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Shop March 25, 2025

Formal for spring: Prom gowns, gala dresses, accessories and more starting under $100

PHOTO: Shop prom dress, gala gowns and formal accessories for spring
Antonia Saint, Mac Duggal, Abercrombie, Anthropologie
Shop prom dress, gala gowns and formal accessories for spring

Spring is here, and that means it's time for proms, galas and other formal and semi-formal occasions that call for very special looks.

Editor's Picks

To help you get dressed for your next spring fling, we've combed the internet for gowns, cocktail dresses and accessories starting under $100 than will help you look and feel your most beautiful when it's time to step out.

These ensembles run the gamut from chic and simple -- like the White House Black Market mini cocktail dress -- to eye-catching with opulent details such as the Aknvas x REVOLVE Sasha fringe dress that demands attention from the time you set foot in the party.

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We've also highlighted shoes, bags and jewelry to finish your outfit, with suggestions from comfortable but glamorous heels by Antonia Saint NY to dazzling earrings from Kendra Scott.

Peruse our top picks and get inspired for your next dressy event below!

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Prom dresses

Daphne Corset Slit A-Line Satin Formal Dress

Price: $109.90 · From Windsor

Rich, deep red is a timeless choice for prom, especially in this light-reflecting satin that hugs the bust and waist but flows outward for less restricted movement. It even has pockets so you can stash your phone for selfies!

Hutch Amara Corset Pleated Tulle Fit & Flare Midi Dress

Price: $348 · From Anthropologie

Youthful, sweet and ever-so-pretty, this Hutch gown is a fantastic prom pick for the girl who wants to spend the night swishing and swirling in her dress on the dance floor.

Amabella Ruffled Glitter Tulle Ball Gown

Price: $139.90 · From Windsor

The girly girls will fall in love with this pink, frilly confection that has glitter embedded in the fabric for the perfect shimmer in photos and real life.

Say Yes Juniors' Ruffled Rosette Strapless Ball Gown, Created for Macy's

Price: $289 · From Macy's

Butter yellow is huge this season, and this saturated take on the shade, coated in flowery ruffles, will make any girl feel like the belle of the ball.

Aknvas x REVOLVE Sasha Fringe Dress

Price: $334 · 43% Savings
From Revolve

Original: $595

Fringe is always fun, especially in this bold, bright blue that immediately draws in the eye and looks gorgeous on everyone.

Gala dresses and attire

Donna Karan New York Women's Straight Neck Ruffle-Trim Gown

Price: $349 · From Macy's

Elegance is the name of the game with this stunner from Donna Karan New York. Blue floral embroidery against a metallic silver background creates a springtime feast for the eyes, while a cascading ruffle adds a subtle hint of drama and creates a lengthening visual line from hip to heel.

The A&F Giselle Pleated One-Shoulder Cutout Maxi Dress

Price: $150 · From Abercrombie & Fitch

Simple, timeless and ethereal as can be, this popular dress from Abecrombie & Fitch makes a fantastic option for someone who wants a sleek, easy dress that can be dressed up with opulent accessories or kept sleek and minimal with strappy heels and a slick hairstyle.

Strapless Chiffon Maxi Dress

Price: $220 · From White House Black Market

Float into the evening's events on a floral, chiffon cloud with this dreamy gown from White House Black Market. The soft lilac shade and delicate details work beautifully with the freshness of spring, and the loose fit below the bust ensures you'll be comfortable all night.

Hutch Strapless Ruched Bow Wide-Leg Jumpsuit

Price: $189.95 · 38% Savings
From Anthropologie

Original: $308

Formal pants at a gala can feel bold and unexpected, adding edge to an evening that can sometimes feel a bit stuffy or cold. This stunning jumpsuit from Hutch is just the ticket for wowing the crowd, and it will look great with a pair of classic black pumps like those from Antonia Saint NY you'll see below.

Flared Ponte Maxi Dress

Price: $119.95 · From Dynamite

The fit-and-flare shape is flattering on a wide array of body shapes, and you can never go wrong with a streamlined shape in black. Dress it up or down depending on your aesthetic dreams, and enjoy the scoop back that shows a touch of skin in an unexpected area.

