Ok, raise your hand if you loooooove getting dressed up. 🙋♀️Now raise your hand if you find prom dress shopping intimidating because there are way too many options.
You might be thinking, “how am I supposed to pick out an aesthetic when I want to dress dark academia or e-girl one day, and then I’m channeling early 2000’s Britney Spears (#FreeBritney forever) the next?” You could wear a cottagecore prom dress, a Euphoria-inspired prom dress, a prom dress from Amazon, or a prom dress based on your favorite color. The possibilities are endless. Where do you even start?
We’ve got two words for you — zodiac signs.
The 12 star signs are some of the most commonly known and used ways to define personality traits, which can also be used to determine your personal style and interests. Natalie Holbrook, an intuitive astrologer, gave us the deets on dressing according to your zodiac sign. “Using your Zodiac sign is a compass, like no other in picking out your prom dress! We exude all of these traits naturally within us, so why not let them shine on the outside?” Natalie suggests tapping into the energy that’s already within you to express yourself through fashion on prom night.
And it goes even further than just your main sun sign. Natalie tells Seventeen, “Check for your sun (your essence), moon (your emotional world), rising sign (your outer self), and your venus (that of what you love!)”
Need a quick refresher on how to find your star signs? There’s a handy dandy calculator on Natalie’s website to help you figure it out.
“Fashion is the window to our souls, and astrology is the psychology of our souls, so why not tap into that to make yourself feel more empowered and beautiful?” says Natalie. Powerful and beautiful are words we’d use to describe the perfect prom night, so count us in. We’re about to break down each zodiac and share what your prom dress aesthetic should be based on your star sign.
Plenty of style options to choose from, and we love them all to the moon and back!
Aries: Baddie
♈ March 21 – April 19
- Characteristics: blunt, fiery, competitive, and driven
- Aries celebs: Lady Gaga, Emma Watson, Reese Witherspoon
It's time to pull out your best Bond Girl moves because you’re a baddie through and through. Check out open-back dresses with sleek halter necklines. You might even want to try out the backward necklace trend! So many famous firecracker divas are Aries, so don't be afraid to go for a red-carpet-ready look.
Windsor Francine Open Back Glitter Dress
Jovani 06203 Low Back Embellished Dress
Windsor Lola High Slit Satin Cowl Neck Dress
Taurus: Cottagecore
♉ April 20 – May 20
- Characteristics: secure, dependable, grounded, and creative
- Taurus celebs: Megan Fox, Gal Gadot, Kelly Clarkson
You love nature, flowers, and soft tones (like a total earth goddess) so there's no reason to have to give up your cottagecore aesthetic just because you're going to be breaking it down on the dance floor. Mentally, we're frolicking through a sunny field of wildflowers in these soft dresses. Try wearing a flower crown or weaving flowers into your updo, and don't be afraid to splurge a little bit! You work hard and you deserve to go all out for a night.
Looking for more options? Check out our full line-up of cottagecore prom dresses.
LoveShackFancy Madsen Maxi Dress
MoranGdS Green Fairy Embroidered Flowers Tulle Prom Dress
Lulus The Way to Love Floral Ruffled Maxi Dress
Gemini: '80s Party Girl
♊ May 21 – June 20
- Characteristics: playful, social, energetic, and communicative
- Gemini celebs: Tom Holland, Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie
Natalie tells us that according to your horoscope, you're the queen of versatility. You're bold, your go-to getting ready song is "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", and you were the first in your friend group to hop on the colorful eyeliner and eye gem trends. Don't be afraid to buy a dress in a bright primary color and accentuate your look with a sunny eyeshadow — sweet dreams are made of this!
Lulus Glam Entrance Pink Sequin Two-Piece Dress
B Darlin Juniors' Fuschia Sequinned Gown With Slit
Cancer: Romantic
♋ June 21 – July 22
- Characteristics: compassionate, intuitive, emotional, and sensitive
- Cancer celebs: Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Princess Diana
As a Cancer, prom could be a time to tap into nostalgic, feminine energy. If you say that you’ve never wanted to dramatically dash through an old castle wearing a fluttering ballgown with soft, classical music playing in the background, you're probably lying. These puff-sleeved, corseted dresses will help you live out all of your most romantic dreams.
City Studios Juniors' Floral-Print Gown
Selkie The Fairytale Dress
MARSEN Champagne Puffy Sleeve Dress
Leo: Mermaidcore
♌ July 23 – August 22
- Characteristics: passionate, dramatic, generous, and playful
- Leo celebs: Dua Lipa, Megan Markle, Jennifer Lawrence
If you're a Leo, you're the lion and you love being the star of the show! Don't hesitate to play around with bold, luxurious aesthetics. Try out halter tops, mermaid cuts, sea greens, iridescent sparkles, and metallic makeup for an unapologetic, spotlight-stealing prom look.
