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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Winona chapter.

Prom night may be in the rearview mirror for most college students, but it’s always fun to reminisce on those nights and the beautiful dresses we wore.

I, for one, have had many prom experiences. I went to three during high school, another last year, and will attend my fifth and final prom with my boyfriend this year. As a result, I’ve worn many dresses, which I’ve come here to rate for you all.

I went to my first prom my junior year. I went prom dress shopping with a friend, and came back with a blue dress that I wasn’t in love with. The true stunner that I wanted was at another store, but it was outside of the budget my mom and I had set prior to the trip.

However, after some convincing, I was able to return the blue dress and buy this beauty.

I wore this dress to my first two proms. My junior year, I went to the one at my school and my ex-boyfriend’s school. On both occasions, I loved the dress. It was comfortable, light, and hugged my curves in all the right ways.

I still love this dress and wish I had somewhere else to wear it. I might have to hold onto it for a few years longer just in case…

Brianna Strohbehn in her red Prom dress in a mirror.
Original photo by Brianna Strohbehn

My senior prom ended up looking quite different because of––you guessed it––COVID. Over the summer, the parents in my school district put on an informal prom. Thankfully, I had bought a dress prior to the pandemic, so I was able to wear it many months later.

I loved the dress itself, but I’m a bit taller, so with heels it was too short. Looking back, sandals would have been the better choice. Nonetheless, I loved the lacy details and the colors. The neckline was also super flattering, and was a solid choice.

Brianna Strohbehn in her Pink/Champagne colored Prom Dress standing next to  her boyfriend.
Original photo by Brianna Strohbehn

For my most recent prom, I was lucky enough to find a dress for just $4.25 at a thrift store. At the time, I thought it was beautiful, but even just a year later I look at the photos regretfully.

The dress wasn’t very flattering on me and was (once again) too short. I also didn’t schedule a hair or makeup appointment which was a big mistake on my part. Where I fell short, my handsome date luckily made up for it.

Brianna Strohbehn in her red Prom dress next to her boyfriend and a red vehicle.
Original photo by Brianna Strohbehn

Prom number five may very well be my favorite dress yet. 

When I went dress shopping, I had loved this dress when I saw it on the rack, but they didn’t have it in my size. As I waited in line for nearly an hour to try on dresses, I saw another one go back on the rack. When it was my turn to go into the dressing room, I snatched it off the rack, and thankfully so because it was my favorite of the many I tried on.

I have always been intimidated by this style of dress, but I think it really flatters my figure. The color also works really well with my skin tone and eye color. Plus, it’s long enough to wear heels and still be flattering.

My only concern is the sequin––they’re a bit itchy on my arms––but, nonetheless, I think it’ll be a beautiful dress and a great night for my fifth and final prom.

Brianna Strohbehn in her Blue and Black Prom Dress
Original photo by Brianna Strohbehn

Prom may be in the past for many of you, but I think it’s fun to look back on those memories. Although I love reminiscing on all these dresses, I’m excited to finally end this era––prom is expensive, after all.

Brianna Strohbehn is a junior at Winona State University and a small-town girl from central Iowa. Brianna is studying English, double majoring in writing and applied and professional writing with hopes of someday becoming an editor at a publishing firm. When she isn't writing, Brianna enjoys thrifting, reading, exploring her new home in Winona, and spending time with family and friends.