Prom season is an exciting time, and choosing the right prom dress is one of the most important decisions to make. There are countless types of prom dresses, each varying by silhouette, style, and design elements - with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to pick the perfect dress.
In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of prom dress by silhouette and style to help you make an informed decision and find the dress that makes you feel your best.
Types of Prom Dresses By Silhouette (Shape)
When choosing the right prom dress silhouette, it’s important to consider your body shape and what flatters your figure. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular prom dress silhouettes:
A-Line/Princess
The A-Line dress, also known as the princess prom dress, is a universally flattering style, fitted at the top and gradually flaring out from the waist. It’s perfect for a classic, elegant look that’s both comfortable and timeless. This versatile silhouette works well for most body types, making it a go-to choice for first-time prom-goers. Whether you’re petite or curvy, the A-line creates a graceful, balanced look without being overly dramatic.
Ball Gown
The ball gown is the ultimate prom look. Featuring a fitted bodice and a voluminous skirt, it’s dramatic silhouette makes for a bold look. The full skirt creates a timeless, fairy-tale effect that works best for those looking for something grand and elegant. This silhouette is ideal for those who want to make a statement and feel like royalty. It’s the perfect dress for those who want to stand out on prom night, so if you’re dreaming of a Cinderella moment, this is the dress for you!
Mermaid
The mermaid prom dress is form-fitting through the body and flares out dramatically at or below the knee. This silhouette accentuates curves and creates a sleek, glamorous look. It’s perfect for showing off your figure and is a favorite among fashion-forward prom-goers. The tight-fitting silhouette emphasizes your curves, offering a sultry and sophisticated vibe that’s bold and dramatic. If you love a high-fashion look and want to turn heads, the mermaid style is your go-to.
Sleeveless
A sleeveless prom dress offers a clean, elegant look with no straps or sleeves, making it perfect for showcasing your décolletage. This style is light, airy, and ideal for warmer weather, summer or indoor proms. With a variety of necklines and fabric options, sleeveless dresses can range from modern to classic, offering versatility to suit any style. It’s a sophisticated choice that maintains a chic, not-too-formal feel.
Open Back
An open back dress is a glamorous and modern choice for prom. The back can range from a subtle cutout to a dramatic plunge, offering a touch of skin while keeping the front modest. With details ranging from a cowl, tie-up, lace insert, or a simply low back, this style adds a sultry and mature touch to any prom dress. It’s the perfect choice for anyone aiming to make a statement, from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave.
V-Neck
The V-neck prom dress features a neckline that dips into a "V" shape. This style is flattering for most body types and elongates the frame, offering a sleek and sophisticated look, especially for those looking to highlight their neck and collarbones or emphasize their chest! This timeless cut can be paired with various fabric options, making it both versatile and universally flattering.
One Shoulder
Most one shoulder prom dresses feature a single strap that wraps around just one shoulder, leaving the other side bare. The asymmetrical design highlights the shoulders and collarbones while maintaining a graceful, stylish appearance. It adds visual interest and balance to a prom look; perfect for those seeking a sophisticated yet fashionable option. One shoulder dresses are also great for younger girls who don’t want to worry about adjusting their dress all night, as it’s a silhouette that’s very secure.
Off the Shoulder
An off-the-shoulder prom dress has sleeves that fall below the shoulders, creating a flattering neckline that emphasizes the shoulders and collarbones. This timeless style offers a soft, feminine touch and gives your dress a delicate yet sophisticated feel.
Slit
A prom dress with a slit features a high cut along the side of the skirt, offering a hint of exposed leg. With the option for a subtle or dramatic slit depending on its height, a slit prom dress allows for movement and comfort without sacrificing sophistication. It’s perfect for those who want to add a touch of drama to their look while keeping it chic and stylish.
Halter
A classic design with timeless charm, a halter prom dress features straps that wrap around the neck, leaving the shoulders and arms exposed. This style offers excellent support for those with a larger bust, while creating a sleek, sporty, and stylish look. The high neckline adds elegance, and the halter design enhances a streamlined silhouette. Flattering for a variety of body types, the halter dress has wide appeal and is a versatile option for prom.
