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2025’s calendar is stacked—and your wardrobe should be too. Whether you’re walking across a stage, dancing under fairy lights, or just trying not to spill on your satin slip at a reception, the right dress makes the moment. Old Navy’s ruffle midis are surprisingly adorable (and wallet-friendly), while Abercrombie’s corset styles are chef’s kiss for showing off your shape. Anthropologie’s floaty maxis bring big ethereal energy to every RSVP, and yes—Amazon has some low-key viral gems with five-star reviews and actually decent fabric.
Think: puff sleeves, silky drapes, body-hugging knits, and classic halters that look way more $$$ than they are. No matter your style (or budget), you don’t need a stylist to turn heads—you just need a scroll through these dress picks.
Shop the best dresses for every occasion in 2025: prom, wedding guest, graduation, and all the in-between moments.
The Best Graduation Dresses:
Abercrombie & Fitch High-Neck Bubble Hem Mini Dress
With its dropped waist and flirty bubble hem, this satin stunner brings main character energy—even under a graduation gown. Bonus: the stretch makes it comfy enough for post-ceremony pics and snacks. Snag it in lilac blue or butter yellow, aka two of 2025’s trendiest shades.
Hutch Puff-Sleeve Ruffled Shift Mini Dress
Pretty in pink and ruffles? Say less. This romantic shift dress from Hutch is equal parts sweet and statement-making—perfect for peeking out under your gown and turning heads at the post-grad dinner.
J.Crew Drop-Waist Mixy Dress
This pastel pink drop-waist midi from J.Crew is giving timeless-with-a-twist energy—and yes, you’ll absolutely wear it long after you toss that cap.
The Best Wedding Guest Dresses:
EXLURA Puff Sleeve Mini Dress
In our opinion, spring always calls for mini dresses with puffy sleeves—so we recommend reaching for this square neckline beauty. It comes in an array of colors and designs, and can even be worn off the shoulder too!
Hutch Gabriella V-Neck Drop-Waist Maxi Dress
With a plunging V-neck, drop-waist detail, and breezy gathered skirt, this floaty lime green maxi was made for summer soirées, wedding RSVPs, and those “just felt like dressing up” weekends.
The Occasion by Old Navy Off-Shoulder Ruffle Chiffon Maxi Dress
Cottagecore fans, prepare to swoon over this dreamy dress! With ruffles, floral print, and drapey shoulders, it’s your modern take on Bridgerton-inspired elegance, perfect for a graduation or backyard wedding.
The Best Prom Dresses:
Hutch Strapless Column Satin Maxi Dress
This ankle-grazing gown from Hutch brings the drama in the chicest way—with a strapless neckline and silky satin skirt that feels straight out of a modern fairytale. It’s simple, romantic, and guaranteed to make your prom pics feel iconic even years from now.
The Occasion by Old Navy Fit & Flare Taffeta Cami Mini Dress
Every closet needs a little black dress, and this fit-and-flare number is about to replace your worn-out fave. With adjustable bow straps, pockets, and a choice of classic black, polka dots, or floral, it’s your new go-to for any semi-formal event.
Prettygarden Flowy Summer Dress
Sure, we’d all love a red carpet prom moment—but if you’re working with a student budget, this under-$60 mini ball gown seriously delivers. It’s flirty, photo-ready, and wayyy cuter than the price tag suggests.
Lulus Valhalla Forest Green Sequin Lace-Up Maxi Dress
Covered in shimmering sequins with a lace-up back and curve-hugging mermaid silhouette, this mesh gown brings full-on bombshell energy. The plunging neckline, open back, and subtle train seal the deal—it doesn’t get more sexy prom queen than this.
How We Choose
The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
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