
Designers on the sets of movies like A Cinderella Story or Pretty Little Liars revolutionized fashion by creating these show-stopping gowns. Providing multiple generations of prom-goers inspo each year, these iconic dresses are a peek into classical pieces that defined the ‘70s to the 2000s. From the ’70s puffy sleeves to the two pieces that ruled hearts in the ‘90s, check out our favorites dresses below!
Carrie in “Carrie”
In the movie, Carrie’s fashion is undoubtedly childish – intentionally unflattering and unfashionable. However, she was picture perfect in a peach-pink silk slip when she showed up for prom. Although her mother was completely against it and suggested they burn it as a sign of repentance, Carrie was bold enough to stick to her choices.

Spoiler alert ― when her mother said, “I might’ve known it would be red,” the resonance to the later part of the prom is eerie. The dress was sheer perfection ruined by pig blood.
Bianca in “10 Things I Hate About You”
The fashionable, feminine Bianca wore a dusty pink satin crop top coupled with a tulle skirt. Despite her father’s chagrin, her choice perfectly encapsulated her personality in a dress. It even showed the slightest hint of a belly button.

The signature curly updo that was a ‘90s hit, together with the pink and white rhinestone neckpiece completed the look. It would be pretty difficult for most other characters to pull this outfit off as it’s an explosion of pink and fluff. But not for Bianca.
Rachel in “Glee”
Rachel Berry was prom royalty in a peach mermaid-style dress. No wonder William McKinley High titled her the Prom Queen. Starting from the soft color that complemented her features to the shape of the dress that hugged her in all the right places.

The sweetheart neckline looks just darling on her and the tulle at the bottom is not too over-the-top nor does it clash with the theme. She completed the look with a small pair of dangly earrings and a corsage. Perfection!
Sandy in “Grease”
Prom dresses will come and go. Leading ladies will enter and exit the screen, but few will occupy our memory space like Sandy from Grease. Talk about iconic!

Instead of giving her an overly poofy or tight outfit, they let her personality shine in a light yellow A-line dress. The cut was right under the knee with adequate tulle underneath. The belt stole the show with that little flower that sat at the edge of her hip.
Serena in “Gossip Girl”
Serena dresses like she’s ready for the prom on a daily basis. Come the big day, she pulled out all the stops in sky high-heels, an incredible dress, and stunning accessories. She wore a $19,000 Christian Dior Spring 2009 halter gown.

The rose gown features unique pink crystals and silver embroidery, giving her a touch of whimsy along with elegance. The gown’s flowy hemline complemented Serena’s loose and long curls beautifully. It wouldn’t be so Serena if it wasn’t effortless yet gorgeous at the same time.
Kim in “Prom Night”
While the movie plot didn’t let us focus on the dress for too long, we still have it in our minds whenever prom pops up in our heads. A relentless avenger is out to end lives so how can Kim still look so amazing?

Before the students were praying for their lives, Jamie Lee Curtis’s character wowed in a soft pink dress that was sweet, serene perfection. The big hair with the thick curls screams the ‘70s like nothing else. It was even better when she danced.
Andie in “Pretty in Pink”
Wannabe DIYers will love Andie’s dress from Pretty in Pink. Not many high schoolers would be courageous enough to show up to such an important event in a self-made gown had they not had mad skills!

Andie Walsh is pretty in pink (Did you see what we did there?) in this cold-shoulder bodice dress with a collar neck. The shiny polka dots all over paired with the loose fit is what was super trendy back then, so we’re pretty sure she turned a lot of heads.
Alison in “Pretty Little Liars
Rosewood High School knows how to dress for a prom! They were all so fashion-forward that every student could make it to the cover of a magazine. However, Alison was the true belle of the ball in a gown that looks heavily inspired by Belle herself in Beauty and the Beast.

The light yellow gown featured a top with heavy rhinestone embellishments in floral patterns, a Queen Anne neckline, a tulle A-line skirt, and a thick satin belt. The look was topped with the classic red lip. Stunning!
Romy and Michele in “Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion”
This iconic comedy film turned 24 this April, but the ‘90s fashion seems as relevant as ever. Romy and Michele are unarguably the fashion muses of the millennials. Designer Mona May wanted the dresses to showcase the girls’ personalities. Both spandex, low-cut, empire-waisted, shiny, and utterly fabulous.