Types of Prom Dresses By Style
When it comes to choosing the right prom dress, style plays a key role in expressing your personal taste. At Terry Costa, we offer a variety of styles to suit different preferences. Let’s explore some of the popular ones:
Ruffles
A prom dress with ruffles adds layers of fabric to create a voluminous and playful look. Ruffles are often featured along the skirt, sleeves, or neckline, giving the dress a fun, dynamic feel. This style adds volume and movement, creating a playful and fun vibe, so it’s perfect for those who love dramatic or romantic designs.
Beaded
A beaded prom dress features intricate beadwork or embellishments, often across the bodice or skirt. Beading adds a touch of luxury, ranging from subtle accents to full, shimmering designs. This style of dress is luxurious and glamorous, making it perfect for those who love sparkle or for those who want a fun and glitzy look.
Corset
A corset prom dress features a structured bodice that mimics the shape of a corset, and has built in boning which provides structure. With laces or hooks to cinch the waist, it creates an hourglass figure and keeps everything looking snatched. By accentuating the waist, corset dresses create an ideal hourglass shape. It’s perfect for those who love a classic, structured look, and a great, supportive option for girls with larger busts.
Metallics
Metallic dresses feature shiny, reflective fabrics that create a bold and futuristic look. Whether in gold, silver, or iridescent tones, metallic prom dresses are perfect for making a statement. It’s a style that is bold and eye-catching, perfect for creating a high-impact look.
Lace
A lace prom dress is a classic - romantic and delicate, with intricate details that add texture and sophistication. Lace can be used for the entire dress or as an overlay, or as a trim around the sleeves, seams or hem. Elegant and timeless, lace is the perfect material to create a feminine, delicate prom look. It works well with both classic and modern styles.
Cut-Outs
Cut-out prom dresses add unique details by strategically exposing small sections of skin. Whether on the sides, back, or front, cut-outs offer an edgy, trendy twist to a formal dress. A cut out prom dress is the perfect option for those looking for something unique.
Two-Piece
A two-piece prom dress separates the top and skirt, often with a crop top and high-waisted skirt. There are a wide range of styles on offer, from a sleek bodycon skirt, to something flirty and romantic. A two piece prom dress is versatile, modern, and perfect for those who want something a little different from traditional gowns.
High-Low
A high-low dress features a hemline that’s shorter in the front and longer in the back. This style combines the best of both worlds to balance fun and formal. A high-low prom dress shows off your legs in the front while having a dramatic train at the back - perfect for a unique and dramatic look.
Floral
A floral prom dress features prints or patterns with flowers, leaves, petals or vines - offering a fresh and feminine option for prom. Floral prints can range from soft pastels to bold, vibrant blooms. These dresses are great for spring proms, and are a pretty option universally flattering on all types of body shape and size.
Conclusion
With so many options to choose from, selecting the right prom dress can be a fun and exciting process. Whether you’re drawn to classic styles like the A-line dress or something more trendy like cut-outs, there’s a perfect dress waiting for you. In 2025, ballgowns and florals are especially popular for prom, but ultimately, the dress you choose should reflect your personal style and make you feel both confident and beautiful.
Check out our full prom dress collection at Terry Costa to find the dress of your dreams!
FAQs
What are the most popular styles of prom dresses?
Some of the most popular dress styles for 2025 proms include A-line, mermaid, ball gown, and ballgowns. These silhouettes are timeless and flattering for most body types.
How do I choose the best prom dress for my body shape?
The key is to select a silhouette that accentuates your best features. For example, A-line dresses are universally flattering, while mermaid dresses are perfect for those looking to show off their curves.
Are beaded prom dresses still in style?
Yes, beaded prom dresses remain a popular choice due to their luxurious and glamorous look. They add sparkle and are perfect for making a statement at prom.
