The 11 best places to buy prom dresses online (2024)

Prom season is right around the corner, and we know you want to celebrate in style. There's always a lot of excitement surrounding the celebrations, from finding a date, to booking a limo, to picking the perfect prom dress. While we can't help with the former, we can help with the latter.

Shopping for a prom dress requires you to consider a lot of factors: color, length, style, and brand, to name a few, which can be hard to properly examine when buying online. At retailers like David’s Bridal, Shein, and Macy’s, though, there are hundreds of prom dresses to choose from for dance-goers of all shapes and sizes. Below, are the eleven best places to buy prom dresses online.

1. David’s Bridal

• Prices: 👗👗👗👗
• Sizes: 0-23
• Return policy: 7 days
• Top Picks: Jules and Cleo Satin halter a-line with illusion cutouts from $260, Melissa Sweet corset tiered prom dress for $595, Jules and Cleo Glitter tulle ball gown with embellished trim for $120

Metallics, sequins, and cut-outs, oh my! While David’s Bridal may be known for wedding dresses, it also sells gorgeous prom dresses in long, short, and two-piece styles and in both regular and plus sizes. On its website, you can filter by things like price, silhouette, sleeve, neckline, and trends.

If you want some professional guidance with finding the perfect dress, David's Bridal offers one-on-one appointments with stylists at its store locations across the country or you can chat with a stylist online 24/7. Whether you order online or in-store, you can get your dress tailored with David's Bridal's in-house alterations specialists.

Shop prom dresses at David’s Bridal

2. Rent the Runway

• Prices: 👗
• Sizes: regular and extended
• Return policy: On a case-by-case basis
• Top Picks: Rent the Badgley Mischka Sequin Shirtdress from $92, Rent the Bronx and Banco Emerald Velvet Gown from $112, Rent the Hutch Avani Gown from $105

Want an extravagant prom dress without breaking the bank? Turn to Rent the Runway. The fully rentable service allows you to rent top designer dresses at a fraction of the cost. Simply type in your zip code, size, and anticipated dates of your rental (and return), and you're good to go. Choose between four to eight-day services, and consider this our little secret.

Shop all dresses from Rent the Runway

3. Nordstrom

• Prices: 👗👗👗
• Sizes: 2-18
• Return policy: On a case-by-case basis
• Top Picks: Xscape Cutout Slit Gown for $228, House of CB Holly Sequin Strapless co*cktail Dress for $269, La Femme Chiffon Ballgown for $328

There are hundreds of pretty prom dresses available at Nordstrom, whether you're looking for a flirty co*cktail-length frock or a sleek, sequined ball gown. There are dresses in regular and plus sizes that range in price from $60 to $800. You'll also find high-end dresses from designers including Mac Duggal, Carolina Herrera, and La Femme.

Narrow down your choices by dress style—A-line, backless, empire waist, body-con, and so on—or neckline, like a delicate boat neck, a daring plunge, a trendy halter, or an unexpected turtleneck. Nordstrom also allows you to sort the results by percent off (as well as from lowest to highest) if you're on the hunt for a deal.

Shop prom dresses at Nordstrom

4. Macy’s

• Prices: 👗👗
• Sizes: 0-15 and 14W-22W
• Return policy: 90 days
• Top Picks: Say Yes to the Prom One-Shoulder Gown from $24, B Darlin V-Neck Satin Gown for $119

Macy’s has a featured section for prom dresses on its website, where you can search by size, dress length, color, style, top-rated, and price. You can even filter by discount—from 20% to 70% off—or shop the "Created For Macy's" collection, which features limited-edition gowns available exclusively at the retailer. Prices range from $20 to $400. Another perk of shopping at Macy's? You can get your dress along with everything else you need for prom night—shoes, a clutch, makeup—all in one place.

Shop prom dresses at Macy’s

5. Amazon

• Prices: 👗
• Sizes: 0-38 and XXS-8X
• Return policy: 30 days
• Top Picks: Ymsha Satin Aline Slit Spaghetti Formal Evening Gown with Pockets from $40, Sarin Mathews Off the Shoulder Short Sleeve High Low co*cktail Dress from $43, Peiyjyusp Puffy Sleeve Off Shoulder Prom Dress for $92

Amazon is home to a vast selection of prom dresses in a variety of styles, lengths, and colors, from slinky black gowns to bright fit-and-flare mini dresses. Many cost less than $100, so it's a good place to shop if you don't want to spend a lot. Search according to size, color, price, brand, and average rating, and then skim the reviews with images to see how the dresses look in real life on other shoppers. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you'll receive free shipping and free returns on select dresses.

