Prom Dresses That Look Just Like Red Carpet Gowns

For most women, the red carpet is an endless source of inspiration, even though most of us won't ever get an Oscar invite. I don't know about you, but as a teenager I didn't have a lot of opportunities to get all dressed up and I passionately studied the red carpet dresses every award season anyway, especially when I was looking for prom dress inspiration. Even today, as an adult, the black tie invitations are, regrettably, few and far between but nothing makes me happier than watching Live From The Red Carpet with a glass of wine. The point being, in our casual and laid back world, prom is often the one night when a teen can be as unapologetically glamorous as her favorite celebrity.

Inspired by women like Sarah Jessica Parker and Jennifer Aniston, I used prom to break out of my shy shell, ditch my glasses (it was the She's All That era, OK?), and prove to my classmates that I actually had some serious fashion chops. However, recreating star style at prom doesn't have to mean being a carbon copy! I mean, none of us can really afford those designer dresses anyway — even the celebs tend to rent them for the evening. Instead, focus on a similar shape in your favorite color or show off your sparkling personality with favorite accessories (like Taylor Swift's purple shoes at the Grammy's). So c'mon, embrace the glitz for one night!

1. Taylor Swift

Taylor's high-low Elie Saab gown rocked the Grammy red carpet, but it was the ombre fabric that really stole the show. For a similar color combination, try the Daria Ombre Chiffon A-Line Gown by ERIN Erin Fetherston or show off your legs in this Hailey Logan by Adrianna Papell.

2. Kendall Jenner

Her older sister may have broken the internet, but Kendall Jenner kept things classy and sexy at the amfAR New York Gala in February. Her stunning red Romona Keveza gown, paired with sparkling Louboutins was practically meant for a sophisticated prom, but you can recreate the architectural style with this One Shoulder Long Sleeve Gown from Cut25 by Yigal Azrouel. If you're extra daring, ASOS has a sexy jumpsuit in the same delicious shade of red.

3. Emma Stone

Emma Stone is the queen of color blocking IMHO. Her fashion forward two-piece by Thakoon at last year's Met Gala was just the jumping off point! It'll be tough to find a similar coord at a lower price point, so just build you own! Forever 21's Shine On Sleeveless Crop Top has a luxe feel for less than $5, so you can splurge a little on this Ezna Costa maxi.

4. Nina Dobrev

If you want to be completely on trend, black and white is the way to go. Nina Dobrev's statuesque Naeem Kahn gown is perfect for prom this spring. With a cut out back and shattered black and white print, BCBG's Daniela gown nails the look and is practically screaming for colorful, statement earrings!

5. Gwen Stefani

If a dress just isn't your thing, why not try making a statement in a jumpsuit like Gwen Stefani? You'll definitely be the most comfortable girl in the limo. Opt for strapless with this Rachel Pally number, or get a little edgy with cutouts from Nasty Gal.

6. Lily James

Who better to inspire your princess moment than Cinderella herself? Shimmer and shine in an embellished ball gown, like the David's Bridal Rhinestone Encrusted Bodice Tulle Gown and you won't even have to return it by midnight!

Images: Getty (7)