Terry Costa in Dallas: Prom Dress Magic in Preston Hollow

I knew prom dress shopping would be a big deal, but I didn’t expect to feel this nervous walking into Terry Costa. I’m a senior at Ursuline Academy, and after years of watching older girls get glammed up for prom, it was finally my turn. I’d seen the Terry Costa tags on half the best looks at last year’s event — and I figured if I was going to find something unforgettable, it had to be there.

Located right in the Preston Hollow area of Dallas, Terry Costa feels fancy, but not intimidating. I walked in with my mom on a Saturday morning, and the place was already buzzing — girls from Highland Park, Bishop Lynch, Plano West. Everyone had a different style, but the vibe was universal: excitement, nerves, maybe a little sparkle-induced anxiety. The good kind.

First Look Around

The showroom is huge but not overwhelming. Racks are sorted by style and color, and mannequins in the front feature some of the boldest, most head-turning gowns I’ve ever seen — emerald green, holographic lavender, dramatic black lace. A stylist greeted us at the front and asked all the right questions: What’s your school? Do you have a theme? Do you want a showstopper or something sleek and subtle?

I didn’t really know what I wanted — just something that felt like me, but elevated. I told her I liked bold jewel tones and wasn’t afraid of shimmer. She smiled, nodded, and started pulling.

Trying on Gowns You’d Never Expect

I tried six dresses. Two were exactly what I thought I’d love… and didn’t. One was a wild card my stylist picked that I was this close to skipping — deep navy velvet with a square neckline and a slit. But once I stepped out of the dressing room, I saw my mom’s expression. And honestly? I kind of knew.

The mirror moment hit different. It wasn’t just the fit (though it hugged all the right places) or the color (which made my eyes pop, according to literally everyone in the store) — it was the way it made me feel. Like I belonged on the cover of something. Like I’d walk into prom and own the room without trying too hard.

Why Terry Costa Gets It Right

Part of what makes this boutique so successful is that it never feels cookie-cutter. Each stylist has real opinions. They don’t just nod and say “you look great” — they gently push you toward better options if something isn’t quite right. They also track dresses by school, so I knew that no one else from Ursuline could buy the same gown. Honestly, that peace of mind is priceless.

They also have an insane accessories wall. Belts, clutches, earrings, the rhinestone headbands that are having a moment — all there, all color-matched. It saved us a whole extra trip. And for my friend whose sister needed a plus-size gown? Terry Costa had options that actually looked good, not like afterthoughts.

Dallas Style, Southern Confidence

In Dallas, prom isn’t just a dance — it’s an event. From the venues to the photos to the parties afterward, it’s a night where fashion takes the spotlight. Terry Costa understands that. Their gowns aren’t just on-trend — they’re daring, classic, luxurious, and made for girls who want to own their look.

And yes, I saw plenty of Highland Park girls walk out with sparkle-on-sparkle glam. But I also saw minimalists choosing sleek black dresses with dramatic backs. It’s a boutique that reflects the spectrum of Dallas style — confident, expressive, and unapologetically bold.

What I Took Away (Besides the Dress)

It wasn’t just about the gown. I walked out of Terry Costa feeling like I’d been seen and styled — not just sold something. The navy velvet dress came home with me, but so did the memory of that day with my mom, the jokes with the stylist, and the rush of finally knowing I’d found it.

So if you’re anywhere near Dallas and you want more than a shopping trip — you want a moment, an experience, a transformation — put Terry Costa at the top of your list. Trust me, you’ll leave with a dress. But you’ll also leave feeling like you’ve already won.