As winter is giving way to spring (not fast enough IMHO), your calendar is loading up on special events that require a very special dress. Ahem, prom! I know what you’re thinking: Your wardrobe is already jam-packed with special occasion dresses—that bridesmaid dress dyed to your older cousin bride’s very particular shade of “eww,” the uber trendy dress you wore to a school formal and now is so out, or the countless LBDs that you are so bored of wearing time after time with just a different statement necklace. But there is a place between “blah” and “I’ll never wear this again” for prom, and we’re here to show it to you. Hint: It’s at Nordstrom.

These 12 prom and special occasion dresses won’t gather dust mites in the back of your closet. You’ll want to show them off again and again—and we’ll tell you how.

 

Blondie Nites Strapless Satin Skirt Evening Dress

 

 

Hello, modern Cinderella! The criss-cross side cut-outs add an edge to the ball-gown look of this two-tone dress. Black and blue is such a re-wearable color combo because it works for any season. So, headed to homecoming this fall or even a winter formal? This dress totally works, and you won’t be reusing it with the same group of guests. Plus, the stretchy top can be dressed down if you—hear us out—have a tailor take down the skirt to a short and flirty knee-length that you can wear for nights out with your friends for years. It even comes in a short option, so you can see how it works. ($239; nordstrom.com)

 

Topshop Lace Metallic Dot Maxi Dress

 

 

Don’t be like everyone else. Stand out in Topshop’s retro-inspired, polka-dot dress at prom. The ruffles and the metallic dots take this upscale if you dress it up with chandelier earrings, glitzy hair accessories, and a red lip. But, once you’ve graduated, you can bring this dress down to day or evening out with sparkle sneakers or sandals, hair down, moto jacket, and a bucket bag. We can see a look like this going to your favorite concert. Would prefer to go strapless? Eliza J has a similar dress that shows off those shoulders. ($180; nordstrom.com)

 

Bronx and Banco Sequin Fit & Flare Dress

 

 

Everyone can stop looking because we found the perfect party dress. This Bronx and Banco dress will truly sparkle as you twirl around the dance floor with your date, and then you’ll already have the perfect dress in your arsenal for the next New Year’s Eve party or your birthday party when you want to be the center of attention. Trust us, sequins never go out of style—especially for anything around the holiday season. And don’t worry about all those flashing cameras, because though it looks sheer, this floral sequin dress is fully lined. Go ahead and do it for the ’gram. (Again, Eliza J has a similar-but-strapless option.) ($391; nordstrom.com)

 

Show Me Your Mumu Hacienda Convertible Gown

 

 

Show Me Your Mumu is our latest obsession for dresses you can wear again. This sweet boho gown can be worn as a tube, like in the picture, or on the shoulders. What we love about this brand is that they have sweet and flirty styles that can work as blank canvases; you can wear them however you like. For prom, we love the strapless look with glitzy statement earrings and a pulled-back, polished hairstyle, inspired by Lili Reinhart on the Golden Globes red carpet. Post-prom, this style is easily dressed down for summer weddings or even day events with sandals and a jean jacket. ($172; nordstrom.com)

 

 

Hayley Paige V-Neck Chiffon Evening Dress

 

 

A red formal dress will never go out of style, and this Hayley Paige option gives you “sophisticated” without giving you “old lady.” The lace detailing and cap sleeves are so sweet, and they up the ante on this sleek silhouette. You’ll be pulling this one out of your closet for weddings—in any season and at any age—for years to come. It also comes in black and navy if you want even more options. ($310; nordstrom.com)

 

 

Dress the Population Ally 3D Floral Mesh Cocktail Dress

 

 

The pretty in pink color is so in style right now, but let’s be honest: blush will always be chic. This dress is formal enough for prom—we’re thinking updo and glam jewelry—but it’s also such a sweet style that you can let your hair down and wear it to all the graduation parties you have coming up. ($268; nordstrom.com)

 

 

Blondie Nites Two-Piece Ballgown

 

 

Nothing gives you more options that a two-piece prom dress—especially this one by Blondie Nights. The top piece is an edgy and totally re-wearable black, strappy, high-neck crop top with an exposed zipper that can be worn with anything from jeans to a high-waisted skirt to a leather mini. But for the night of, you get the bold floral pattern skirt that is so on trend for this year. It’s a win-win. ($189; nordstrom.com)

 

Lulu’s Flynn Lace Gown with Train

 

 

Everyone should have a white dress in their closet; it’s a staple. And this bohemian dress is so deceptively simple, but so intricate with its lace detailing. It's somehow both beachy and evening—which means you can re-use it for all kinds of occasions. (Though because it’s white, you should avoid wearing it to weddings that aren’t your own!) Speaking of weddings, though, do you know how many events you should be wearing white dresses to around your own engagement and wedding? Keep this one in your closet and you’ll definitely be turning to it for a rehearsal dinner and the like. For thicker straps and a v-neck that leans slightly more casual, Lulu’s has another white maxi option that’s super affordable. ($100; nordstrom.com)

 

 

Adrianna Papell Beaded Mesh Evening Dress

 

 

Bless Adrianna Papell for always giving us glitz and glamour when we need it (and for extended sizes, too!). There’s something so timeless about this dress, but the darker V-neck and waistband save it from being too matronly (don’t make Tim Gunn upset!) and keep it young and fresh. And while it’s definitely statement-making enough for prom, those details and the slim, simple silhouette also keep it in the realm where you could wear it to an evening wedding or college formal without looking overdressed. ($329; nordstrom.com)

 

 

Morgan & Co. Floral Print Strappy Back Chiffon Evening Dress

 

 

Make no mistake: This is an evening dress, but the springy colors and bright whites in this gown can take it to the daytime with some accessorizing adjustments. Trade in the silver earrings, metallic clutch, and strappy heels for gladiator sandals and a denim jacket for an upscale afternoon lunch or garden party. Plus, picking a patterned dress ensures that nine times out of 10, you won't accidentally match bridesmaids, so you can wear it to a wedding. ($179; nordstrom.com)

 

La Femme Sequin Strapless Evening Dress

 

 

Look: We totally get it. If you have the opportunity to wear a princess gown a couple times in your life, you should take advantage. If you want to make your true ball gown more re-wearable, get it in a timeless color that won't go out of style, and there's no more timeless color than black. The sparkle in this dress makes it more fun for prom than plain black, but it's still classic enough that you can pull it out of your closet for any black tie event for years to come. Sometimes you just have to give in to the spirit of prom! ($498; nordstrom.com)

 

Sequin Hearts Asymmetrical High/Low Satin Evening Dress

 

 

We're loving this royal blue for prom because it stands out, but it doesn't veer too trendy so you can pull it out of your closet after a couple years and it will still work. The asymmetical high-low shape is so fun and flirty for the dance floor (plus, it gives you the opportunity to show off your cute shoes!), and the satin means it's light and easy to pack away. This Sequin Hearts prom dress can totally be worn again for hitting up dance floors, attending dress-up birthday parties, and snagging a date to any formals on your college calendar. Plus, blue is a super popular bridesmaid color, so if you're called upon to find a blue dress for the wedding, this dress could be your go-to. ($139; nordstrom.com)