Oren Silk Dress

Price: $328 · From Reformation

Chocolate brown is having a standout moment and looks phenomenal when utilized with a rich silk charmeuse as it is with this Reformation column gown and matching formal scarf.

Cocktail dresses

Renee C. One Shoulder Scarf Satin Midi Dress

Price: $79.99 · 62% Savings
From Saks Off Fifth

Original: $215.99

Stun on a budget with this gold satin midi dress that's on sale for under $80 at Saks Off Fifth.

Strapless Mini Dress

Price: $160 · From White House Black Market

If minimal yet fresh is your vibe, this structured minidress is the go-to of the season when you need cocktail attire. The simple shape and ecru shade exude pure sophistication, and you can add a bold statement necklace to jazz things up or stick with a bare neck and simple studs to accentuate the stark feeling of the luxe fabric and tailoring.

TOCCIN Micky Tie Neck Shift Dress

Price: $521.25 · 25% Savings
From Bloomingdale's

Original: $695

Ideal for a flirty cocktail event where the invite encourages dancing and fun, this mini sparkler is a guaranteed way to make sure you shine brighter than a disco ball. 

Tuckernuck Hot Pink Dupioni Esme Dress

Price: $228 · From Tuckernuck

For a look that's brighter than the flowers in bloom all around, try this Tuckernuck dress that has a simple, classic shape crafted in light-reflecting rayon that's both sophisticated and eye-catching.

Black Crepe Sleeveless Mini Dress With Rhinestone Flower

Price: $458 · From Mac Duggal

Three-dimensional flowers are popping up everywhere this spring, and Mac Duggal made the trend highbrow by sparkling it up as the centerpiece to an otherwise classic cocktail dress.

AQUA Pleated Floral Dress - Exclusive

Price: $96 · 25% Savings
From Bloomingdale's

Original: $128

This airy dress is fancy enough for a night on the town but versatile enough for brunch depending on your accessory choices.

Shoes, bags and accessories

The Vida Sweetheart 90mm Comfortable Heels

Price: $245 · From Antonia Saint NY

A sultry pair of stilettos is the perfect complement to any formal or cocktail look, but you don't have to suffer to have them. Antonia Saint NY focuses on craftsmanship and comfort, allowing you to walk and dance in these stunning heels without the painful pinching. They're available in three shades of napa leather (black, warm taupe or ceramic gold), snakeskin embossed black leather and taupe or coral suede, so you can select the best for your wardrobe for a secret weapon in your shoe arsenal.

Antonio Melani Molten Top Handle Clutch

Price: $75 · From Dillard's

Architectural details are an instant way to add interest to your dressier looks, and this Dillard's exclusive bag combines them with an on-trend, metallic silver colorway for this season's must-have clutch.

Betsey Johnson Dani Sandal

Price: $89.99 · From DSW

Combining rhinestones and florals is a fever dream for spring, and Betsey Johnson is just the designer to do it. An ankle strap adds stability to the 3.75-inch heel, and lightly padded footbed helps alleviate pressure on the ball of your foot.

Potenaz Frame Metallic Starburst Velvet

Price: $77.40 · 40% Savings
From Patricia Nash

Original: $129

A classic frame bag created in velvet with metallic starburst embroidery is an all-season, all-time great handbag for dressing up a nighttime look.

Dira Gold Crystal Statement Earrings in White Mix

Price: $84.97 · 51% Savings
From Kendra Scott

Original: $175

Opt for a clean neckline and let the focus fall on your ears with a fabulous pair of statement earrings like these Kendra Scott dazzlers.

Kelly & Katie Staci Wristlet

Price: $39.99 · From DSW

Add major sparkle to your ensemble with this dazzling, easy-to-carry drop wristlet that's under $50 at DSW.

Women's Mckeyla Pumps

Price: $198 · From Cole Haan

Let your feet shine and add texture to your look with these modest, 3.35-inch pumps from Cole Haan.

MarlaWynne 20-1/2" 2-Tone Chainmail Necklace

Price: $99.95 · From HSN

Chainmail adds a tough but shiny touch when worn as a statement piece like this two-tone necklace.

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