.st0{fill:#FFFFFF;}

18 Stylish 80s Prom Dress Options That Are Totally Awesome 

By  Emily Konatella

LAST UPDATED - December 11, 2023

The 1980s were the decades for bold style, colors, and silhouettes- and a whole lot of air spray for a large hairdo. If you have an 80s themed prom or event to attend this year, you will want to take a look back at the total bodacious styles.

In the 80s, women were about power suits, bright neon and pastel colors, ruffles, puffs, sequins, slim bodices, and princess skirts. It was the boom time for shoulders of all varieties: padded, off the shoulder, and the "bad girl" shoulder look. There were plenty of statement styles that made fashion fun.

To help you shop, we have curated a list of 80s prom dresses for you to check out. Whether you are a rocker or rebel at heart, these new dresses have a retro past that could match your modern fashion style.

18 80s Prom Dresses That Are Totally Awesome

01

Out of 18

Mac Duggal Ruffle Shoulder Lace Up Gown

Mac Duggal Ruffle Shoulder Lace Up Gown

Source: Mac Duggal

This floor-length tiered gown has the perfect balance between modern-day fashion and 80s fashion. The dress features sexy side cutouts, a lace-up back, and dramatic ruffles at the shoulder. The bright hot pink color is guaranteed an eye-catching choice.

Material

100% Polyester

Care

n/a

02

Out of 18

Multi-Tiered Ruffle Maxi Dress

Multi-Tiered Ruffle Maxi Dress

Source: & Other Stories

Celebrate your prom night with this fun and flirty multi-tiered ruffle maxi dress from & Other Stories Maxi Dress. It features multi-tiered full-length ruffles, voluminous ruffled sleeves, a square neckline, and all the drama and statement-making styles you need. Complete the 80s look with a choker necklace and chunky heels.

Material

Shell: Polyester 100%

Lining: Polyester 100%

Care

n/a

03

Out of 18

Solace London Riley gathered mini dress

Solace London Riley gathered mini dress

Source: D'Aniello

Ready to make an entrance? Attend your 80s prom in this minidress that showcases Solace London's signature creativity and has a dramatic design. In a bright magenta color hue, wide square neckline, and detailed with puffed sleep for an eye-catching finish, this dress will bring all the statement wherever you go.

Material

100% Polyester

Care

n/a

04

Out of 18

X REVOLVE Bustier Gown For Love & Lemons

X REVOLVE Bustier Gown For Love & Lemons

Source: Revolve

Looking for something sexy for your 80s prom dress? Check out this X Revolve Bustier Gown For Love & Lemon from Revolve. It features a boned bodice with underwire cups, a tiered ruffle tulle hem, and an attached bodysuit lining with a bottom snap button closure.

Material

Self: 100% poly
Contrast 1: 100% nylon
Contrast 2: 95% poly, 5% spandex
Contrast 3: 92% silk, 8% spandex
Lining: 82% nylon, 18% spandex

Care

Dry clean only

05

Out of 18

BRONX AND BANCO Anna Strapless Pleated Tulle Mini Dress

BRONX AND BANCO Anna Strapless Pleated Tulle Mini Dress

Source: Revolve

Chic, playful and sexy, this Bronx and Banco Anna Strapless Pleated Tulle Mini Dress is worthy of checking out. Featuring puffy pleated tulle, a beaded waistband, and a strapless necklace.

Material

Self: 100% nylon
Combo: 97% poly, 3% spandex
Lining: 100% poly

Care

Dry clean only

06

Out of 18

x REVOLVE A Cut Above Gown Katie May

x REVOLVE A Cut Above Gown Katie May

Source: Revolve

Toss on this neon dress for your 80s prom night. The bright neon-colored dress features one shoulder styling with a sheer mesh overlay at the cutout. Available in a ray of pastel color as well. Complete the 80s theme with some neon accessories, blue mascara, chunky heels, and curling your bangs.

Material

Self: 92% poly, 8% spandex
Lining: 100% poly
Contrast Fabric: 100% nylon

Care

Dry clean only

07

Out of 18

Go All Night Black Multicolored Striped Sequin Maxi Dress

Under $100

Go All Night Black Multicolored Striped Sequin Maxi Dress

Source: Lulus

Embrace the 80s metallic color trend with this Go All Night Black Multicolored Striped Sequin Maxi Dress. Not to mention, this dress is under $100, it is a steal deal that you won't want to miss! This gorgeous dress features a mesh overlay lined with stripes of shining multicolored sequins. Wide tank straps support a bodice with a plunging V-neckline crossed by bands of rick rack trim threaded with sparkly Lurex. A Low-cut back atop a fitted waist that falls to a maxi skirt with a sexy side slit. This dramatic dress boasts a celebration vibe.

Material

Shell: 100% Polyester

Lining: 100% Polyester

Care

Hand Wash Cold. Do Not Bleach. Line Dry. Iron Low Heat.

08

Out of 18

Simone Gown Bronx and Banco

Simone Gown Bronx and Banco

Source: Revolve

Bring on the sequin with this Simone Gown from the Bronx And Banco. The shimmering dress has all-over sequin embellishments with crystal-embellished shoulder straps and an interior bodysuit lining with a gusset snap button closure.

Material

Self: 100% poly
Lining: 95% poly, 5% elastane

Care

Dry clean only

09

Out of 18

Carolina Herrera Bustier Tiered Gown

Carolina Herrera Bustier Tiered Gown

Source: Elyse Walker

If there was one dress to splurge on, it is this glamorous and memorable Carolina Herrera Bustier Tiered Gown. This glamorous and stylish evening gown is a piece you can wear repeatedly aside from prom. Flaunting a strapless, bustier bodice with tonal boning for support. Beneath the romantic corset-inspired top, multi-hued tulle tiers form a waterfall of color, splashing out with Venezuelan drama to pool across the floor.