The feather details and chunky heels are ‘90s staples. Mona was somehow able to incorporate all the best trends of that era while ignoring the more mainstream, boring ones like flannel. The result: Romy and Michele are part of fashion history.
Laney in “She’s All That”
Although Laney’s prom night didn’t end as she had expected but it was still a defining moment for her. That night wasn’t just any other night to her, it was the major! Remember the whole take-off-the-glass-and-girl-is-hot reveal?

While we don’t agree with this theory that a girl magically gets prettier when her glasses are off (Come on! They’re just trying to see!), but Laney made her way into our hearts. The simple black spaghetti strap dress accentuated her petite figure. In minimal makeup and a sleek bun, she was absolutely gorgeous.
Gabriella in “High School Musical 3: Senior Year”
Gabriella’s outfits throughout the entirety of the High School Musical franchise portrayed her as the sweet girl next door, so her prom dress had to do justice to her image. She didn’t disappoint as she radiated major Cottagecore vibes in the prettiest little chiffon dress.

Completed with appliqué flowers, the dress was at its finest mid-twirl. This is the ideal dress for a modern-day Disney princess. She completed the look with the quintessential headband from the 2000s, a corsage, and beach curls.
Kat in “10 Things I Hate About You”
While Bianca showed up in a pretty-in-pink attire, her elder sister Kat had a much more mature, sophisticated look for their prom night. The glamorous yet modest navy slip dress was made for Kat Stratford and we’re sure everyone agrees.

She finished the look with strappy heels, piled-on-top curls, and a pearl necklace. The thin scarf was a clever addition to the outfit. This dress is the perfect definition of iconic prom dresses that stood the test of time. It’s still a pretty popular choice for prom looks today.
Marissa in “The O.C.”
Marissa Cooper is that one untouchable high school student who was ramp-ready on the go. The girl was a walking, talking Chanel wardrobe from the very first episode of the show. So, it’s no surprise that she chose a designer dress for her prom night.

More than 10 years have passed since the most infamous teenagers of Newport Beach attended prom, and Cooper’s dress has aged gracefully. The oversized bow paired with the layers of ruffles might seem extra to some, but that’s what she was all about.
Buffy in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”
Never a dull moment when you’re Buffy Summers. While we don’t know if she herself was expecting a normal prom like the average teenager, she was sure dressed for the job (or not). The teen slayer fought off a pack of hellhounds while wearing the most beautiful strapless taffeta gown.

With a semi-sweetheart neckline, the gown had the coolest shine. Buffy chose to keep things simple in a laid-back hairdo and little to no jewelry.
Mercedes in “Glee”
The Glee teens are famous for their larger-than-life show so we knew they would pull out the big guns for prom night. However, it was Mercedes Jones who was the actual queen of the night. In her tiered fuchsia gown that sparkled like a million suns, Mercedes sang and danced her heart out.

The tulle skirt and the sweetheart neckline were perfect to accentuate her figure. Since the dress was already a statement piece, she only wore a simple corsage and small dangly earrings to finish it off.
Lorraine in “Back to the Future”
Not many people can claim they were present to see their mother walk out of her room in her prom dress, but Marty McFly surely can. Lorraine, his mother was all dolled up in a very ‘50s dress featuring a simple polka dot print and an A-line silhouette.

The skirt had multiple layers which added volume and noise to the gown. Also thanks to this design, it was big and fabulous during her dance. Plus, the sweetheart neckline and the bouffant hairstyle make her appear youthful and adorable.
Summer in “The O.C.”
Staying true to her name, Summer was always ready to hit the beach in her quintessential California-cool closet. She rarely strayed from her personal style and showed up to prom is something a bit more conventional.

However, she brought the flowy maxi dresses back into style with her prom look. The fuchsia print maxi dress was strapless and sheer. Not to mention how bomb the crown looked. As she posed with her date, Summer served as inspiration for many prom-goers in the early 2000s.
Ariel in “Footloose”
The sole thing that could compare to Ariel’s stunning column dress is the dancing at the prom. Flaunting the prettiest shade of bubblegum pink, Ariel’s choice was somewhat understated for the pompous finale.

There’s so much beauty in the details, whether it be the thin pearl necklace, the flowy sleeves, or the delicately curled updo ― a dress so iconic that it was worn in the 2011 remake directed by Julianne Hough.
Regina in “Mean Girls”
Nothing could stop Regina George from attending her prom – not even getting hit by a bus. Her resilience alone might have gotten her the crown of Prom Queen. She struggled with the strapless pink mini dress mid-movie as it was only available up to the size five, so we’re guessing she dropped a few pounds fast!

