16 mermaid silhouette prom dresses that will give you a teen movie-worthy grand entrance

Prom season is officially here, which means two things. One, it’s time to re-watch all of our favorite ’90s teen movies to prepare. Two, it’s time to go prom dress shopping! If you’re looking to make a teen movie-worthy entrance at your prom, you need a dress that makes a statement. And while we’re all for wearing short prom dresses and even two-piece prom dresses, there’s no silhouette that brings the drama quite like a mermaid silhouette.

The mermaid silhouette exudes Old Hollywood glamour, but, unfortunately, traditional mermaid gowns can be quite restricting. Luckily, modern iterations are a touch looser and less constricting than their Old Hollywood counterparts, maintaining the distinctive silhouette without making it impossible for you to dance. (And this is very important because, as we all know, a choreographed dance number is a staple of the ’90s teen movie.)

Here are 16 of our favorite mermaid silhouette prom dresses.

1Lulu’s Melora Sleeveless Maxi Dress, $91

You can’t go wrong with a slinky dress.

2Morning Lavender Gabrielle Rose Gold Sequin Drape-Back Gown, $78.99

We’re swooning over the rose gold sequins and drapey back.

3Aidan Mattox Beaded Mermaid Slip Dress, $395

Proof that you don’t need a floor-length gown to wear this silhouette.

4Adrianna Papell Lola Jersey Gown, $199

Mesh accents add visual interest to this black jersey gown.

5Dress the Population Harper Mermaid Gown, $308

This dress comes in 11 different colors.

6Carmen Marc Valvo Infusion One-Shoulder Trumpet Gown, $375

Now, this is a bombshell dress.

7Theia Jessica Sleeveless Mermaid Gown, $290

You can never have too much sequins.

8Pretty Little Thing Black Lace High Neck Fishtail Midaxi Dress, $60

We didn’t know how badly we needed a lace mermaid skirt in our lives until right now.

9Prom Girl Long Off-the-Shoulder Mermaid Prom Dress, $99

A navy color palette allows the dramatic silhouette to speak for itself.

10Aidan by Aidan Mattox Metallic Knit Mermaid Dress, $245

If you’re feeling extra girly.

11Jill Jill Stuart Color-Block Mermaid Gown, $428

The cut-out gives it a high-fashion edge.

12Cinq a Sept Eza Strapless Mermaid Dress, $356.98

Embellished ruffles and a midi length are dramatic without being over-the-top.

13Pretty Little Thing Maya Nude Sequin Fishtail Maxi Dress, $68

Work that side slit.

14Nightway Lace Keyhole Mermaid Halter Gown, $129

A metallic lace pattern is both glam and feminine.

15Lulus Girl in the Mirror Beaded Maxi Dress, $80

A beaded neckline embellishes this simple dress. (It also comes in white.)

16Soieblu Floral Embroidered Maxi Dress, $85

We’re living for this metallic floral print.