Prom 2013 style guide + dresses beginning at $58

by Brittany Anas · March 28, 2013

By Brittany Anas

Prom spending is majorly skyrocketing, with families and teens spending, on average, $1,078 for the big dance. That’s up from $800 in 2011, according to survey results from Visa. (The findings show that families in Northeast states spend the most — with figures flirting near $2,000). At that rate, prom dresses are rivaling wedding dresses.

The teenage rite of passage can easily be glamorous without costing a pretty penny. Prom style this year borrows many of the same looks made popular by youthful movie stars and musicians on the red carpet during the past awards season. We’ve scouted our favorite department stores to find dresses that are trending this spring and have price tags that won’t cause you to dip into the college savings fund.

Strapless sequin gown: Showstopping. This sequin gown reminds us of a mermaid — and we mean that in a good way. The A-line silhouette is adorned with an asymmetrical pattern of sequins complemented by a glitter-infused overlay skirt. The champagne color reminds us of red carpet styles flaunted by Miley Cyrus and the sequins are so Kerry Washington. (Macy’s, $129.99)
Emerald beaded gown: Pantone’s color of the year for 2013 is emerald, which is fortunate given that it’s a universally flattering color. This gorgeous green spaghetti strap gown is made interesting with silver criss-crossed beading on the bodice. We dig it because it’s a bit of a nontraditional — yet fresh — color for prom. (Dillards, $189)
Color-blocked dress: Poppy oranges, corals and bright reds brightened up the red carpet this winter, with stars like Jessica Alba and Zooey Deschanel donning the trend. For prom, opt for a flirty and youthful look with a bright fuchsia ruffle skirt colorblocked with a ruched bright orange bodice with a sweetheart neckline. (Dillards $69)
Sequin-tulle dress: Two of spring’s major dress trends live in eye-catching harmony on this dress. The shorter cut and scoopneck cut contribute to a less traditionally formal dress, though the copper sequins play into the metallic trend and elevate the dress to be a special occasion number. (Kohl’s, $57.99)
Chiffon gon: A white cascading chiffon gown is ethereal and evokes a Greek goddess look. The simplistic, but elegant dress, would look stunning with a subtle diamond (or cubic zirconium) necklace. (Nordstrom, $368)