To a teenager, there’s nothing more iconic than prom. The night lets youngins dress up and act like swanky adults until curfew — or at least that’s what every teen movie from the ’90s and early aughts taught us. So it’s no wonder that choosing an outfit for this evening is kind of a big deal. Shopping for prom dresses is a rite of passage in itself for any teenager, and trying on magical gowns and flowing skirts is a dream — but some of the gowns out there are more like a nightmare.
We all know what it’s like to look back at old photos of ourselves going through puberty when we thought we were all that, only to ask ourselves, “What were we thinking?!”
It seems like prom dress styles haven't changed in that respect. Only these days, some are way too risqué and just totally out-there. Others are also just downright impractical. It's a wonder how some of these frocks even made it past product and design. All in the name of looking unique and having the most memorable night as possible, I suppose.
Unfortunately, unlike with celebrities on the red carpet, teens at prom don't have a magical entourage that knows all the tricks and tips to avoid wardrobe malfunctions. Prom should be a fun time when a teen can just be a teen; it doesn't have to be like the Oscars.
So in the spirit of all of that, we rounded up 50 of the wildest, most over-the-top dresses that should never leave the rack.
This article originally appeared on Cafe Mom.
Cleavage on Cleavage
There's no way this one fits in with the school's dress code. Guaranteed. Don't think it's that bad? Don't worry, we're just getting started.
Cutouts for Days
Ah, parents. Ready for the phone calls?
Barely There
Not much is left to the imagination with this one.
One Step at a Time
At least she opted for the longer sleeve here, right? That's a different take.
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The Trio
A prom dress doesn't have to have both bondage and bustier qualities.
Asymmetrical Look
While this dress looks stunning on an adult woman, it's a little bit creepy to picture a 17-year-old in it.
Get It Yet?
That's no joke. Companies must assume that teens really like ruffles, slits, and thigh-high cuts.
Feeling Leggy
She could definitely pull an Angelina Jolie moment with this one.
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Short & (Not So) Sweet
So many comments to make about such a little dress. Don't. Know. Where. To. Start.
What the WHAT?!
We have the chiffon, we have the cutouts, we have the bikini-style top. What else could we ask for?
Work the Camera
If the beading, cut, and sheerness of the dress isn't convincing enough, then how about the dangerously high slit?
Is This Even a Dress?
No, that's a real question. Is that really a dress? Can someone confirm?
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Opposite of Boring
It has a beaded bodice and a feathered skirt. Sign us up, please!
Dress or Lingerie?
Once we agree on the fact that this model is easily several years past high school, let's just acknowledge one thing: This is lingerie.
Must Need: Tape
Truly … that just looks like a nip slip waiting to happen.
Madonna?
Remind anyone else of the Queen of Pop? We're getting some cone bra flashbacks.
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And Again...
But this one has a very mermaid feel, doesn't it?
Our Eyes! Our Eyes!
Let's play a game: Prom dress or nightclub outfit?
Not a Dress
Honestly, it's just two pieces of bedazzled fabric. A dress? Absolutely not.
Indecent
That looks like a little too much exposure, right? But take a look at the front. One bad move and people will get a much-too-close a peek.
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Fur Trim
This dress has a lot of components, including being see-through, having sequins, and having a fur trim. At least the fur will keep her warm?
Cartoon-Inspired
We're getting serious Sesame Street vibes with this dress. Points for originality, at least?
Lime Green
From the ruffles to the neon lime green color, this dress is more reminiscent of a birthday cake — but hey, more power to whoever rocks this frock!
Camo
With this camouflage dress on, no one will be able to see her! Maybe that's a good thing.
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Rainbow-Inspired
This dress definitely caught all of the colors of the rainbow.
Two-Piece Set
Yep, the wearer of this (can we call this a dress?) ensemble is sure to be cold at night.
V-Cut
This dress, with its low V-cut neckline and double thigh-high slit, is a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen.
Barely There Bodice
The top of this ensemble seems more fitting as a swimsuit top — at least, a very pretty sequined swimsuit top.
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Snakeskin
This form-fitting snakeskin gown is more akin to something worn in a nightclub rather than prom.
Go Low
This pink prom dress has a V-cut that goes all the way down to her belly button. Maybe not necessary for prom?
Bond Girl–Like
This blue number has a thigh-high slit and deep, deep neckline that seems more fitting for a Bond girl than a teen's prom.
Is This a Red Carpet?
From the look of the glamorous back of this dress, this number seems more fitting for a red carpet than a prom.
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Extra, Extra
From the flared mermaid-style fit to the very deep cut, this dress is teetering on the extra side of things.
More Like a Nightgown
This nude-colored frock reminds us more of a nightgown than a prom dress.
Tube Top
We're just not sure a sequined tube top counts as prom attire? Maybe any other day!
Plunging Neckline
This slinky dress that has a very plunging neckline maybe shouldn't make its first appearance at prom? Just a suggestion.
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Midriff Memo
Okay, did we miss the memo that stated that dresses no longer have to have a midsection?
Celebrity-Inspired, Perhaps?
This sequined dress, with its thigh-high slit and off-the-shoulder style, is definitely an eye-catcher — maybe because it seems like something a celeb would wear at a movie premiere?
Barely There Back
This dress features cut-outs and a barely there back. We're getting cold just looking at it.
Plunging Halter
This dress both has a plunging neckline and is a halter top, so the back is virtually fully exposed.
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Sheer Top
The bodice of this pale pink dress is totally sheer, other than some padding over the boobs. One too-fast dance move and …
Sequined Set
This sequined set is definitely glamorous. It's also maybe a little too much for prom.
Super Sheer
If the goal of this dress is to barely seem like it's there, then it's succeeding, especially with that netted feature over the midriff.
One-Shoulder Lace
This lacy one-shoulder gown is totally sheer from the waist up, except for some pads over the boobs.
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All Lace
This lacy gown looks more like a piece of lingerie instead of a prom dress. But it's a nice piece of lingerie!
Old Hollywood
We're getting some serious old Hollywood–style glam from this outfit. Only, a prom might not be the best place to rock this racy outfit.
Sports Bra–Inspired
Now this definitely just looks like a sports bra and a maxi skirt.
Black Lace
This form-fitting black lace gown has a dangerously high thigh slit.
Bustier Bodice
A strapless bustier-style bodice definitely is reminiscent of lingerie.
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Low Back
This back is dangerously low, and it doesn't look like the straps would do much either.
