Finding the Perfect Prom Dress on a Budget
Prom night is one of the most anticipated events in high school, and it’s supposed to be a fantastic party and fun evening filled with memories, laughter, and lots of dancing. One of the most important aspects of this special occasion is finding the perfect prom dress. With all of the expenses that surround going to prom, along with the pressure to look stunning, the cost can quickly add up. But don’t worry! You can find affordable prom dresses that look just as fabulous as expensive ones. Here are our tips for how to find affordable prom dresses without compromising on style or quality.
Start Early
Shopping early gives you a better chance to find the perfect dress at a low price, especially when department stores put the end of season prom styles on sale. Websites often have sales and clearance sections where you can score some of the cheapest prom dresses. Look out for sales and discounts, especially during off-peak seasons.
Shop Out of Season
Related to what we said above, one of the best ways to find affordable prom dresses is to shop out of season, and we have even more tips for that. Many prom boutique stores have significant markdowns on formal wear after prom season ends. You may also be able to buy floor sample dresses for less. Buying your dress several months in advance can save you a lot of money and provide you with a wider selection to choose from. After the holidays is another great time to look for a dress, when end of season sales mean holiday formal styles like sequins, black and red dresses might go on sale and will be perfect for your prom look later in the year.
Shop Online (Safely!)
While you don’t want to find cheap prom dresses that aren’t well made, sticking with known retail stores you trust and have purchased from before is a great way to find a dress in your budget. One of the best places to find inexpensive prom dresses is online after reading reviews and also checking BBB for reputation.. While there are some scammy sites, numerous trusted online retailers offer a vast selection of prom dresses at affordable prices. You can especially trust department stores and other retailer stores where you shop every day.
We love Lulus, Hello Molly, Windsor and Ever-Pretty for affordable special occasion dresses under $100 that ship quickly.. You can also find amazing deals at TJ Maxx and Marshalls online where there’s a more extensive selection than what you see in store. And Nordstrom and Dillard’s always have high quality dresses at a variety of price points.
Look for Discounts and Coupons
Always be on the lookout for discount codes and coupons when shopping online. Many online retailers offer promotional discounts for first-time customers or during holiday sales. Signing up for newsletters from your favorite dress websites can also alert you to upcoming sales and exclusive offers and usually will save you 10% of more. Or, if you shop at a store routinely for every-day styles, you might get points or other special discounts that are reserved for repeat customers.
Consider Second-Hand Dresses
Second-hand dresses and vintage stores can be a treasure trove for affordable options. Since many only wear their prom dresses once, you can find beautiful, gently-used dresses at a fraction of the original price.
Websites like eBay, Poshmark, and even local thrift stores can offer incredible deals on prom and bridesmaid dresses.
Another tip, if you know of a city or expensive area nearby where a lot of women might sell their high end items on consignment, it might be worth the trip to that location for a one of a kind dress for less.
There are also companies and websites where gently used prom dresses are available for free or for a fraction of the cost.
Consider Bridesmaid Dresses for Less
Keep bridesmaids’ dresses in mind as you look for prom dresses. Many bridesmaid dress companies try to offer styles under $100 to keep things affordable for the wedding party. Also, since many people have too many bridesmaid dresses to store, they are often ready to give them away for free. If you have an older relative who has been a bridesmaid or a neighborhood buy-nothing group, these are great places to look for bridesmaid dresses that are perfect for prom.
Keep it Classic
Classic cuts never go out of style. A-line dresses, for example, are timeless and flattering for many body types. Black prom dresses are another staple that exudes elegance and sophistication. Traditional colors like black or even white prom dresses, sticking to classic styles can often make a cheap prom dress look much more expensive than it was.
Look for Versatile Styles
Choosing a dress that can be worn for other occasions is a smart way to stretch your budget. A bridesmaid dress that a member of your family has, or black tie wedding guest dresses borrowed from older friends or relatives, and inexpensive cocktail dresses purchased after holiday sales can double as a prom dress. This way, you’re not spending much money on a dress you’ll only wear once.
Think About Customization and DIY
If you find a dress that you like but it’s not quite perfect, consider having it altered. Customization and tailoring can transform an inexpensive dress into what you envision for your dream prom dress. Adding embellishments, adjusting the length, or changing the straps and sleeves can make a big difference. A good tailor or seamstress will be able to help you envision all of that. If you’re creative and crafty DIY projects like adding touches of embroidery or other details can also add a unique touch to your dress.
Borrow from Friends or Family
As we mentioned before, if you’re really on a tight budget, consider borrowing a dress from a friend or family member, or even from an an upper classman who already went to prom or friend from another school who won’t be attending your prom. Many people have formal gowns or prom dresses sitting in their closets that have only been worn once. This can be a great way to find a beautiful dress without spending any money at all. And if they don’t want the dress back, they may let you customize it to make it even more your own.
Focus on Fit
Going along with our tip about tailoring, no matter how beautiful a dress is, if it doesn’t fit well, it won’t look good. An inexpensive prom dress that fits well will look far better than an expensive dress that doesn’t. Some online boutiques often provide detailed size charts and some bridesmaid dress companies like Azazie offer custom sizing to help you find the perfect fit. Additionally, if you find a dress for a low price, try to save a little money for tailoring, which can make all the difference with how a dress looks.
