Fashion

Need Help Choosing a Prom Dress? These are the 8 Must-Have Trends

Published by
Erin Valusek
Shop the Look: Photo Finish Forest Green Sequin Lace-Up Maxi Dress; Image via @xiomara

Prom season is so close we can almost taste it! The spring semester can get a little stressful with all the homework, spring projects, and other commitments you have. But prom is a fun distraction and planning out your dream night is sure to lift your spirits. 

Shop the Look: My Dream Come True Pink Velvet Strapless Maxi Dress

And prom would be nothing without the fashion–it’s basically the high school version of the Met Gala. Especially if it’s your senior year, it’s your last big event before graduating: You’ll want to make an unforgettable impression. But with today’s unlimited options, it can feel overwhelming trying to find an affordable prom dress. 

Shop the Look: Wonderstruck White Glitter Lace-Up Embroidered Lace Maxi Dress; Image via @oliviacalabio

Think finding a super chic dress that’s also within budget is impossible? Not this year! We’ve rounded up the top prom trends of 2022 so you can start planning the perfect look to fit your perfect night

High Shine

Shop the Look: Evenings of Elegance Burgundy Sequin Lace-Up Maxi Dress

Your future’s looking bright, and you should have a dress that reflects that. Dresses with a ton of shine are especially hot right now: Think solid sequins, metallic fabrics, and rhinestones. Go big this year; you deserve it! 

Bustier Dresses

Shop the Look: Most Beautiful Day Ivory Multi Floral Print Organza Maxi Dress

 Dresses with details like bustier bodices and boning are so romantic and flirty. This trend shows off the sultry side of your personality and offers structure up top for those who prefer a little extra shape!

Dramatic Trains

Shop the Look: Perfectly Classy Yellow Satin Strappy Maxi Dress

Dresses with trainss are the moment; they’re sexy, elegant, and perfect for those over-the-shoulder poses (the drama!). If you’re looking to accentuate your back, look for dresses that are backless or low-cut. For those looking to highlight your other rear feature, amp up the back view with ruching. It’s super flattering and really emphasizes your, er, assets. 

High Slits

Shop the Look: Heavenly Hues Forest Green Maxi Dress

Want to really make an impression this year? Of course, you do. Show off some leg by rocking a maxi dress with a high slit. It adds a super glamorous effect to your look–and gives you an opportunity to show off those heels!

Bold Color

Shop the Look: Got the Glam Pink Pleated Cutout Maxi Dress

Your red carpet moment calls for a prom dress that can’t be missed. Dress up a bright look even more by adding a piece of statement jewelry, or keep it simple with a clutch and a sleek pair of stilettos. 

Tulle

Shop the Look: Tulle-y Amazing Black Tulle Sleeveless Bustier Maxi Dress

Looking for a dreamy, unique prom look? A tulle dress is as ethereal as it gets. Channel your inner royal in layers of tulle–and that doesn’t necessarily mean a full, princess-style ball skirt, either. Dancing queens, take note: You will not be able to resist the urge to twirl.

Jumpsuits

Shop the Look: Look of Luxe Navy Blue Satin Asymmetrical Wide-Leg Jumpsuit

Why limit yourself to dresses? A fancy onesie means you get the statement effect of a gown with the confident vibe of a power suit. Jumpsuits can be dressed up or down with the addition of a few simple accessories, and they’re easy to move around (and dance) in. Plus, you’ll look amazing in all of your photos. 

Rhinestones

Shop the Look: Forever Falling For You White Rhinestone Mermaid Maxi Dress

Cutout details add a little glamour to any prom look. From geometric trim to sparkly straps to rhinestone fringe, you can get your hit of shimmer in all sorts of ways. The result: a prom trend that allows you to shine on your terms.

Which trend will you be rocking for the big night? Show us on Instagram @lulus using #lovelulus! Still deciding? Shop more affordable prom dresses in our Prom Shop!

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