The Most Iconic Prom Dresses in Movies and TV That'll Take You Back
Sandy from Grease is our prom queen, forever and always.
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Prom dresses are a sign of the times: There were exaggerated puffy sleeves in the '70s, neon hues in the '80s, two-piece sets in the '90s, and so on. Go back in time to get a closer look at the most memorable prom dresses — some bold, some beautiful, some questionable — in your favorite classic movies, starting with Stephen King's Carrie in 1976. And while you're at it, make some popcorn, pour yourself a glass of wine and stream these classics to relive your glory days.
Carrie in 'Carrie'
Though her dress was eventually drenched in blood (spoiler alert), Carrie's pink gown was lovely before the night of horror began. Now, if only they could've kept it that way ...
Bianca in '10 Things I Hate About You'
Much to her father's chagrin, Bianca wore a pink satin crop top paired with a tulle skirt that showed off a hint of her belly button. Note the incredibly '90s hairstyle.
Rachel in 'Glee'
Rachel Berry's peach prom dress was fit for a queen, which it fitting since she was named Prom Queen at William McKinley High.
Sandy in 'Grease'
Danny may have looked sharp, but he was no match for Sandy, who looked as sweet as can be in this short dress. The couple's dance moves, however, were the real winner that night.
Blair and Serena in 'Gossip Girl'
These two friends dress like it's prom on the daily with sky-high heels, luxe dresses and accessories galore. Come prom night, Blair and Serena pulled out all the stops with elegant gowns and curled tresses.
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Kim in 'Prom Night'
Prom should be all fun and games — unless there's a relentless killer on the loose. Before students started fearing their lives, Kim, played by Jamie Lee Curtis, looked serene in a sweet pink dress.
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Andie in 'Pretty in Pink'
Andie Walsh set the bar high for wannabe DIYers when she stunned in her own pretty in pink (pun intended) creation.
Alison in 'Pretty Little Liars'
While the entire crew at Rosewood High School looked amazing on prom night, Alison was the belle of the ball in this cream gown, complete with loose curls and a red lip.
Romy and Michele in 'Romy and Michele's High School Reunion'
After graduating, a high school reunion is basically prom for adults. These short and shiny dresses that Romy and Michele wore prove that the best outfits you wear are the ones you have the most fun in.
Laney in 'She's All That'
Laney Briggs' prom night didn't exactly turn out as planned, but she still looked gorgeous in this sparkly LBD.
Gabriella in 'High School Musical 3: Senior Year'
Not only did Gabriella get to dance with her boyfriend Troy Bolton at prom, but she also got to wear a super sweet chiffon dress with appliqué flowers that looked best mid-twirl.
Ariel in 'Footloose'
The only thing better than Ariel's bubblegum pink column dress and her envy-inducing curled updo is the dancing that took place at her prom.
Summer in 'The O.C.'
Summer rarely strayed from her California-cool wardrobe and prom was no exception. She wowed in a fuchsia printed strapless maxi dress that surely inspired many prom goers in the early aughts.
Buffy in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'
Buffy Summers never got a day off — not even for prom. The teen slayer had to wrestle a pack of hell hounds, but still managed to look impeccable in a strapless mauve taffeta gown.
Penelope in 'Bridgerton'
Being presented to the Queen at the start of London's social season is essentially the same thing as high school prom, just during the Regency era. Penelope Featherington stunned in an empire waist evening gown with gold embroidery for her debut.
Lorraine in 'Back to the Future'
Not many people can say they actually saw their mom's prom dress in person, but Marty McFly can. His mother, Lorraine, wore a very '50s design, featuring an A-line silhouette and polka dot print.
An Li in 'All My Children'
Of course a major event like prom was bound to result in tons of drama on a soap opera like All My Children. But An Li Chen still looked great in a strapless purple princess gown.
Linda in 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High'
When prom season came around at Ridgemont High, Linda didn't disappoint her male admirers with her red lace gown that screamed prom queen.
Regina in 'Mean Girls'
Not even getting hit by a school bus could keep Regina George from the school dance. Some pink flowers on her back brace and an attention-grabbing strapless satin pink mini dress did the trick.
Topanga in 'Boy Meets World'
Cory and Topanga were crowned prom king and queen at prom, naturally. The only thing sweeter? How Cory's pocket square perfectly matched Topanga's red column dress.
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