Material

100% nylon

Care

Dry clean

10

Out of 18

SABINA MUSAYEV Judith Open-Back Tiered Maxi Dress

SABINA MUSAYEV Judith Open-Back Tiered Maxi Dress

Source: Intermix

This Judith Open-Back Tiered Maxi Dress from Sabrina Musayev is absolutely elegant yet sexy. Stunning from all angles, this maxi dress features a shimmering purple metallic knit with tiers and a beautiful open lace-up back. Whether you want to pair this dress with silver or gold, this dress will surely get many compliments.

Material

100% polyester

Care

Hand wash

11

Out of 18

Bronx and Banco Amara Maxi Dress

Bronx and Banco Amara Maxi Dress

Source: Revolve

Embrace the 80s padded shoulder fashion style with this Bronx and Banco Amara Maxi Dress. This dress may look simple. But with the cutouts and mustard color, this dress is breathtaking and a statement piece that is perfect for 80s prom. The padded shoulder gives an air of strength and confidence. And the cutouts at the shoulder blades and waist allow you to show off your figure. Complete the look with a pair of golden sandals, and you are all set to go.

Material

40% linen, 40% cotton, 20% acrylic

Care

Dry clean only

12

Out of 18

Alexander Maxi Dress

Alexander Maxi Dress

Source: LoveShackFancy

This Alexander Maxi Dress from LoveShackFancy deserves a spot in your dress collection. The gorgeous gown will never go out of style and will always make a statement entrance. This dress is unforgettable with a pink perfect ombre multi-tiered mesh featuring crystal beads in the skirt and around the high neckline. Finished with a hook and eye closure at the back. Accessorize this with our Isa Tapia Bow Platform Sandal, and you are set to go. 

Material

100% Nylon

Care

Professional Dry Clean Only

13

Out of 18

Bronx and Banco Mademoiselle Midi Dress

Bronx and Banco Mademoiselle Midi Dress

Source: Revolve

If you are going to an 80s prom, you can't go wrong with this Mademoiselle Midi Dress from Brox And Banco. The fuchsia color with sequin embellishments throughout will surely make a statement wherever you go. Perfect for anyone who doesn't want a full gown or mini dress, the midi dress allows you to show off your stylish shoes while still elongating your legs and combating the stompy look.

Material

Self: 100% poly
Lining: 95% poly, 5% elastane

Care

Machine wash

14

Out of 18

Aje Joan Puff Sleeve Mini Dress

Aje Joan Puff Sleeve Mini Dress

Source: Aje

This Aje Joan Puff Sleeve Mini Dress is all about drama and making a statement wherever you go. The stylish focused dress features a bold rouge pink color, asymmetric lines, curved pleating, cut-outs, and puffed organza. With gathered ruching through the bodice, this dress is flattering and accentuates the narrowest part of your waist. Complete the look with a choker necklace and chunky heels.

Material

100% Polyester Organza

Care

Dry Clean Only

15

Out of 18

Cult Gaia Shanti Gown

Cult Gaia Shanti Gown

Source: Cult Gaia

The search is over. This Sleek, sexy, and sophisticated with a touch of vintage vibe Cult Gaia Shanti Gown Mini Dress is a favorite by many. The elegant silk dress with voluminous and exaggerated sleeves features a classic 80s look. The sleeves are detachable and also lend a slimming effect to the straight fit.

Material

92% Silk, 8% Spandex

Care

n/a

16

Out of 18

Alice + Olivia Jocelyn Maxi Dress

Alice + Olivia Jocelyn Maxi Dress

Source: Revolve

Floral patterns became popular in the late 80s, and of course, you can't go wrong with a stunning floral dress for prom. This Jocelyn Maxi Dress from Alice + Olivia is beautiful with beloved bud patterns, and it features a sheen metallic finish with cascading ruffle details on the side seam slit. With an 80's halter square neckline, you can show off your favorite necklace.

Material

Self: 68% silk, 32% poly
Lining: 94% poly, 6% elastane

Care

Dry clean only

17

Out of 18

Alejandra Alonso Rojas Fringe-Trim Silk Gown

Alejandra Alonso Rojas Fringe-Trim Silk Gown

Source: Saks Fifth Avenue

All about making a statement: this Alejandra Alonso Rojas Fringe-Trim Silk Gown is a celebration of color and movement that makes it a perfect 80s prom dress. The silk gown features beautiful multi-bright colors, a bustier bodice, and a playful fringe skirt. Crafted from 100% silk, this is a dress that you will wear again and again.

Material

100% silk

Care

Dry clean

18

Out of 18

Sabina Musayev Nibar Shine

Sabina Musayev Nibar Shine

Source: Anthropologie

This Sabina Musayev Nibar Shine set is different from your traditional dress. The two-piece clothing set is unique and stylish. The top and skirt will need to be purchased separately. Both pieces are featured in metallic red and purple colors that will make you stand out wherever you go. The top featured a cutout and laced back that showed just the right amount of skin. Complete the look with pink Bibi Lou Bow Flats

Material

Polyester

Care

Hand wash


About the author

Emily is a fashion consultant, designer and creative director with more than 15 years experience creating, designing and developing clothing & jewelry. From managing pageant shows to turning concepts into actual designs, she has experience with almost all fabric types and jewelry designs and is in touch with the latest fashion trends.