Cheap Prom Dresses for Under 50 Dollars

I was recently asked by a 16 year old girl, on how to find cheap prom dresses without having to sacrifice looking amazing. I really did feel for her as she was talking about feeling embarrassed by her friends getting $500 and even thousand dollar dresses, knowing she can't do the same. I want to make it clear that you don't have to spend a lot to look amazing at any age or event. Her mother gave her a strict budget of $50 dollars so I kept to that. I tried to pick things out in a variety of shapes, colors and fabrics so that she'd have some choices. Love the affordable prom dresses? Click on the sources to buy!

I absolutely love the detailing on this first prom dress. The red satin screams evening and the sweetheart neckline is flattering for teen body-types. The reason I chose this dress though, is the amazing detail of the pleated gathering at the skirt. It's a luxurious detail that makes this dress look like a million bucks. But take a look at the actual price!

Price: $28.69

I knew I wanted to include a dress that had the one-shoulder detail. It's one of the hottest prom dress trends for this season. (Yes, folks there are magazines just for prom dress shopping and prom dress trends *do* exist!) I adore the pleated accent ruffle which happens to just right under the bust (extremely flattering!).

The dress is 100% Satin, very fitted and features a low back. It's a bit sexier of a look, so be sure you're able to carry that off! Also, at $50 bucks, it's at the top of the price range.

If you're looking for prom hair ideas, check out this girl's hair at the right. I love the modern elegance of a low bun, and to the side! I think it's cliché to do a huge updo for prom. That's so 90s.

Price: $50

Kohls features some amazing designers. (Simply Vera, LC Lauren Conrad). They are giving Target a run for their money. I absolutely love this Elle dress because of the lace bodice. It's romantic, floaty and gorgeous. Of course, the sweetheart neckline is also a plus. And if you hate the purple, it also comes in black.

Price: $29.99

This is another dress from Kohls. It is an IZ Byer Rosette dress. The rosette bodice is to die for. The satin "mini-tress" bottom is fantastic for many body types. It'll hide bumps and add curves. I also like the pearl-bow detailing. The thing about satin versus fake satin nowadays, is that it's extremely difficult to tell the difference just by a glance. You have to really feel the material to know that it isn't real. Isn't this bone color just amazing?

Price: $31.20

When I saw this dress, I felt like I unearthed a prom miracle. The brocade screams royal and expensive and the flirty bubble hem keeps the dress "young". (Brocade can be a bit sophisticated for a 16 year old). The dress is banded so your waist will look tiny! The material is a shiny brocade so it's prom appropriate. And the best part? It's under 20 bucks!

I actually ended up getting one for myself. (oops)

Price: $19.99

This one was chosen for the fashionistas out there who want to stand out and look unique. It isn't typical of a prom dress as it doesn't flare out and its certainly not shiny. However, the dress exudes a richness you just can't get for this price. I absolutely love the shirred detailing of the side panels, the poofed shoulders and the rich, faux-velvet. And the royal-blue color is to die for!

Price: $31.50

This is a very traditional prom dress. I knew I wanted to stick one very pretty color in. The pretty peach is perfect for April Proms. Once again, the shirring makes the dress look more detailed than it is, it also enhances the bust! (That one most people don't know; you heard it here first!) The banded waist will really cinch you in and make you look lean! At this price, how can you go wrong? It also comes in Satin Black!

Don't forget to keep the prom theme in mind! It'll appear strange if the theme is cotton-candy land and you show up in a huge black dress. You'll look like a funeral crasher!

Price: $19.99

This is one of my favorite dresses. It is a bit revealing so you may want to run it by the 'rents before purchasing! The top is not really a sweetheart, it's a corset. It's made by Once Upon a Time and its beautiful. I love the contrast of the tight corset with the full skirt and mesh overlay. The cream and black are heaven together. It's absolutely perfect for a ball if you love dark dresses.

Price:$46.62