Despite the braces holding her body from collapsing, the flower details around the back and head were cleverly placed to make her seem more feminine. Go, Regina!
DJ Tanner in “Full House”
Steve, DJ Tanner’s ex returned for the series finale and the whole thing was so swoon-worthy. Up the Californian coast, our very own San Franciscan attended her prom in the last season. She went for a puffy-sleeved, off-the-shoulder black dress that had managed to stay relevant to date. The plunging neckline and knee length were great ideas.

Tanner also wore a pair of black stockings to go with the look. Her long, thick cascading curls were kept loose for the entire time ― simple yet glamorous.
Spencer in “Pretty Little Liars”
Although the prom episode of Pretty Little Liars gave birth to some of the most iconic prom dresses, Spencer’s fit and flare gown take the cake for being our personal favorite.

From the wrap to the velvet fabric, the luscious emerald hues, to the way she pulled it off, this look was sheer perfection. It was the Nora gown that was a part of the Walter Collection. She wore a pair of gold bangles to contrast the tones and that was another great addition.
Alex in “Modern Family”
A few years after graduating high school, Alex Dunphy got to experience prom once more when she went alongside Reuben, her younger brother’s friend. The plot was hilarious as Reuben was known to have a devastating crush on the spectacled genius for years.

Despite her general dislike for the nerdy teen, Alex agrees to tag along. She deserves extra perks for her grey A-line tulle dress with the sweetheart neckline. The eldest of the Dunphy clan, Haley might think her sister’s wardrobe needs help but this gown proves otherwise.
Josie in “Never Been Kissed”
Josie Grossie might not have had the prom every high schooler dreams about, but she was surely dressed for the part. The Shakespeare-inspired dress drew its inspiration from Rosalind, a character from one of his famous writings, “As You Like It.” Keep in mind that the theme was “Meant for Each Other: Famous Couples Throughout History.”

She has crowned the Prom Queen the second time around as a 25-year-old reporter undercover. What can we say? The bell sleeves, princess silhouette, and flurry of gold and pink are self-explanatory.
Lily in “How I Met Your Mother”
Technically, the couple was crashing a high school prom rather than attending it, but it still counts. After all, we’re talking about Marshmallow and Lilypad ― the self-confessed cheesy couple everyone is disgusted by on the outside, but secretly roots for on the inside.

Lily is characterized by her impeccable sense of fashion which also got her into a heap of trouble with credit cards. However, if the money was going on something like this cheetah print wrap dress, it was well spent.
Penny in “The Big Bang Theory”
Leonard and Penny’s love story has become legendary in TV history, and it’s easy to see why. Just look at the adorable picture they snapped when the gang recreated a prom in season eight. Penny being herself, revealed that she attended a whopping seven proms.

The v-neck chiffon peplum gown had a bright shade of red and was what she wore to her own high school’s prom. She kept the look minimalistic with a thin gold headband and a pair of sparkly studs.
Stifler’s Mom in “American Pie”
A seductress in every form, Stifler’s mom caught our attention at the prom after-party. She is said to be “chaperoning” but her outfit said otherwise. The pale sheath dress screams the ‘90s and perfectly matches her ‘hot mom’ image.

She was also seen pulling a grey vest over her shoulders for the complete femme fatale look. Finishing it off was a pair of black heels, a small necklace, and earrings, as well as the perfect nude to brown lipstick.
Brenda in “Beverly Hills, 90210”
Beverly Hills, 90210 nicely summarized what ‘90s teen television was like. The show had a generic take on prom, naming it “Spring Dance.” Brenda Walsh who was played by Shannen Doherty picked out an era-appropriate B&W dress finished with an oversized bow.

We loved the formal updo but also how it was kept light and breezy with her fringe. For accessories, she was decked in a pearl necklace and a pair of matching pearl studs. The dress was such a hit that Kelly Taylor, a fellow 90210-er, sported it too.
Hanna in “Pretty Little Liars”
The troublemaking teens of Pretty Little Liars had impressive fashion sense. Hanna’s choice for their prom showed us how important it is to demonstrate your personal style. Her pick of gown for the night was this sequined bodice gown with a v-neck and high-low tulle skirt.

Instead of opting for the conventional stilettos or heels, Hanna stood out yet again with these cream knee-length laced boots. In a smoky eye and braided bun, Hanna was out to steal everyone’s hearts.
Jackie in “That ’70s Show”
If there was a dress that was the visual representation of the ‘70s, it would be Jackie’s prom dress from That ‘70S Show. From the chiffon ruffles to the illusion neckline, the purple gown was a true hit or miss.

