Gallery | Prom's short story: Long gowns are out

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  Sequined strapless dress by Betsey Johnson at edressme.com, $425.

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  Tiered strapless dress by Betsey Johnson at edressme.com, $435.

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  Royal blue strapless taffeta by edressme.com new york at edressme.com, $275.

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  alice + olivia circle pleat halter dress from Saks Fifth Avenue, $367.

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  alice + olivia pleated puff dress with black belt from Bergdorf Goodman, $495.

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  Ice blue cocktail dress by edressme new york at edressme.com, $165.

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  Tiered cocktail dress at Silhouettes.com, $119.

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  Sequined baby doll dress at Silhouettes.com, $119.

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  Trapunto dress in silver birch by Isaac Mizrahi for Target, $49.99.