The 11 best places to buy prom dresses online
— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.Prom season has arrived. Whether you're attending a virtual dance or a socially distant affair this year, there's a lot of excitement surrounding the celebrations, from finding a date to picking the perfect prom dress. While we can't help with the former, we can help with the latter.
Shopping for a prom dress requires you to consider a lot of factors: color, length, style, and brand, to name a few, which can be hard to properly examine when buying online. At retailers like David’s Bridal, Shein, and Macy’s, though, there are hundreds of prom dresses to choose from for dance-goers of all shapes and sizes. Below, are the ten best places to buy prom dresses online.
1. David’s Bridal
This year, invest in one of the best prom dresses on the market, available at David's Bridal.
Our favorites: Plus Sparkle Strapless Illusion Corset Ball Gown—$379.95 and Charmeuse Keyhole Crisscross Dress—$169.95
Prices: 👗👗👗👗
Sizes: 0-23
Return policy: 7 days
Metallics, sequins, cut-outs, oh my! While David’s Bridal may be known for wedding dresses, it also sells gorgeous prom dresses in long, short, and two-piece styles and in both regular and plus sizes. On its website, you can filter by things like price, silhouette, sleeve, neckline, and trends.
If you want some professional guidance with finding the perfect dress, David's Bridal offers one-on-one appointments with stylists at its store locations across the country or you can chat with a stylist online 24/7. Whether you order online or in-store, you can get your dress tailored with David's Bridal's in-house alterations specialists.
Shop prom dresses at David’s Bridal
2. Rent the Runway
Shop at Rent the Runway to experience one of the best places to buy prom dresses.
Our favorites: LoveShackFancy Bexlie Halter Gown — starting at $93 and Fuzzi Tulle One-Shoulder Gown— starting at $93**
Prices: 👗
Sizes: regular and extended
Return policy: On a case-by-case basis
Want an extravagant prom dress without breaking the bank? Turn to Rent the Runway. The fully rentable service allows you to rent top designer dresses at a fraction of the cost. Simply type in your zip code, size, and anticipated dates of your rental (and return), and you're good to go. Chose between four to eight-day services, and consider this our little secret.
Shop all dresses from Rent the Runway
3. Nordstrom
This year, invest in one of the best prom dresses on the market, available at Nordstrom.
Our favorites: After Six Chiffon Gown — $200 and La Femme One-Shoulder Gown — $228**
Prices: 👗👗👗
Sizes: 2-18
Return policy: On a case-by-case basis
There are hundreds of pretty prom dresses available at Nordstrom, whether you're looking for a flirty cocktail-length frock or a sleek, sequined ball gown. There are dresses in regular and plus sizes that range in price from $60 to $800. You'll also find high-end dresses from designers including Mac Duggal, Carolina Herrera, and La Femme. Narrow down your choices by dress style—A-line, backless, empire waist, body-con, and so on—or neckline, lika e boat, plunge, haltered, or turtleneck. Nordstrom also allows you to sort the results by percent off (as well as from lowest to highest) if you're on the hunt for a deal.
Shop prom dresses at Nordstrom
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4. Macy’s
You can build your entire prom night outfit at Macy's.
Our favorites: City Studios Juniors’ Embellished Illusion Tulip Gown—$83.10 and Betsy & Adam Plus Size Off-The-Shoulder Embellished Gown—$224
Prices: 👗👗
Sizes: 0-15 and 14W-22W
Return policy: 90 days
Macy’s has a featured section for prom dresses on its website, where you can search by size, dress length, color, style, top-rated, and price. You can even filter by discount—from 20% to 70% off—or shop the "Created For Macy's" collection, which features limited-edition gowns available exclusively at the retailer. Prices range from $20 to $400. Another perk of shopping at Macy's? You can get your dress along with everything else you need for prom night—shoes, a clutch, makeup—all in one place.
5. Amazon
Shop some of the best prom dresses available at Amazon.
Our favorites: JASAMBAC Women's Bow One Shoulder Dress with Pockets—$33 and JASAMBAC Women's High-Low Dress—$39.99
Prices: 👗
Sizes: 0-38 and XXS-8X
Return policy: 30 days
Amazon is home to a vast selection of prom dresses in a variety of styles, lengths, and colors, from slinky black gowns to bright fit-and-flare mini dresses. Many cost less than $100, so it's a good place to shop if you don't want to spend a lot. Search according to size, color, price, brand, and average rating, and then skim the reviews with images to see how the dresses look in real life on other shoppers. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you'll receive free shipping and free returns on select dresses.
6. Shein
Shein is a must-shop for budget-friendly prom dresses.
