No matter how our prom nights actually went down — ending with a shiny crown or the requisite semi-awkward slow dance — the high school rite of passage will always live fresh in our minds (and cringe-worthy yearbook photos): the date, the shoes, and, most importantly, the dress. So when the R29 Fashion Team’s chat group took a turn toward #TBT photos of our regrettable dress choices, we got to thinking about what we'd wear to the big dance if we were invited again. Nowadays, the prom circuit has teens looking much cooler. And we've found a few chic picks that would have made our teenage dream an even better night to remember.There's no pink organza or rhinestoned column dresses here. Instead, we’re following the trends of fun, shiny metallics and head-turning hems. Find all of our nostalgia-inducing picks ahead, and you may just find some inspiration for your upcoming formal soiree, too.
Vampy but still sweet: a lethal combination.
BCBGMaxAzria Lilyana Lace-blocked Gown, $398, available at BCBG.
The perfect frock for the inevitable "Old Hollywood Glamour" theme so many schools go for.
Zara Pleated Dress, $49.90, available at Zara.
Fashion-forward ladies, this off-the-shoulder, multi-slit piece is for you.
Keepsake Heartline Maxi Dress, $205, available at Olivia.
At the end of the day, all we really wanted was to look red carpet ready on an after-school-job budget.
ASOS Off The Shoulder Bardot Fishtail Maxi Dress, $128, available at ASOS.
2014 Taylor Swift would have killed prom in this two-piece set.
Reformation Harper Two Piece, $428, available at Reformation.
All-black would have made matching with our dates so much easier.
& Other Stories Flowy Silk Maxi Dress, $245 $123, available at & Other Stories.
So this velvet number likely wouldn't have fit into our parents' allotted budget, but a girl can dream, right?
Ellery Roulette Long Slip Dress, $1,950, available at Opening Ceremony.
To every schoolmate who didn't ask us to the dance: Eat your heart out.
Topshop Plunge Pleated Midi Dress, $160, available at Topshop.
For when winning Prom Queen feels like accepting an Academy Award...
C/MEO Collective Making Waves Strapless Dress, $310, available at Bloomingdale's.
Proof tasteful sheer is no longer an oxymoron.
Three Floor Blue Steel Dress, $376.60, available at Three Floor.
If we'd have known our only future formal-event invites would be for weddings, we would have worn white when we could still get away with it.
Forever 21 Rhinestone Chiffon Maxi Dress, $39.90, available at Forever 21.
We wouldn't mind standing out in the group picture in a pretty pastel tone.
Elizabeth and James Kendra Gown, $695, available at Shopbop.
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