Affordable Prom & Formal Event Dresses

- Shopping

Evening Prom Dresses

Prom was quite awhile ago for me, but if I could go back, I would have MORE fun with it, both in the dress I chose and not feeling so pressured to be perfect. My parents always instilled the idea of budget, even for big events like prom, so finding prom dresses under $300 that are this beautiful from David’s Bridal is seriously amazing. I remember shopping for dresses and seeing some upwards of $600. For one night it just seems like a lot to spend, no matter how gorgeous the dress is.

I am so excited to share my top 5 picks from David Bridal’s prom collection because I have had the honor of taking my little sister prom dress shopping the past two years. Now that she is in college, I don’t have anyone to take shopping! Also, some of these dresses could work just as well for a formal event. I haven’t had any formal events to attend in my “adult life,” but if I did I would be looking for affordable options like these!

prom dress shopping

How gorgeous is this gown?! Honestly I can just picture something this beautiful on a celebrity for a movie premiere or awards show. The ombre sequin detail covering the dress and the slit at the bottom keep the dress fun and sexy, while still being completely sophisticated.

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I love the straps on this dress and the red color is so alluring. Some might think this dress is too plain Jane for prom, but think about all the ways you could accessorize this and really go for all all out glam look for your makeup and hair! And there is a gorgeous ruched detailing that is hard to see in this image and a gorgeous open back! Plus, this dress would definitely be one you could wear for future events.

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Blue is just such a classic, beautiful color and looks great on anyone. Plus the keyhole detailing, halter top style and cut out sides make this dress unique and fun, while still being completely classy.

prom dress shopping

Okay so this dress is gorgeous in it’s simplicity, with a full skirt in a pinkish-red color and a sparkly sweetheart top. But let’s be real… how much does this dress resemble the one prom dress shopping ?! Want to be a celebrity for the night? Try this dress!

prom dress shopping

Do not fear this dress for the reason that you want to save white for your wedding day because this dress will make you stand out from the rest at your prom! (I wore off white to my senior prom and everyone said I looked like I was going to get married). The sequin detailing makes its own pattern on the front of the dress, almost giving it a corset look. It is a beautifully detailed dress that will make people turn their heads! Those wanting to be a princess for a night should choose this look. Okay and this dress is $329… but can you blame me for including it?! I think the extra $29 is worth the extra pizzazz.

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24 Comments

  • Reply
    Rachel
    March 5, 2013 at 6:31 AM

    This is making me so nostalgic for prom.. sigh. I spent upwards of $500 including alterations for my dress, but I still say it was worth it. However, if I were to go back now, I’d probably spend a little less haha! I love that one that looks like Keri Washington’s dress- I thought the same thing before I read your commentary!

  • Reply
    Ashleigh
    March 5, 2013 at 7:41 AM

    I LOVE one and 2/ My bff and I were just staring at prom dresses the other day, considering throwing a grown up prom so we could buy and wear them!

  • Reply
    Sharon
    March 5, 2013 at 8:13 AM

    That hot pink dress is a great dupe for Kerry Washington’s Oscar dress!

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    March 5, 2013 at 2:43 PM

    Gorgeous dresses! I love the first, third and fourth.

    -Vogue&Heels
    vogueandheels.com

  • Reply
    Jackie l FoodWineFashion.com
    March 5, 2013 at 8:44 AM

    Wow, prom was so long ago! But it’s really fun to think back to it. I think the pink one is my favorite!

    xo Jackie
    http://www.FoodWineFashion.com

  • Reply
    Julie, from prosecco to plaid
    March 5, 2013 at 9:13 AM

    Pretty dresses! Love the first one. xo, Julie

  • Reply
    maylovefashion
    March 5, 2013 at 10:04 AM

    Love the fuchsia dress!

  • Reply
    Bethie the Boo
    March 5, 2013 at 10:27 AM

    I’ll be the first to admit prom is one of the things I totally miss about high school! I loved shopping for dresses! I’m totally digging that blue one!

  • Reply
    ashley
    March 5, 2013 at 10:53 AM

    Oh, prom! It was always more fun picking the dress and getting ready than the actual event. 🙂

    xo Ashley
    http://www.ashnfashn.com

  • Reply
    Rebecca
    March 5, 2013 at 12:02 PM

    So much fun picking out dresses! I love your choices! I am so in love with the first one!

    Rebecca
    http://www.winnipegstyle.ca

  • Reply
    Sofia
    March 5, 2013 at 12:16 PM

    What beautiful dresses. I love the first one a lot.
    If you get a sec, check out my latest post ‘Parisian Style’.

    XO
    Sofia

    stylishlyinlove.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Ashley
    March 5, 2013 at 1:29 PM

    Love all these picks- oooh, what different (bolder!) choices I would make if I could do the whole prom thing all over again. 🙂

    -Ashley
    http://lestylorouge.com

  • Reply
    Sue
    March 5, 2013 at 2:04 PM

    I love the blue and white dresses! I know there’s only one thing I would’ve done different for my prom – I would have gone with this really lovely blue gown I wanted, but didn’t buy, for junior year, even though the dress I did wear was awesome, it wasn’t really what I wanted, and it showed. I do miss the excuse to buy fancy dresses…

    xo
    Sue

  • Reply
    Chelsea
    March 5, 2013 at 5:37 PM

    I like all the dresses. I agree spending a lot for prom is hard to do, I had my dress made from my friend who makes dresses. It was cost effective.

    XO Chelsea
    http://shesaidhesaid-fashion.blogspot.com/

  • Reply
    Diana Marks
    March 5, 2013 at 7:41 PM

    These dresses are stunning!

    LA By Diana Live Magazine

  • Reply
    Anna James
    March 6, 2013 at 8:36 AM

    These dresses are amazing. I feel like there were not fabulous dresses like this when I was in high school.
    I would love if you could stop by my blog and enter my latest giveaway!
    http://www.fashboulevard.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Tracy
    March 6, 2013 at 8:32 AM

    The dresses you chose are so beautiful. If I were to go back to prom I would wear something super sparkly. My favorite is the last dress.

    Tracy @ Sunny Days and Starry Nights

    Enter our Retro Designed Pencil Sharpener Giveaway

  • Reply
    AJ
    March 6, 2013 at 11:23 AM

    WOW, prom was SO long ago! But I love your picks, very timeless.

    -AJ
    FitTravelerAJ.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Rain Rathore
    June 14, 2013 at 6:47 PM

    nice dresses

  • Reply
    Ayo'gurl Jazzie
    July 21, 2013 at 8:49 PM

    pretty

  • Reply
    Bongekile Xalisa
    August 8, 2013 at 10:07 AM

    I absolutely like them if I was a queen or a princess none of them I wouldn't buy.

  • Reply
    ivyliya
    November 15, 2013 at 1:21 AM

    great post, like the sequined long prom dresses

  • Reply
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  • Reply
    Madeline
    October 30, 2014 at 3:49 AM

    Nice post!!the dress is so beautiful

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