Rent Your Prom Dress
If buying a dress isn’t feasible, renting one might be the perfect solution to get a top brand for less. Rent the Runway has formal dresses that make for perfect prom dress rentals, allowing you to wear top designer dresses at a fraction of the cost. This is a fantastic way to wear a stunning dress, with the known quality of top brands without the hefty price tag.
Consider Renting Accessories
If you’re renting a dress, consider renting accessories as well. This can be a cost-effective way to complete your prom look without spending a fortune. Websites that offer dress rentals often have a wide selection of accessories to choose from, ensuring that your ensemble is cohesive and stylish.
Know Your Style
Understanding your personal style as well as your event’s dress code will help you choose the right dress more easily. Whether you prefer long prom dresses, short prom dresses, or high-low dresses, knowing what you want will narrow down your search. Are you looking for something classic or contemporary? Do you prefer shoulder dresses or strapless ones? Knowing these details will help you find a dress that suits your taste and fits the dress code.
Keep an Eye on the Latest Trends
Fashion trends change rapidly, and what’s in style one year might not be the next. To find the best prom dresses, keep an eye on the latest trends. This doesn’t mean you need to buy the trendiest dress, but knowing what’s popular can help you make an informed decision of what styles are likely to be expensive for the season, or help you know a bargain when you see one! For example, this year’s trends might include more formal gowns or specific trending colors like blue dresses or pink dresses, and choosing something that is more classic might help you save money.
Be Open to Different Colors and Fabrics
When shopping for something on sale, you might want to explore vibrant colors like yellow prom dresses, purple prom dresses, green dresses, and orange dresses. Fabrics also play a crucial role in the overall look. Satin prom dresses are a great option if you want something that looks luxurious without breaking the bank. Bridesmaid dress retail shops that specialize in formal dresses under $100 are great way to find a variety of colors and styles at an affordable price for your next event.
Shop at the Right Places
Finding the best places to shop is crucial. The last thing you want when you’re trying to save money is to actually spend more money buying a bunch of dresses from what might not be the best cheap prom dress websites. As we mentioned there are so many trusted retailers who offer a variety of styles at low prices without compromising on quality. Online boutiques and trusted department stores often have a vast selection of prom dresses and the only trouble you’ll have is picking out which one is the one for you!
Accessorize to Your Advantage
Accessories can completely enhance the overall look of your prom dress. Sometimes, a simple dress can be transformed into a showstopper with the right accessories. Whether it’s a statement necklace, a pair of elegant earrings, or a sparkling clutch, the right accessories can elevate your prom look. If your dress is simple and lacks a little detail, adding a brooch or even just a rosette or bow in a strategic spot can alter the whole style.
Shop the Budget-Friendly Brands
Many top brands and shops offer affordable prom dresses that look stunning, again Lulus, Windsor, and Hello Molly come to mind. Researching and finding brands known for their affordable prices can help you find a beautiful dress within your budget. Azazie and Birdy Grey are bridesmaid dress and formal dress shops that have styles under $100.
Be Open to Different Styles Silhouettes
Don’t get stuck in the search for one type of dress. Trying on dresses is supposed to be fun, so be open to trying all the different silhouettes like A-line, mermaid, or ball gowns. You might be surprised at what looks best on you. Sometimes the perfect prom dress is one you wouldn’t have considered initially.
Don’t Stress and Overspend
Lastly, remember that prom is about having fun and making memories. Finding the right dress is important, but it shouldn’t be stressful. There’s no need to spend more than you can on just one night! With so many affordable options available, you’re sure to find something that makes you feel beautiful and confident on your special night.
DIY Hair and Makeup
Professional hair and makeup can be expensive too, but you can achieve a stunning look by doing it yourself. There are countless makeup tutorials available online that can guide you through creating beautiful hairstyles and makeup looks for prom. Or, if a friend of yours is particularly good at all the latest makeup techniques have them teach your or do your makeup for you. Have fun practicing ahead of time will ensure that you’re confident and ready for the big night.
Read Reviews
When shopping online, reading reviews and looking at pictures, especially on Amazon can be incredibly helpful. Previous customers can provide insight into the fit, quality, and overall appearance of the dresses. This can help you avoid any potential disappointments and ensure that you’re getting a dress that meets your expectations. Also, you can follow creators on LTK where they’ll do at-home try ons and give their takes on how the dress looks and feels on.
More Tips for Prom
Remember, prom is about more than just the dress. It’s about the experience and the memories you’ll create. While finding the perfect dress is important, don’t let it overshadow the joy of the evening. With careful planning and a bit of creativity, you can look and feel amazing without overspending.
Finding an affordable prom dress doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or quality. With careful planning, a bit of research, and an open mind, you can find the perfect dress that makes you feel like a prom queen. Whether you’re looking for cheap formal dresses, the latest trends, or something timeless, there are plenty of options out there to suit every budget. So start early, explore all your options, and get ready to shine on the dance floor!