Prom Dresses

Designer Prom Dresses

Terry Costa has a few different prom dress designers, and while we cannot pick a favorite, the 4 below contain pieces with their own signature approach to formalwear.

Sherri Hill prom dresses feature a mix of fitted mermaid gowns and voluminous ballgowns, with corset-style bodices, glitter tulle, beaded appliqués, and high-slit skirts. They have both intricate surface detailing and more structured silhouettes, but one thing is for sure: you’ll feel and look like one of the stars who just arrived to walk the red carpet.

ASHLEYlauren prom dresses stand out for their architectural details, including oversized bows, tiered ruffles, and exposed corset boning for the fashion-forward girlies. The structure and unexpected details will do all the talking.

Portia and Scarlett prom dresses lean into dramatic construction, with fitted mermaid gowns, strapless beaded bodices, low backs, and sweeping trains. This, however, is not the only reason it’s one of the top collections. Portia and Scarlett have feather accents, sequined surfaces, and horsehair hems.

Ava Presley prom dresses lean heavily on detailed embellishments. They include intricate rhinestone and beadwork with corset bodices, dramatic slits, and feather accents in short and long gowns so you don’t have to sacrifice personality.

We also have prom gowns by brands such as Faviana, Primavera Couture, La Femme, and Colors Dress.

Prom Dress Styles & Silhouettes

Choosing the right silhouette is one of the fastest ways to narrow down your options. From what we see in-store, most people already know what they like, they just haven’t matched it to what actually fits and feels right. The difference comes down to how a dress moves, supports, and shapes your body throughout the night.

A-Line

A flattering, easy-to-wear classic. A-line prom dresses cinch at the waist and flow gently out, giving you movement, comfort, and a timeless look that works for almost everyone.

Mermaid

Perfect if you love bold, curve-hugging drama! A mermaid silhouette contours the body and flares at the knee for a stunning red-carpet effect.

Ball Gown

Your fairytale moment awaits! Ball gowns bring big volume and big sparkle - ideal for making an unforgettable entrance. They’re often chosen for that defined waist and dramatic skirt that still feels balanced when you move.

Fitted / Sheath

Sleek, modern, and minimal. These dresses skim the body for a smooth, streamlined look, with slits or shimmer adding extra personality. A great option if you want something lighter and easy to move in.

We have these available in both short prom dresses that fall above the ankle and long prom dresses that reach the floor.

Trending Colors for the Prom Season

Color is often what people choose first, but what actually matters is how it looks under different lighting and against your skin tone. Based on our experience, the right shade doesn’t just look good in the mirror. It stands out in photos and still feels right hours into the night.

The right color should complement your skin tone and still stand out in photos.

Black

Chic, classic, and effortlessly cool. Black prom dresses are perfect for an elevated, editorial look. Add sparkle or keep it sleek, as it always works!

Red

A red prom dress gives instant confidence and main-character energy. Go bold with a bright cherry red or dramatic with a deeper tone.

Green

Elegant emerald and feminine sage give our green prom dresses plenty of variety. The color feels fresh and looks gorgeous in photos.

Pink

Pretty, playful, and fun, soft blush and bold Barbiecore shades give pink prom dresses a feminine, joyful feel.

Yellow

Yellow offers something bright, fresh, and different without being overwhelming. Soft butter tones and bold sunshine shades give yellow prom dresses warmth and energy while still feeling wearable and unique.

Blue

Cool, classic, and always in style. Blue prom dresses come in soft pastels, deep navy, and vibrant royal tones, giving you a polished look that still stands out beautifully in photos.

Prom Dress Fabrics

The fabric of your prom dress doesn’t just change how it looks. It affects how it fits, moves, and feels after a full night of standing, sitting, and dancing. The right fabric can make the difference between constantly adjusting your dress and feeling completely comfortable in it.

Chiffon

Lightweight and breathable, ideal for soft movement and comfort.

Satin

Structured and glossy, creating a polished look that photographs well.

Tulle

Layered and voluminous, often used for dramatic ball gown shapes.

Lace

Detailed and textured, adding a timeless finish without heavy embellishment.

Jersey or Stretch Fabric

Flexible and comfortable, making it easy to move and dance in.

Try a few different fabrics as you may be surprised which ones feel the best.

How to Choose Your Perfect Prom Dress

Choosing the right prom dress becomes much easier when you focus on how it fits, feels, and functions, not just how it looks on the hanger. These are the same steps our Terry Costa stylists guide shoppers through every day.

1. Start With How You Want to Feel

If you’re still collecting prom dress ideas, start with how you want to feel. Aiming for something sleek, dramatic, soft, or bold helps narrow your options quickly and keeps your decision consistent as you try different styles.

2. Try More Than One Silhouette

It’s common to walk in with one style in mind and leave with something completely different. Certain silhouettes look very different once they’re on, so trying a few options is the fastest way to understand what actually works for your body.

3. Move Around in the Dress

Don’t just stand in front of the mirror. Sit, walk, and turn to see how the dress moves with you. A dress that feels comfortable in motion will be much easier to wear throughout the night, especially during photos and on the dance floor.

4. Pay Attention to Fit, Not Just Style

A dress can look great, but still feel off if the fit isn’t right. Check how it sits at the waist, bust, and hips, and whether it stays in place without constant adjusting. Small fit details often make the biggest difference in how confident you feel.

Shopping extended sizes? Explore our plus size prom dresses for styles available in more inclusive sizing.

5. Bring Someone You Trust

A second opinion can help you see things from a different perspective, especially when choosing between a few strong options. Just make sure the final decision reflects how you feel about the dress.

Use filters to narrow your search by color, designer, size, and fabric. For a more detailed step-by-step guide, explore our online prom dress guide.

Shop Prom Dresses in Dallas or Online

We help shoppers find the right prom dresses at Terry Costa, a brand that has over 40 years of experience in the industry. Our team can help you compare prom dresses in Dallas at our Dallas store. Trying on dresses before purchasing is not just to get help with the sizing and advice from our stylist, but to live in the moment that movies always zoom in on (a night you’ll always remember). If you are not anywhere near us and still want to know where to buy prom dresses, we have great news: you can also shop online.

The store has sizes ranging from 000 to 26, although availability varies by style and designer.

We urge everyone to read the shipping policy to make sure you understand delivery options and timing. You don’t want your dress to arrive just before the event because sometimes independent alterations are needed to make it look like the dress was made for you. The return and exchange policy is just as important!

These dresses might not be exactly what you are looking for, which is totally normal. If that’s the case, see our unique prom dresses collection for more options or at our Dallas store.