Windsor Kasey Formal Sequin Halter Dress
David's Bridal Sequin Illusion V-Neck Dress
Virgo: Minimalist
♍ August 23 – September 22
- Characteristics: logical, put-together, loyal, and perfectionistic
- Virgo celebs: Zendaya, Beyoncé, Sydney Sweeney
If you like to keep things simple with no prints or patterns, a really beautiful fabric or silhouette can do all of the talking. No bling necessary! Look for silk, satin, or charmeuse in creamy, natural colors. It's all about the details for Virgos, so a subtle piece of jewelry or a hint of sparkle is all you'll need.
Lulus Love All of Me Champagne Satin Maxi Dress
ASOS Flounce London balloon sleeve maxi dress
ASOS tulle fallen shoulder light champagne maxi dress
Libra: Regency (a.k.a. the Bridgerton aesthetic)
♎ September 23 – October 22
- Characteristics: charming, social, polished, and vivacious
- Libra celebs: Kim Kardashian, Cardi B, Serena Williams
Libras love to flirt with life! Anything flirtatious is perfect for you. And what better way to channel that energy than with the Bridgerton aesthetic, Recency-core? All of the ladies of good society have empire waist gowns. The show's characters are also often seen wearing lavish statement jewelry, so feel free to accessorize. Look for flirty ruffles, puff sleeves, and floral embroidery — you'll be the talk of your ton.
Sheer Maxi With Fitted Bodice
Selkie French Puff Dress
Reformation Bucatini Linen Dress
Scorpio: Head-to-Toe Black
♏ October 23 – November 21
- Characteristics: Loyal, focused, intense, and determined
- Scorpio celebs: Pete Davidson, Kris Jenner, Kendall Jenner
Ooh, you don’t mess around. This is why an all-black ensemble (à la Mr. and Mrs. Smith) is the perfect look for your prom night. Think femme fatale: a dramatic, intriguing, film noir style. Lacy, silky, sheer, or metallic black fabrics will all work well. Monochrome looks don't have to be boring, either. Try a sparkly shoe, a deep side slit, and some subtle jewelry to really amp up your dress.
Lulus Glamorous Affair Black Sequin Cutout Maxi Dress
Windsor Alexia Formal High Slit Illusion Dress
Sagittarius: Flower Power
♐ November 22 – December 21
- Characteristics: adventurous, spontaneous, lucky, and optimistic
- Sagittarius celebs: Taylor Swift, Britney Spears, Chrissy Teigen
Your zest for life will be clear for all to see in a bold floral statement gown. Wear a dress color and print that makes you feel free-spirited. You could go for a ditsy, mini flower print or head straight toward a vibrant, multi-colored garden floral that is sure to be remembered.
Ever-Pretty Double V Neck Sleeveless Chiffon Dress
Adrianna Papell Metallic Floral-Print Gown
Capricorn: '90s Vibes
♑ December 22 – January 19
- Characteristics: timeless, tenacious, ambitious, and elegant.
- Capricorn celebs: Hunter Schafer, Timothée Chalamet, Jared Leto
You're hard-working, you pride yourself on being sophisticated and totally classic, and all of your power colors are dark. You love a good subtle moment: think chic ‘40s actress. Try to find silky slips, square necklines, and lush shades of dark earthy tones to pair with a darker, uber-chic lip color. Refer to Winona Ryder's 90's red carpet looks for major inspiration.
David's Bridal Beaded Mesh V-Neck Sheath Dress
Michael Costello x REVOLVE Justin Gown
Windsor Lala High Slit Satin Formal Dress
Aquarius:
♒ January 20 – February 18
- Characteristics: friendly, innovative, independent, and original
- Aquarius celebs: Harry Styles, Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Aniston
"Galactic" is the best way to describe your out-of-this-world personality! Your funky, eccentric energy is infectious. Play with iridescent fabrics, shimmering eyeshadow, and a cool hair accessory that's inspired by something constellation- or space-based! We're thinking stars, moons, and tons of metallics.
Jules and Cleo Pleated Iridescent Ball Gown
Pisces: Fairycore
♓ February 19 – March 20
- Characteristics: empathetic, mystical, romantic, and imaginative
- Pisces celebs: Olivia Rodrigo, Rihanna, Millie Bobby Brown.
Pisces (or “spicy Pisces” as Olivia Rodrigo likes to say) are dreamy and intuitive, so go for ethereal styles that exude elegance. Chiffon fabrics, lightweight tulle, and subtle sparkle are all perfect ways to channel the fairycore vibe on prom night.
GB Social Bow Strap Sweetheart Neck Corset Dress
Chicbridal Tulle Long Formal Evening Gown
MelissStoreArt Pastel Yellow Corset Fairy Tale Romantic Dress
Hannah is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from cute apartment decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and unhinged updates on the books she’s reading on the train.
