Prom is one of the most exciting nights of the whole year. But even though shopping for a prom dress is super fun, narrowing down your prom style can feel like a big commitment. After all, there are so many options out there (tulle, silk, sequined, vintage-inspired, actual vintage, etc) and it can be hard to find a gown that looks unique, but still feels like you. And once you find it, how do you know a cuter option won't come along later?!
If all that sounds like your life right now, it might help to figure out if you lean towards more classic looks or more trendy styles on the reg. Is your makeup routine a full beat, or just tinted moisturizer and rosy blush? Do you like The Notebook and cozy nights at home, or do you prefer to break out the glitter accessories and hit the town with your besties?
While you don't need to pick a prom dress that matches your typical everyday style, this quiz will be able help you pin down the vibes you tend to prefer as a starting point. Take the prom dress quiz below to help you figure out where to start your shopping.
If you answered mostly in the first column...
You should wear a classic, glamorous gown with beading or sparkle.
When Dua Lipa stepped out with her thong in full view, you almost had a heart attack (it was a slay but it wasn't quite your thing). When it comes to your closet, you lean towards classic and timeless – the type of look you won't have to purge from your Instagram in two years.
Prom is a night to remember and you'll fondly look back on those photos for a long time, so you want your dress to withstand the test of time. That doesn't mean you have to keep it simple, though — floor-length sparkle is a truly timeless look, so try a simple silhouette with a healthy sprinkling of embellishment. Trust us when we say that in ten years, you'll still want to wear that dress.
Ever-Pretty V Neck Sequin Glitter Bodycon Evening Dress
Venus Allover Rhinestone Handbag
Mejuri Large Croissant Dôme Hoops
Tony Bianco Franci Heels
If you answered mostly in the second column…
You should wear an '80s-inspired tulle gown with glitzy accessories.
At your school, you don't follow trends, you start them – so you need a 100% unique prom dress that no one has seen before. Ball gowns? Not quite. Mini dresses? You'd prefer more "wow." You need a straight-up fashion dress that simultaneously serves ~prom~ vibes for that perfect balance.
The '80s are back and with it, they're bringing heaps of tulle in alllll the bright colors. You'll want to pair your va-va-voom tulle dress with a metallic heel (to balance out the frill) and matching statement earrings because if you're gonna go extra, you've gotta commit. This look is trendy, but still manages to be ultra-elegant.
La Femme Corset Sheer Bodice Tulle A-line Dress
Steve Madden Monarch Silver Heels
8 Other Reasons Grand Entrance Earring
Rebecca Minkoff Lou Clutch
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.
