FASHION
WHAT TO WEAR TO PROM
By Lizzie Griffin, 26 January 2026
Choosing the perfect prom look isn’t easy. And it’s no surprise – prom season is basically the high school equivalent of the Oscars, Grammys and the Met, all rolled into one. For some of you, it'll be the first time you’ve stepped out in a formal gown, so why not make it a night to remember? If you’re struggling to think of ways to serve, don’t fret. We’ve found five dresses (including a jumpsuit) that’ll make you stand out all night long.
THE STATEMENT DRESS
ASOS DESIGN draped neck satin bias maxi dress with fringe sleeve detail in overblown floral, £85
If winning Prom Queen is on the agenda, then look no further. This satin gown is cut on the bias, creating a fluid silhouette that leans into luxe territory. The beauty of this dress is that all the drama is in the fringed sleeve. Our styling suggestion? Pair it with botanical earrings to match the overblown floral motif and add silver heels, too. The aim is to stand out in true prom fashion, after all.
THE OLIVE MAXI
ASOS DESIGN drop waist velvet maxi dress with sheer godet skirt in olive, £55
First brat, then chartreuse, now pistachio and olive – there's no denying the colour green has staying power, which is why this maxi should be on your prom outfits moodboard. Playing with textures, plush velvet covers the top, while a sheer godet skirt trails below. Channel a modern boho look with golden bangles, dangly earrings and tousled locks.
THE POLKA-DOT MINI
Prom dresses don't always have to be long, just look at this mini dress from Sister Jane. What we love most? It hits two trends in one go: polka dots and chocolate brown. While we've seen everyone from Raye to Paloma Elsesser sporting the spots at formal events, we've not yet seen a standout look in this shade of brown. Wear this from prom to the afterparty with a diamante clutch, tonal heels and dainty earrings. Prom looks good on you.
THE FLORAL ONE
Long formal dresses are an easy win. This ARRANGE Curve maxi has a sleek black silhouette with statement-making embroidered florals – an effortlessly feminine look that serves at every angle. We love that the scarf detail twists around the neck and trails down the back. The dress does all the hard work, meaning that you only need to style with black heels (which you might already have in your wardrobe), sculptural earrings and a slick-back bun. Very demure.
THE EMBELLISHED JUMPSUIT
Pictures: ASOS
ASOS DESIGN corset embellished bodice jumpsuit with tailored trouser in black, £95
Reminder: not all prom clothes have to include a dress. If you're still figuring out what to wear to prom, perhaps a jumpsuit is the one? With a cinched waist, curved neckline and wide-leg tailored trouser – this style has all the shape you could ask for. Plus the embellishments add the right amount of sparkle to the look, too. Heels on, hair down – this look is ready for a party.