Shop prom dresses at Amazon

6. Shein

• Prices: 👗
• Sizes: XS-4X
• Return policy: 45 days
• Top Picks: Mod Split Thigh Cami Dress for $18, Modely Colorblock Puff Sleeve Layered Hem Dress for $16, Modely Twist Front Puff Sleeve Dress for $12

Shein is one of the best places to buy a prom dress on a budget. After all, like a wedding dress, you're likely only going to wear it once! Filter through the thousands of "formal" or "night out" dresses by size, color, pattern, material, style, neckline, sleeve length, and price. You'll find classic silhouettes to edgier-of-the-moment designs starting at just $12. Bonus: For shoppers in the U.S., Shein currently offers free shipping on all orders in the U.S.

Shop prom dresses at Shein

7. Lulu's

• Prices: 👗👗
• Sizes: XXS-XL
• Return policy: 30 days
• Top Picks: Mythical Kind of Love Rusty Rose Maxi Dress for $69, Glow Girl Glow Gold Metallic Sleeveless Cowl Neck Maxi Dress for $79, Keep It Sparkly Purple Sequin Backless Maxi Dress for $35

Lulu's is a popular destination for dresses, and its prom selection doesn't disappoint. There are all different necklines (apron, boat neck, v-neck, scoop, strapless, surplice, cowl), all different sleeves (sleeveless, strapless, short, half, three-quarter, long), and all different lengths (mini, midi, maxi, high low). Not only does Lulu's have prom dresses, but the retailer also offers prom shoes and accessories to finish off the look. You'll get free shipping on all orders over $50 and students can qualify for a 20% discount by verifying their status via Student Beans.

Shop prom dresses at Lulu's

8. Dillard’s

• Prices: 👗👗👗
• Sizes: 0-15
• Return policy: 30 days
• Top Picks: City Vibe Off-The-Shoulder Sweetheart Neck Side Slit Chiffon Long Dress from $38, B. Darlin V-Neck Spaghetti Strap Low Back Sequin Pattern Embellished Two-Tone Trumpet Long Dress for $66

In Dillard's prom section, shoppers can browse popular dresses, new pieces, and sale items in addition to filtering options by length, brand, color, sleeve length, and price. The product page for each dress features a "Complete Your Look" section, which recommends shoes, handbags, and other accessories to pair with your gown. Tip: Reviewers recommend checking the size chart for each dress—which varies by brand—to ensure you get the right fit.

Shop prom dresses at Dillard’s

9. Anthropologie

• Prices: 👗👗👗👗
• Sizes: 0-26
• Return policy: 60 days
• Top Picks: Hutch Bow-Tie Maxi Dress from $218, Hutch Bow-Tie Maxi Dress from $218

Anthropologie doesn’t have a specific section set aside for prom dresses but instead has a robust dress section separated into different categories from little white dresses to black tie numbers. For prom, you’ll likely want to browse through the "Formal Dresses" section, where you'll find elegant floor-length gowns in luxe silk and flowy chiffon. Filter by style, sleeve length, length, color, size, price, and brand or sort your picks by the newest dresses or the top-selling.

Shop prom dresses at Anthropologie

10. PromGirl

• Prices: 👗👗👗
• Sizes: 00-24
• Return policy: 7 days
• Top Picks: Tight Long Sweetheart Strapless Formal Dress for $179, Jovani Sheer-Bodice Long Prom Dress with Feathers for $640

PromGirl makes prom dress shopping a breeze with its easy-to-navigate website layout and design. First, you can shop by designer, what’s trending, size—including a large variety of plus sizes—and dress style. PromGirl carries popular brands along with its own highly-rated line designed exclusively for the retailer. Whether you’re looking for a glittery gown or a sultry two-piece set, PromGirl has you covered. There’s also a section devoted to dresses under $200 and an option to filter your results by body shape so you can find something that fits your budget and your body.

Shop prom dresses at PromGirl

11. Unique Vintage

• Prices: 👗👗
• Sizes: 4-22 and XS-L
• Return policy: 30 days
• Top Picks: Rust Red Liquid Satin Dress for $98, Burgundy Velvet Fringe Flapper Dress for $98, Champagne Long Sleeve Sophisticated Goddess Gown for $188

If retro dresses are your thing, Unique Vintage may be your best bet when it comes to prom prep. Think beaded flapper frocks and Coco Chanel-approved gowns. The quirky retailer offers silhouettes and shapes that conjure up images of Mad Men-esque co*cktail lounges and sock hops. On its website, you’ll find a designated prom dress section, which you can browse by era—from the 1920s to the 1970s—color, print, size, and brand. Unique Vintage offers $7 flat rate shipping or free shipping for orders over $150.

Shop prom dresses at Unique Vintage

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.