We loved it mostly because of the way adorable teen Jackie pulled it off. In her curled updo and sweet pink makeup, she was the prettiest girl next door. Sure, the gloves coupled with the giant corsage could be overkill, but that is one of the look’s many charms.
Rachel in “Friends”
For the duration of the show, Rachel is unarguably the fashionista ― she’s the one everyone approaches for advice on how to look their best. It’s difficult to conjure the Ralph Lauren employee Rachel wearing something so gaudy to her prom, but what can we say, it was the ‘80s.

This era was defined by puffy sleeves, georgette, and chiffon fabric. As the friends play a VHS tape from her and Monica’s prom, we get a peek of Rachel’s real nose as well as her blue off-the-shoulder princess ball gown.
April in “Parks and Recreation”
April Ludgate thrived in a lot of scenarios, but prom was not one of them. However, she showed up anyway, dressed in a long-sleeve black lace gown that went against the grain of prom dresses. Featuring a lacey coat that attached at the waist and came down the sides in layers, the gown’s inner layer was violet and muted gold.

That alone should have made her the prom queen that night. The dress radiated some major medieval gothic vibes which she complemented with a statement headpiece and black lace gloves.
Joey in “Dawson’s Creek”
The simplistic ‘90s prom dresses are making a comeback this season and we couldn’t be more hyped. It was an era of solid colors, neutral makeup, and silk fabrics. Joey’s spaghetti-strap little black dress has us wishing we could all own one.

The look was taken a level higher with a classic french-twist updo and bright berry lips. Instead of taking this opportunity to go overboard with the accessories, Joey kept it minimalistic with a pearl bracelet and small sparkly earrings.
Courtney in “Jawbreaker”
With the number of details going on, it’s no surprise that this dress was a defining moment for the protagonist. What we love about the look is how Courtney chose to channel her inner space galaxy queen. This doesn’t actually qualify as a full gown ― bordering as a long tube top paired with a sheer overlay.

The ’90s saw a spike in the use of glimmery accessories, and Courtney blended that into her look in the form of a silver wrap with the same color eyeshadow, headpiece, and strappy pumps.
Bella in “Twilight”
Let’s be real. Bella wasn’t famous for her fashion. Her style is super chill, laidback, and goes to show she spent more time with mythical creatures than in her closet. No tea, no shade, but her prom dress was a fresh change of pace from her usual pairings.

The glamorous halter neck number was sitting underneath an embellished cardigan which is unconventional yet bold. She couldn’t be Bella Swan without her signature Converse shoes either. The jewel tones are also amazing!
Aria in “Pretty Little Liars”
Aria’s style can only be defined as fun, quirky, and fresh. The girl walked into prom with an eye-catching two-piece and vintage jewelry. The royal blue halter neck top had a thin black border and floral imprints in the middle.

She paired that with an even more colorful floral floor-length skirt and a chunky blue belt. Her thick headband also had a rose at one end, adding a dash of color to the look. You certainly couldn’t miss seeing her with all that color!
Sharpay in “High School Musical 3: Senior Year”
Everyone knows that where there’s Sharpay Evans, there’s her brother Ryan and tons of bright pink. She practically trademarked fuchsia pink, so it came as no surprise that our beloved-mean-girl donned a pink dress to prom night.

We also like how she made the look more elegant with her sleek updo and match pink long gloves. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Sharpay-appropriate look without some bling ― check out that great big diamond on her finger!
Caroline in “The Vampire Diaries”
It’s easy to term Caroline’s prom choice as gaudy and over-the-top, but the details and styling transform the girl into an elegant enchantress. The beautiful beige fit and flare featured a sweetheart neckline.

From the bodice to the knees, the dress was covered in sequins, beads, and crystals. While we agree that the beading if extended to the floor would be too much to digest, it flares out from the center at one point, showing the tulle underneath. She paired the gown with a simple necklace and neat bun.
Blair in “Gossip Girl”
You just know that when Upper East Siders do prom, it’s going to be a grand affair and what better proof than Blair Waldorf’s black and gold gown? The jaw-dropping gown was a part of the Marchesa Spring 2008 collection.

Gold appliques were strewn across the silk tulle fabric to form this one-of-a-kind couture piece. It’s foolish to consider that Queen Bee would settle for anything less as this dress was never available to the public. Add the crown to the ensemble and you’ll see why she is untouchable.
Emily in “Pretty Little Liars”
The show’s costume crew did a spectacular job with handpicking each of the outfits for the girls but we especially love Emily’s. It’s nothing glitz and glam but it’s elegant, sophisticated, and sultry ― three words that perfectly describe Emily’s character.

