Top 10 Memorable Prom Dresses in Movies and TV
#10: Alison Lauren ‘Ali’ DiLaurentis
“Pretty Little Liars” (2010-17)
The Rosewood High School prom isn’t the first formal event the PLL crew has attended, but it was definitely the most memorable. The fairy tale theme was perfect for each girl to show off her own distinctive style and no one did it better than Ali. She wore a floor length yellow ball gown with a definitely princess-y feel that seemed clearly inspired by another famous movie dress. Yes, it looks like she was trying to channel Belle from “Beauty and the Beast,” and she totally pulled it off.
#9: Taylor Vaughan
“She’s All That” (1999)
While this movie is all about Laney’s transformation, the real stunner at the prom is Taylor Vaughan. She may be the film’s villainess, but there’s no denying that her dress is the true winner. While Laney wears a simple embellished black dress for the big night, Taylor opts for something a little more in your face. She takes home the prom queen crown, which just to happens to match her metallic gold dress. The slinky material and halter-top style were totally ‘90s and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
#8: Blair Waldorf
“Gossip Girl” (2007-12)
Blair Waldorf is a TV fashion icon and for good reason- her colorful preppy style is unique and enviable. The girls of the Upper East side were given many occasions to dress up over the years but the Marchesa gown she wore for the Constance Billard prom tops them all. The dress was from the designer’s 2008 collection and was seen on the runway before appearing on the show. The ball gown features gold embroidery and was topped off by a tiara- perfect for an aspiring prom queen.
#7: Rachel Green
“Friends” (1994-2004)
Rachel Green is known for her impeccable style, working for prestigious brands like Bloomingdale's, Ralph Lauren and finally Louis Vuitton. In her high school days however, she was just as prone to a bad fashion trend as the next girl. In one of the show’s most iconic episodes, the gang watches an old video filmed on the night of Monica and Rachel’s prom. Rachel’s dress is an ‘80s monstrosity with enormous puffed sleeves that just won’t stay up. The best part of this scene though is how Rachel sees how much Ross was willing to do for her, even many years ago.
#6: Caroline Forbes
“The Vampire Diaries” (2009-17)
After seeing Caroline trying on her prom dress in a shop, Elena decides to take the vivid pink and red gown for herself. While it is a beautiful dress and she looks amazing in it, Caroline got the last laugh because her final outfit choice was far and away the most impressive. She asks Klaus to get a dress for her and he pulls out all the stops, picking a stunning 1920s- themed gown with a mermaid silhouette. The design is almost bridal, with a strapless design and intricate beading.
#5: Josie Geller
“Never Been Kissed” (1999)
While Josie’s look at her first prom may not have been the most attractive, she really lets her true self shine when she has a do-over years later. Her real high school prom was pretty much everyone’s worst nightmare but she later got to live out a Shakespearean fantasy. Guy and Josie dress up as Orlando and Rosalind from the play “As You Like It” and her elaborate Medieval gown is a true show stopper. Not everyone could pull off a period piece like this one, but Josie looks so happy that it seems like the perfect choice for her. And of course, she gets voted prom queen.
#4: Michele Weinberger
“Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion” (1997)
While the most iconic dresses from this movie are probably the dresses that the two leads wear to the reunion itself, the real winners are the outfits they picked for their prom years before. Both Romy and Michele seem to be channeling an early Madonna vibe complete with black lace and crucifixes. While Romy’s poofy tulle skirt is pretty awesome, Michele’s bustier top and and black gloves take our pick for the most dramatic look. Good thing the ‘80s are back!
#3: Buffy Summers
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (1997-2003)
Buffy was a ‘90s fashion icon, constantly showing up episode after episode sporting the latest teen trends. Her style varies season to season (featuring more leather pieces as the series progresses) but what always remains the same is her ability to rock any look she tries. In season 3’s prom episode, we get to see a softer side of our favorite slayer when she wears a floor length mauve gown with a subtle sheen to it. While her outfit definitely slays, the biggest “aw” moment in this episode comes when Buffy is honored with the “Class Protector” award by Sunnydale High,
#2: Andie Walsh
“Pretty in Pink” (1986)
While pretty prom dresses may feature in many teen movies, no dress has as significant a story line as Andie’s from “Pretty in Pink”. Molly Ringwald’s character comes from a working class family with a father who is always struggling to make ends meet and this defines her in many ways. As the prom approaches, her father surprises her with a dress he brought home from a thrift shop - but Andie still questions how he had money to pay for it. In the end, she makes the dress her own by combining the material of her manager Iona’s old prom dress and the one her dad gave her to create the prom look of her dreams.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Gabriella Montez
“High School Musical 3: Senior Year” (2008)
Brenda Walsh
“Beverly Hills, 90210” (1990-2000)
#1: Carrie
“Carrie” (1976)
While many of the dresses on our list come from teen TV dramas and romantic comedy movies, our number one pick is a notable exception. This dress wasn’t chosen for its aesthetic appeal or trendiness, but rather because it’s truly unforgettable. The image of Sissy Spacek as Carrie covered in blood at her prom is probably one of the most iconic images in the history of film. The actual dress is secondary to the scene that made it famous, but in retrospect the blush satin gown is actually really beautiful before it becomes drenched in blood.
