Steal The Spotlight: 5 Celebrity-inspired Outfits For Prom in 2026

Getting ready for prom is exciting, but it can be equally overwhelming if you don’t know what kind of outfit to put together. Luckily, you can make an unforgettable entrance by getting inspiration from celebrities. Let’s be honest: whenever a star steps onto the red carpet, there’s always a sparkle, and major events such as the Met Gala and the Oscars are testament to that. If you recall these events, you’ve likely seen some stunning fashion moments you’ve felt like recreating for yourself, and what better time to do so than on prom night? So, let’s explore some of the unforgettable looks from recent years below, to help you channel your favorite style icons while adding your own twist to the look and owning the night.

Hot-pink Barbiecore dress

Remember the 2023 Oscars? At that time, Stephanie Hsu gave off those Disney princess vibes by wearing a puffy hot-pink dress. The good news is that the Barbiecore trend continues to dominate prom style, allowing you to incorporate this color into your prom outfit. It’s full of personality and bold, so it will immediately stand out, and while it is suitable for medium to deep skin tones, everyone can actually rock this look.

You can pair it with glossy lipstick and sparkling heels, and you will turn heads as soon as you arrive at the prom. Also, remember that Barbiecore is all about owning the look with confidence, so walk in like it’s your red-carpet moment -because in some way, it truly is!

Black-and-white mini dress

Ever since the 2021 Met Gala, Rosé’s look has been living rent-free in our minds – and for good reason. The BLACKPINK singer wore a black-and-white mini-dress, featuring a prominent white bow. Paired with chandelier earrings and a white bow choker, the outfit really stole the show.

There couldn’t be a better time to create a look inspired by the singer, as bows are set to be a major trend in 2026. And given that they are timeless and elegant – particularly in black and white – this means you will look back on the pictures taken during this special night fondly. Look for a one-shoulder or strapless gown and ensure that accessories are understated to let the dress take center stage. For example, delicate drop earrings and a simple bracelet would be a great choice, and you can also pair them with a metallic clutch. Footwear also matters, and we recommend avoiding overly busy designs. Rosé wore elegant and minimal heels, so you could opt for black or metallic heels to create a similar look.

Modern and sleek gowns

At the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Gong Li made a statement in a custom beige sequin gown, featuring a modern silhouette with clean lines and subtle embellishments that exuded elegance. In fact, this trend has been making its way down the red carpet over recent years, and they are ideal for prom due to their elegant yet edgy look.

When styling a modern sleep prom gown, remember to keep accessories minimalist, such as delicate jewelry, as this will allow the dress to shine. Complete the look with modern shoes, like metallic sandals or platform heels. For an enhanced modern aesthetic, opt for a clutch or chic mini bag, and style your hair in a ponytail or high bun. If you love a refined look, this style is ideal for you, allowing you to channel the elegance of Hollywood while keeping the look fresh.

White pantsuit

If you don’t really feel comfortable wearing a dress at prom, know that it’s not only perfectly acceptable to wear a pantsuit instead, but it’s also a very stylish choice. However, it’s essential to ensure that you don’t opt for an outfit that is too bridal or formal and adhere to the school’s dress code in terms of length and coverage. You can draw inspiration from Anna Sawai’s white pantsuit look from this year’s Met Gala, and tailor your suit to fit you.

First and foremost, you will need to look for a well-fitting white pantsuit with details such as matte fabric or prominent pocketing. For accessories, consider adding a tie bar, a silk tie, and white gloves to achieve a monochrome aesthetic. To complete the elegant look, consider keeping your hair styled and down, just like Sawai. High-end fashion stores have white shirts and tie clips in abundance, so you can visit them and start shopping for the prom.

Tuxedo

A tuxedo offers a great modern alternative to traditional dress, providing a sophisticated look with elegance and sleek lines. BLACKPINK’s Jennie has lit up the Met Gala this year with her tuxedo gown with pearl details and a black satin top, which also featured a black jumpsuit underneath, and honestly, you cannot go wrong if you get inspired by her outfit. To recreate the look, shop for a black jumpsuit with an androgynous silhouette and pair it with an oversized black coat featuring an exaggerated flare.

If you want to maintain the original look, consider incorporating the same button details to evoke the aesthetic, but that’s not necessarily a requirement. After all, this is only used as inspiration, so it’s great to give it your own twist! As for where to shop, online retailers are great for finding individual pieces, and thrift stores are also a gold mine for unique pieces that will give your look a personal touch. Make sure to visit them as well.

The bottom line

Prom is all about expressing your unique style, but it’s always a good idea to draw inspiration from the red carpet’s glamour, as it is a sure-fire way to create a stunning look that will make you feel and look your best. Whether you choose a Rosé-inspired bow gown, a bold Barbiecore dress, or a pantsuit or tuxedo, what matters in the end is to own the look, so accessorize thoughtfully, and shop smartly, but don’t forget that confidence is ultimately key to shining at the prom. So, are you ready to walk into prom like the star you were born to be?

Photo by Todd Cravens on Unsplash