embellished Techno Tulle Dress, $449, Luisa Viaroma

A smattering of embellishment atop a nude underlay make Amen’s Embellished Techno Tulle Dress a true showstopper for a formal dance.

Clover Canyon Dancing Fans Dress in Neoprene

Clover Canyon Dancing Fans Dress in Neoprene, $372, ASOS

Clover Canyon’s boldly patterned Dancing Fans Dress is simply asking to be taken for a spin on the dance floor.

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Saturday Asterisk-Print Cotton Dress

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Saturday Asterisk-Print Cotton Dress, $637, Matches Fashion

Vivienne Westwood’s vintage-inspired Anglomania Saturday Asterisk-Print Cotton Dress stops just shy of twee in the best manner possible.

Carven Off-The-Shoulder High-Shine Twill Dress

Carven Off-The-Shoulder High-Shine Twill Dress, $763, Matches Fashion

Rendered in lustrous twill and a regal, jewel-toned hue, Carven’s Off-The-Shoulder Dress is a beautiful sartorial mashup of Judy Jetson and Jenny Humphry’s intrepid styles

Needle & Thread Midnight Floral Sequined Crepe Mini Dress

Needle & Thread Midnight Floral Sequined Crepe Mini Dress, $540, Net-A-Porter

Needle & Thread’s intricately sequined mini dress strikes the ideal balance between seductive and sweet.

For Love & Lemons Antigua Dress

For Love & Lemons Antigua Dress, $281, Revolve Clothing

For Love & Lemons’ Antigua Dress is an ethereal breath of fresh air with its nude underlay and delicate lace handiwork.

Shona Joy Seidler Maxi Dress

Shona Joy Seidler Maxi Dress, $462, Revolve Clothing

Both architectural and avant-garde, Shona Joy Seidler’s Maxi Dress will pack a sartorial punch at prom.

Three Floor You Crazy Diamond Strapless Dress

Three Floor You Crazy Diamond Strapless Dress, $358, Nastygal

Subtle in hue yet rebellious in its studded accents, Three Floor’s You Crazy Diamond Strapless Dress will keep all eyes on you throughout the night.

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