These Celebrity Prom Dresses Will Make You Feel Like You're in High School Again

By Sarah Wasilak

Updated on 5/9/2019 at 6:34 PM

If I could turn back time, I would absolutely redo prom. I'd also redo shopping for a prom dress, because that's where I went wrong. Now I'm sitting here looking at Presley Gerber in his crisp black suit separates and Lily-Rose Depp in her slinky peach slip, begging my 17-year-old self to stay away from anything that bares resemblance to an emoji.

But I mean, what's done is done. When it comes to prom, I have many friends that wish for do-overs, and I'm not sure how celebrities like Taraji P. Henson and Gabrielle Union would feel about their throwback looks. Taraji actually designed her '80s-style silhouette and Gabrielle poked fun at herself for wearing evening gloves under her wrist corsage. To their Instagram followers, these have now gone down as iconic moments. And while you may not take a tip from every star's outfit here, they certainly may spark some fashion nostalgia.

If you're looking at Yara Shahidi's Emanuel Ungaro kelly-green tiered midi or Storm Reid's floral Tory Burch gown, however, you're probably going to start itching to shop. Sigh. Did I have one sophisticated bone in my body as a junior or senior in high school? Yara, please go talk to 17-year-old Sarah. The time machine is that way.

Elle Fanning at Prom

Elle had to miss her prom since she had the honor of walking the red carpet at Cannes. NBD, her prom date just flew to France so she could be escorted in this gorgeous floral appliqué Zuhair Murad Couture gown in 2016.

Jaden Smith at Prom

Jaden and his girlfriend Odessa Adlon went to prom in glamorous matching black looks in 2018. He wore a Louis Vuitton suit and sneakers with a chain that coordinated with Odessa's chandelier earrings.

Gigi Hadid at Prom

In 2013, Gigi wore a red bodycon Herve Leger dress for prom, and she shared this photo collage of the memorable day on Twitter.

Taraji P. Henson at Prom

Taraji actually designed this '80s style midi dress for her prom, with voluminous tulle sleeves and a matching hemline.

Gabrielle Union at Prom

Gabrielle went the extra mile and accessorized her white and black prom dress with gloves. The actress even wore a classic pearl necklace, looking more mature than anything else!

Lily-Rose Depp at Prom

Lily-Rose wore a peach textured maxi gown for her 2016 prom, which would still feel very on trend as a nod to the '90s today.

Yara Shahidi at Prom

In 2017, Yara worked with stylist Jason Bolden on her prom look: a tiered, colorblock Emanuel Ungaro number with large hoop earrings and graphic Nicholas Kirkwood platform heels.

In 2018, Yara wore a stunning strapless sunshine yellow dress to her prom.

Rowan Blanchard at Prom

Rowan attended prom with Yara Shahidi in 2017, and she was more than excited to wear this gorgeous Rodarte dress for the occasion.

Lucy Hale at Prom

In 2014, Lucy shared a throwback snap of her prom look: a ruched, sage silk design that she completed with a corsage, choker necklace, and matching ring.

Delilah Belle Hamlin at Prom

Delilah Belle opted for a cap-sleeved minidress with tall pumps for her prom in 2016.

Amelia Gray Hamlin

Amelia opted for a very sultry neckline for her own prom in 2018, working the plunge in a bodycon dress.

Ariel Winter at Prom

In 2016, Ariel wore a black lace mermaid gown and a small gold clutch to prom.

Presley Gerber at Prom

Presley wore crisp black suit separates to prom in 2016, while his date wore a simple white minidress. He made a quick sock swap to get more comfortable before leaving the house.

Paris Jackson at Prom

In 2016, Paris fully committed to the color scheme when she attended prom with her girlfriend in a turquoise tie and dyed hairstyle to match.

Maude Apatow at Prom

Maude wore a gorgeous silk slip gown to prom in 2016.

Sailor Brinkley Cook at Prom

In 2016, Sailor attended prom in a champagne-colored lace dress with a tiered skirt.

Storm Reid at Prom

Storm went to prom with Yara Shahidi's brother, Sayeed. She wore a stunning floral Tory Burch dress with frilly sleeves and Tamara Mellon heels.

Lourdes Leon at Prom

Madonna shared snaps of her daughter's 2014 preprom. Lourdes wore a plunging halter dress with a beaded necklace, with her hair tied up to show it off.