Best prom dresses under £50 - proof you don't need to spend hundreds to look good on your big day

The fairy tale ending to your school life can be a costly one for parents, as the average prom dress will now set you back £220.
Not such a surprising sum when you consider that the phenomenon of the 'school prom' generates the fashion industry an estimated £100 million a year.
It's a figure we think will only increase with time as the American tradition looks set to stay.
For the majority of teenage girls, the best thing about leaving school is prom - and with the majority of state schools all offering one, forking out for an expensive outfit isn't the only way to ensure you're belle of the ball.

Here are some of our favourite prom dresses spotted on the high-street - and they're all under £50 - so you can still have your fairytale day without spending a small fortune. University isn't getting any cheaper you know.

Hollywood Maxi Dress, £49, ASOS

Floral Dip Back Bardot Off Shoulder Maxi Dress, £30, ASOS

Nellya Midi Dress by TFNC, £25, Topshop

Luxe Rose Print Dress, £45, Dorothy Perkins

Pink bardot bell sleeve bodycon dress, £50, River Island

Satin wrap split maxi dress, £45, Lipsy

Choker maxi dress, £35, Missguided

Key trends for the season

There have been plenty of red carpets, so you won't be short on dressing up trends for the season. Take cues from these stylish celebrities below, and recreate their winning looks on the high street.

Channel some old school glamour

Vamp it up like Emma Stone at the Gala screening for her hit film La La Land. We love her nod to old school glamour with her stunning yet simple hair and make up choices. Capture this look by opting for bold hair and make-up choices and avoid overdoing it on jewellery and accessories. Simple is best.

Make them green with envy

Adele was a vision in green for her big Grammy win. Recreate this look by finding a rich jewel tone dress to suit your complexion.
This moss green hue Adele is wearing is great for fairer skintones, while a deep emerald colour works well with olive skin, for darker skin try a mint or teal coloured dress.

Play with some clever cut outs

From sheer panelling from Kate Hudson to clever keyhole cut outs from country star Carrie Underwood who wore an embellished red Elie Madi gown on the Grammy'sRed Carpet, clever cut outs can elevate a simple dress in a snip.
Play around with clever lace overlay on your dress to create a similar look without flashing too much flesh, or if you're opting for the key hole look try a smaller cut out that doesn't reveal so much cleavage.

Have an (edgy) fairytale moment

Keep it pretty without being sickly sweet like Hidden Figures star, Taraji P. Henson.
She showed a dainty side, but balanced the look with edgier hair and non-fussy accessories.

Follow her lead and make a more modern statement. No one wants to look like Belle from Beauty and the Beast -unless that is actually the look your going for.

Keep it short

Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown shimmered in a stunning silver Jenny Packham gown for the Golden Globes awards ceremony.
Keep it youthful like she has by going for a shorter length and fuller skirt. We love the metallic fabric too.

What else to consider when styling your look

Think about your entire look from head-to-toe, when you start planning your otfit.
Remember the age old tip from Chanel when it comes to accessories: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” Wise words.
Also consider your make-up and hair, both can help to make or break a look.
Be practical - there's no point in finding the world's smallest clutch to take with you when you know you'll need more than some lipsticks in your bag of tricks for the night.
Road test your entire look to ensure you feel comfortable ahead of the big night.
Take some pictures in your dress beforehand - if anything is too sheer you'll be able to spot it before it goes out on Instagram/Facebook - or worse, you're official end of year leavers book.