Our favorites: Ever Pretty Ruffle Off Shoulder Split Prom Dress—$42 and Cross Back High Split Satin Maxi Slip Dress—$21
Prices: 👗
Sizes: XS-4X
Return policy: 45 days
Shein is one of the best places to buy a prom dress on a budget. (After all, like a wedding dress, you're likely only going to wear it once!) Filter through the thousands of "formal" or "night out" dresses by size, color, pattern, material, style, neckline, sleeve length, and price. You'll find classic silhouettes to edgier of-the-moment designs starting at just $18. Bonus: For shoppers in the U.S., Shein currently offers free shipping on all orders in the U.S.
7. Lulu's
Consider Lulus your prom one-stop shop.
Our favorites: Heavenly Hues Navy Blue Maxi Dress—$89 and Awaken My Love White Long Sleeve Lace Maxi Dress—$89
Prices: 👗👗
Sizes: XXS-XL
Return policy: 30 days
Lulu's is a popular destination for dresses, and its prom selection doesn't disappoint. There are all different necklines (apron, boat neck, v-neck, scoop, strapless, surplice, cowl), all different sleeves (sleeveless, strapless, short, half, three-quarter, long), and all different lengths (mini, midi, maxi, high low). Not only does Lulu's have prom dresses, but the retailer also offers prom shoes and accessories to finish off the look. You'll get free shipping on all orders over $50 and students to qualify for a 10% discount by verifying their status via Student Beans.
8. Dillard’s
Shop some of the best prom dresses available.
Our favorites: Alex Evenings Plus-Size Rosette A-Line Gown—$259 and B. Darlin Satin Ball Gown—$160
Prices: 👗👗👗
Sizes: 0-15
Return policy: 30 days
In Dillard's prom section, shoppers can browse popular dresses, new pieces, and sale items in addition to filtering options by length, brand, color, sleeve length, and price. The product page for each dress features a "Complete Your Look" section, which recommends shoes, handbags, and other accessories to pair with your gown. Tip: Reviewers recommend checking the size chart for each dress—which varies by brand—to ensure you get the right fit.
Shop prom dresses at Dillard’s
9. Anthropologie
Shop some of the best prom dresses available.
Our favorites: Odette Dress—$430 and BHLDN Leila Satin Charmeuse Maxi Dress—$248
Prices: 👗👗👗👗
Sizes: 0-26
Return policy: 60 days
Anthropologie doesn’t have a specific section set aside for prom dresses but instead has a robust dress section separated into different categories from little white dresses to black tie numbers. For prom, you’ll likely want to browse through the "Formal Dresses" section, where you'll find elegant floor-length gowns in luxe silk and flowy chiffon. Filter by style, sleeve length, length, color, size, price, and brand or sort your picks by the newest dresses or the top-selling. You can also find gorgeous prom-appropriate dresses from Anthropologie's bridal offshoot, BHLDN.
Shop prom dresses at Anthropologie
10. PromGirl
You're basically guaranteed to find a dress you like at PromGirl.
Our favorites: Faviana V-Neck Ruched Open-Back Floor Length Dress—$250 and Long Alyce High-Low Taffeta Prom Dress with Slit—$249
Prices: 👗👗👗
Sizes: 00-24
Return policy: 7 days
PromGirl makes prom dress shopping a breeze with its easy-to-navigate website layout and design. First, you can shop by designer, what’s trending, size—including a large variety of plus sizes—and dress style. PromGirl carries popular brands along with its own highly rated line designed exclusively for the retailer. Whether you’re looking for a glittery gown or a sultry two-piece set, PromGirl has you covered. There’s also a section devoted to dresses under $200 and an option to filter your results by body shape so you can find something that fits your budget and your body.
11. Unique Vintage
Shop some of the best prom dresses available at Unique Vintage.
Our favorites: Rouge & Silver Ombre Sparkle Sleeveless Ball Gown—$200.99 and Unique Vintage Red Tulle Cupcake Swing Dress—$129
Prices: 👗👗
Sizes: 4-22 and XS-L
Return policy: 30 days
If retro dresses are your thing, Unique Vintage may be your best bet when it comes to prom prep. Think: beaded flapper frocks and Coco Chanel-approved gowns. The quirky retailer offers silhouettes and shapes that conjure up images of Mad Men-Esque cocktail lounges and sock hops. On its website, you’ll find a designated prom dress section, which you can browse by era—from the 1920s to the 1970s—color, print, size, and brand. Unique Vintage offers $7 flat rate shipping or free shipping for orders over $150.
Shop prom dresses at Unique Vintage
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.