7 Iconic Outsider Prom Looks

Even for the most socially astute, the prom is a minefield of awkwardness, crummy buffet food, and slow-dance handsiness from the dude who swore you were going as friends. For those of us who've never posted up in the A-group, add a whole other layer of anxiety: the mortal terror of voluntarily attending a party with all the kids who make your life hell like it's their job.

Here, we pay tribute to our favorite cinematic outsiders who sucked it up, DIYed a dress (or rented a tux), and showed up to sway to "Forever Young." Click ahead for our seven favorite nerd girls, artsy chicks from the wrong side of the tracks,  and telekinetic freaks — and the iconic outfits they wore to the big dance.