Prom is drawing near! If you’ve waited this long to pick out a dress, chances are you’re not very motivated by today’s popular styles. Instead of running with the crowd, take a cue from the fashions of decades past to make a unique statement and stand out in a crowd of floor-length satin dresses. Here's ten interpretations of party dresses past.
1920s:
By the 1920s, women were ready to break out of the restrictive styles of turn of the century fashion. Mini skirts and short, easy hair were in. This black scalloped dress from BCX at Macy’s (1) isn’t quite straight out of the speakeasy, but is a fun, modern take on flapper style. To take the look a step further, pair it with a feathered headband and a long string of pearls. If this dress isn’t for you, keep an eye out for fringed or sequined dresses, but keep it short so you can still do the Charleston!
1930s:
The most glamorous part about the 1930s was Old Hollywood. Treat your prom’s dance floor like the red carpet with a tulle dress like the Taylor dress by Masquerade at Windsor (2). Accessorize with costume jewelry, like long teardrop earrings and ornate rhinestone necklaces. To top it all off, go with a luxurious pin-curled hair-do.
1940s:
For a fun 1940s formal look, get inspired by the classic pin-up girls of the era. You can’t go wrong with black and white polka dots, like the My Favorite Spot dress from ModCloth.com (3). You can pick your own accent color for accessories, but you can’t go wrong by pairing it with bright red shoes and a bag.
If it’s a military inspired look you’re going for, try out a dress with clean, architectural lines like the Box of Chocolates dress, also from ModCloth (4). If you want to glam it up a bit, consider wearing it with a faux fur stole and gloves.
1950s:
First Lady Mamie Eisenhower’s favorite color was pink, and with her husband’s presidency, the White House was decorated accordingly. “Mamie Pink” became all the rage across the country. For a girly 1950s prom look, check out the pink Belen dress by City Triangles available at Windsor (5). To accessorize, keep it classic with a pearl necklace, or modernize it a bit with chunky black beads.
1960s:
In the same vein, this scoop neck piped shift mini by Love Tease (6) is very Jackie O and a little bit Audrey Hepburn. Available at Macy’s, it would also look cute with pearls or black accents, but if you really want to commit to that First Lady look, try it out with a pair of long gloves and oversized sunglasses.
1970s:
Seventies fashion was all about fun, flowy fabrics in bright colors. Mini-skirts were out and maxi-dresses were in, like this one by XOXO at Macy’s (7). For a literal interpretation of this disco-era look, try it on with over sized gold necklaces and hoops. It would also look great with chunky platform shoes and Farrah Fawcett hair.
1980s:
Eighties fashion shouldn’t take itself too seriously, so go for big, bright prints and over sized skirts. This strapless printed ruffle mini by Speechless at Macy’s (8) is a great example and can be interpreted lots of different ways. For a Cyndi Lauper kind of look, try chunky plastic jewelry in contrasting colors, a cropped denim jacket, and big blown out hair. To go more of an 80’s goth route, accessorize with black and lay on the eyeliner. Either look would be great topped off with fingerless lace gloves.
1990s:
Yes, it's true: the 1990s are a little retro. While many people might think of gloomy, grungey fashion, this throwback prom look is inspired by the ladies on the original Beverly Hills, 90210. This strapless floral ruffle dress by Roberta at Macy’s (9) looks is right up Donna Martin’s alley, and could really be played up with a white clutch and pumps. For something more in line with Brenda Walsh, check out the strapless floral mini dress by Guess (10).
All of these dresses are under $100, and because they might not be what you traditionally imagine when you think of prom, you can get more use out of them later! Don’t feel like you have to be restricted to the “prom dress” section of your favorite shop, see what else is available for your style and budget.
What’s your favorite retro prom look? Or, to our more “retro” readers, what did you wear to prom? 
3 Responses to “10 Retro Throwback Prom Dresses Under $100”
I love the dresses inspired by the 1930s and the 1950s. Windsor is a great place to shop for prom dresses and accessories. This article was so helpful. Thanks!
I wore a long, formal dress to my prom--and I never wore it again. These dresses are not only more practical, but they're much more fun. My daughter's prom is coming up--time to take her shopping!
This article was a huge help! I want to wear a dress that no one else will be in, and with helpful hints like these, I will be sure to pick something totally different than everyone else!