Four Tips for Finding an Inexpensive, but Beautiful Prom Dress
One of the absolute best things about prom dresses is that while there are new and trendy fashions making their debut each and every prom season, the large majority of dresses will be in style for at least a few years – either just as they are or with a few minor modifications. If you’re on a tight budget but don’t want everyone else to know it, learn how shop wisely for your prom dress with these four simple tips:
#1: Timing is Everything
Instead of waiting a week or two before the big day to start looking for your dress, start in the off-season – either during the fall or winter before prom. Dresses will always go on clearance at the end of each prom season, so find that perfect gown that jumps out at you and stash it away in your closet until the month before prom. This way, the dress won’t seem “old” and you’ll forget all about it until it’s time to make sure everything still fits right and coordinate your accessories.
#2: Sales, Incentives, and Labels
If you start looking early enough, you should have plenty of sales to choose from in the traditional brick-and-mortar shops. If you’re shopping online, you can find a number of other incentives like free shipping or alterations. While there’s an endless supply of gowns and dresses to be had in the $200+ price range, the savviest of prom-goers never pay more than $100 for their dresses!
Many girls also make the mistake of honing in on dresses labeled specifically as prom dresses and don’t think to look at anything else. What about bridesmaid dresses? Or cocktail dresses? Or those that are labeled as semi-formal or evening gowns? Any of these would serve the same purpose just fine if you can find one you like.
#3: Recycling Isn’t Just for Cans Anymore
Unless you’ve worn the same exact gown to last year’s prom, there’s no reason you shouldn’t consider recycling a used dress to save a substantial amount of money – money that could be put toward any of the other expenses associated with going to prom.
To find a previously worn prom dress, try asking friends and family members if they have anything hanging around in their closets. You can also check local newspapers and the free Pennysavers that most communities receive in the mail weekly – these can be full of ads from people selling gowns and dresses. Also check local community boards, and of course, the internet, which is an invaluable resource when it comes to finding cheap prom dresses.
#4: Think Beyond Prom
What better way to save money than to find a prom dress that can be worn again to other occasions? Chances are, there won’t be many of the same guests at your prom and your Aunt Thelma’s wedding in September, so why not find a dress that will do double duty – saving you money not once, but twice? A solid colored dress of any style or length can end up looking totally different by adding or removing accessories, wearing different shoes, or styling your hair differently.
Be creative and think outside of the (dress) box! Take your time to find the perfect dress and don’t feel like you need to spend a fortune to look your absolute best on prom night. There are plenty of ways to do prom on a budget and feel gorgeous in your dress – regardless of what’s written on the price tag.