Emily donned a black and silver deep V-neck dress from the Michael Costello Fall 2015 collection. Thanks to the shoulder pads, long sleeves, and mermaid silhouette, she looked even taller and leaner. How could she complete the look without a little smokey eye and the prettiest black tiara?
Betty in “Riverdale”
Betty was never a “trendsetter” ― always blending into the lockers with her simple yet sweet personality. Prom was a shining moment for the wholesome girl next door when she transformed from an average high schooler in sneakers to a princess from a faraway land.

Stunning in a satin piece, Betty styled her hair in a side-sweep manner, putting little rhinestone clips along the edges. We love the greyish-purple color choice for her as it’s universally appealing. In addition, the off-the-shoulder look coupled with the high-low skirt was doing wonders for her figure.
Elena in “The Vampire Diaries”
Straying from the conventional sparkles and shimmer, Nina Dobrev’s character Elena couldn’t look prettier in anything else. It’s so chic and classy that we almost forgave her for stealing it from Rebecca.

The fuchsia printed gown came with a sweetheart neckline and an A-line silhouette. The show’s stylist put some thought into this one and it’s quite visible from how well the dress complements her brown hair and olive skin.
Silver in “90210”
We had to include both the original series and the 2008 newer version. Here you can see our tomboy Erin Silver looking like a total princess from season one. While she’s the last character in the show one would expect to look so girly, it really suits her!

We love how the pink frock cinches in on her tiny waist and then poofs out with all its tulle and glory. The sparkles on the dress compiled with her bling jewelry might be overload for some but Silver’s too-cool-for-school personality pulls it out.
Cheryl in “Riverdale”
If we looked that good in red, it would be our go-to color as well. Cheryl knows what works for her. Amidst the cherry red shade and the sultry side slit, Cheryl shines her brightest.

The plunging v-neck pairs exceptionally well with the sheath silhouette on the chiffon fabric. As expected, she had on her brightest shade of red lipstick and tied her hair up in a sleek pony. With her clutch in one hand, she trotted down the halls like the diva she is.
Hermione in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”
Hogwarts called it a “Yule Ball” and not a prom, but it was some form of it, at least we’d like to believe that. Hermione pulled out all the stops at the gala in the most stunning pink ruffled tier gown that’s unapologetically Hermione.

Featuring wraps across the bodice and chiffon sleeves in a v-neckline, the dress is actually super difficult to pull off. There was even a thin eggplant belt at the waist. She had her hair tied in a plaited bun with a few strands curled sideways.
Samantha in “A Cinderella Story”
If you’re going to be in a princess gown for your prom, you may just do it the right way ― i.e., the Sam Montgomery way. Unending layers of fluffy tulle, a sparkly bodice with lace, the quintessential sweetheart neckline, and the crisp white color have made this gown an unforgettable name in Hollywood prom history.

With that said, we still can’t wrap our heads around how Austin couldn’t recognize her because she had the tiniest mask on. Well, it worked out for them so, cheers!
After Ever Happy’s Release Date, Synopsis and More!
Fans of the popular young adult franchise After are all set (or probably not set) to say goodbye to their beloved Hessa. The last installment of the series, After Ever Happy, is already underway and will be hitting the big screens in 2022! The final movie will wrap up the story of the dynamic couple Tessa and Hardin, played by Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin respectively, bringing the books-turned-movies to an end.
The Release Date
The After family really loves their fans! As a Valentine’s day gift, the movie’s official page posted the release date for the final movie, September 7, 2022. The first poster for the upcoming movie was also revealed on the same day. The fourth movie of the franchise, After Ever Happy was filmed back to back with the third film, After We Fell, which was released in September 2021. Since these movies were filmed together, the fans don’t have to wait long before watching their favorite couple, Tessa and Hardin, back on the screen!
What to Expect From After Every Happy
The first teaser trailer for the movie dropped on Christmas Eve and showed the couple face some dark times. Fans of the franchise are well versed in the shaky way that the couple left their relationship. After the shocking reveal and the discovery of Hardin’s father at the end of the third movie, fans can expect some fireworks to go down. The official synopsis of the movie states that the movie will see Tessa and Hardin struggle as they discover they’re not so different from each other. Tessa is no longer the sweet and innocent she was when she met Hardin, nor is he the cruel, moody boy she fell for. Hopefully, Tessa and Hardin will find their happily ever after in this movie!