15 Prettiest Vintage-Inspired Prom Dresses That Look Like the Real Deal
Lots of '80s inspo ahead.
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You were pumped when that glitter-coated prom invitation came in the mail (so retro) but now that it's *actually* time to start planning your prom night ensemble, you're sweating over that Great Gatsby theme. A '20s (or '50s, or '70s, 0r '90s) look sounds chic in theory, but where do you even begin to start looking for a vintage-inspired dress to go along with the theme? Blink away those visions of digging through mothball-filled boxes in your grandma's basement — a lot of current prom trends are actually based on past decades, so you'll be able to score a vintage prom dress online without breaking a sweat.
Even if you don't typically go for flapper fringe or over-the-top '80s sequins, you can still wear a retro dress that feels authentic to your style thanks to the huge range of throwback trends available for your styling needs. The 'fit is guaranteed to be vintage-inspired, but if you prefer, you can keep your hair, jewelry, and accessories totally modern to make even the most authentically vintage prom dress feel straight out of 2023. Ahead, browse the cutest vintage-inspired and legit vintage prom dresses from your favorite fashion eras.
Euphoria High meets disco daze! Those little round, flat sequins are called paillettes, and they were everyyyywhere in the late '70s and early '80s.
Puffy organza printed with bold florals serves ultimate drama. It's giving the energy of your grandmother's favorite dress from back when she was young, only chicer.
The poplin fabric and drop-waist give a vintage feel to a simple strapless dress. Think of the look as a blank canvas to style with lace gloves, a thrifted bag, or your mom's pearls.
Ready to hit the sock hop? Go for a '50s-inspired swing dress with a darling print like mini hearts or a whimsical flower.
Shades of green for everything from fashion to furniture were hugely popular in the '70s. This shimmering chartreuse plunge gown is right on the money.
Elegant metallic sequins will make any girl feel like an old school movie star from the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Every other floral dress can go home, because this elegant puff-sleeved number has officially won prom. You'll look straight out of a Renaissance painting.
Donna and the Dynamos would be jealous of this one-shoulder copper jumpsuit. Grab your tallest platform sandals and a pair of orange tinted sunnies for '70s perfection.
This metallic silver midi is the best of both worlds. You've got the '20s flapper-style fringe, with '60s Space Age-inspired bling.
Nothing says early 2000s like a halter dress and an asymmetrical hemline. This dress, paired with flip-flop heels, is perfect for a beach-themed prom.
Throw it way, way back with an Edwardian dress inspired by the iconic historical drama Downtown Abbey. *Theme song dramatically plays in the background*
Nothing brings the glam quite like an Art Deco gown. The golden color scheme is serving some major Palace of Versailles energy, and who doesn't love a dramatic skirt?
Serve '80s realness with a massive statement bow and matching bright pink shoes.
Now that's what we call a '90s slay. Dig deep to find your inner young Winona Ryder, and add a touch of dark lipstick to complete the vampy vibe.
Great Gatsby-inspired beading adds a touch of vintage luxury to this simple spaghetti strap dress.
Kelsey is Seventeen.com's fashion expert and resident Harry Potter nerd. At the office, she spends her day writing about style, beauty, and literally every move Kylie Jenner makes. On the weekends, you can find her sifting through vintage shops and hunting for the perfect burger. Follow her on Instagram at @klstieg.
Hannah is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from cute apartment decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and unhinged updates on the books she’s reading on the train.
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