Actress Penelope Cruz arrives at the 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on January 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Penelope Cruz (Getty Images)more pics »The mermaid silhouette is in again for Prom 2011. We can understand why you'd be eager to find the perfect mermaid prom dress, as the number of occasions for which such a dress is appropriate is slim (if you're not a movie star, anyway). While most mermaid prom dresses will be more expensive than shorter party dresses, there are quite a few affordable options available at major department stores near you. We've picked out a few of them for you!
Helene's Bridal
This pink prom dress in a mermaid silhouette, covered in beads, retails for $219.
Jump Ruched Strapless Dress
This ruched blue prom dress retails for only $83.40 at Dillards.
Betsy & Adam Dress This purple ruched gown has two very trendy features: a single embellished strap and a gorgeous mermaid silhouette.
Helene's Bridal
Jump Ruched Strapless Dress
Betsy & Adam Dress 
