20 school dance styles from movies that should inspire real-life prom looks

Larisa Oleynik’s Bianca might have been the younger sister who wasn’t the center of the action in 10 Things I Hate About You,’ but she delivered the most eye-catching outfit when it came to the movie in her two-piece that helped push a generation towards separate when it came to formal wear.

Hilary Duff ate and left no crumbs in A Cinderella Story when she rocked a Cinderella-inspired gown for a dance with a costume theme. Of course, not every dance will be so on theme, but for those looking to look like royalty, Sam’s look in this 2004 favorite is a must for any prom vision board.

Not everyone wants the glitz and the glam, and that’s okay. Simple is always an option, as showcased with Bella in Twilight. Boot is optional.

Anyone looking to capture the ‘90s in a way that doesn’t feel like it came from Spirit Halloween can look at what was going down in the costume department in The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

Danny Zuko in Grease is a lesson in menswear that color can elevate a look and make one stand out more.

One can never underestimate the impact of a slip dress on prom night, as seen in She’s All That with Laney Boggs.

Senior year can get expensive between graduation and college prep, and the cost of prom. To not break the bank, do like Christine, a.k.a. Lady Bird, and hit up a thrift store because it’s not only a money saver but also a way to get something that feels unique.  

Not everyone will want to wear a gown to prom, and that’s okay because Gabriella in High School Musical 3 went Sabrina Carpenter: short and sweet. On the other hand, Troy came through with a sleek yet casual moment.

Not Another Teen Movie spoofed the best teen movies up until the point of its release in 2001, but one thing the film didn’t get silly about was the looks at the end when it came to the prom scenes. Every girl served, especially the lead, Janey, in her pink floral look.

Those who think prom is only for all-black suits, think again. Ren did, and it’s one of the reasons Footloose will always be iconic.

The best thing about what Kayla wore in Blockers is that it’s an outfit that can truly live on long after prom. Kayla’s look could double as a wedding guest outfit, or a night out look, and she could even wear the pieces separately with others. Multifunctional fashion is always a win.

The handmade dresses worn in Romy and Michele's High School Reunion are a lesson in making a statement when walking into prom.

The students of Hogwarts got all dressed up in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and the bell of the ball was Hermoine Granger in her belted, pink layered dress that helped add a bit of flare when she was on the dance floor.

Josie Gellar had two very distinct prom outfits in Never Been Kissed. One screamed the ‘80s, and the other was the one that gave her the prom redo she’d dreamed of, a Shakespearan-inspired gown that kept her in the spotlight. Never be afraid to do a period piece if the theme is right.

Suits are tricky when the fit is off just a little. Not everyone can walk into a thrift store and find the perfect fit like Napoleon Dynamite. However, in many cases, it’s cheaper to get a secondhand suit and have it tailored. Just something to ponder while admiring the brown wonder Napoleon scored in the cult classic.

Andie and Duckie’s looks in Pretty in Pink are for those out there who aren’t looking to be cookie-cutter for prom.

Before things took the ultimate turn, Carrie looked great in that pink slip dress. That style allows for the accessories to shine brighter, too.

Before Sarah Michelle Gellar, there was another Buffy The Vampire Slayer. The big screen version rocked the heck out of a white dress with a cut reminiscent of Chanel when it came to length and the Material Girl when it came to style. Marrying those two resulted in one of the best looks in a teen movie ever.

Marty McFly’s look in Back to the Future is for those who want to invest in a suit that can also be used for job and internship interviews.

As we learned in Mean Girls, showing up to prom in matching ensembles is bold, but matching suits in a vibrant color? Even bolder.