Cheap Prom Dresses

Going to prom can be expensive, with one of the biggest expenses being the prom dress. It doesn't have to be a big expensive, though. There are so many inexpenseive options such as borrowing, buying a dress that's "new to you", finding good deals offseason and more.

Slightly Used Dresses

Prom is a special night, and you deserve a special dress. Finding a gown that makes you feel like a princess can be an expensive undertaking. A brand new dress can cost from $150 to $400 or more. Even if you have a job, that's still a lot of money. Luckily, with a little creativity, you can save money and still look like a prom queen.

Borrowing

Most girls usually wear their prom dresses only once and then leave them to hang in the back of the closet. Many styles stay the same over the years. Borrowing a dress is the cheapest way to still look great. Your only expense is your matching accessories and dry cleaning the dress before you return it. Ask around to other girls you know who are close to the same size, such as relatives and friends. If it almost fits, but not quite, ask if you can make some small alterations to it.

Don't just confine your search to prom dresses. Often bridesmaid dresses fit the bill as well. Both prom and bridesmaid dresses can look equally expensive and elegant. If you know several girls from the same wedding party, it's even better, as there will be several different sizes to sort through to find the right fit.

"New to You" Stores

If you do not feel comfortable borrowing or are unsure whom to ask, second-hand stores offer a great selection of cheap prom dresses. Many thrift stores will offer special sales on recently donated dresses, often coinciding with prom season. Call around to find which stores have prom dresses a few months before prom. These stores get items donated all the time, so even if they don't have what you're looking for one day, they might a few days later. Don't be shy about calling every few days. You can often get an almost new prom dress for as cheap as $10. Some stores may even allow bargaining. If it gets you the perfect dress on your limited budget, it might be worth it.

Consignment stores are a step up from second-hand stores. Instead of donating the clothing, the owner of the clothes takes them to a consignment store to make some extra money. The store and the seller of the dress split the profit, so only clothes in pristine condition are allowed on the floor.

Ebay is another great option, offering used clothing but also unworn dresses as well. While the picture you see online might look great, you need to make sure the dress you buy is in the same condition. Ask the person or company who has listed the item the following questions:

Are there any stains or rips?
When was it worn?
How often was it worn?
How many people wore the dress?
Was the dress altered? If so, where and how much? (This changes the size.)

Making Your Own Dress

Are you talented with a needle and thread, or do you know anyone who is? If so, you can make a dress for the cost of supplies and maybe a little labor. This option allows you more freedom in creating the dress of your dreams. You can choose your own material, colors, and embellishments, and you can add or change features to create your dream dress. You can even make unusual and fun dresses, such as ones made of gum wrappers and duct tape.

If you do not have the time or the skills to create a dress from scratch, remake an old one. Look in your closet or find a dress at a second-hand store. Decide how much you want to change. Simply changing the length creates a whole new dress. Look at the overlay, bodice, and trim for other changes to make. Think of Molly Ringwald in Pretty in Pink.

If you fall in love with a dress in a magazine or store but do not like the price, it's possible to make the dress yourself or have a seamstress recreate it. This route can be cheaper in some instances, but shop around for the best price and quality. If you plan far enough ahead, you can get a better deal if you ask the seamstress to make the dress off-season. Since November through January are slow months for formalwear, it could be a great time to get a good deal.

Get more cute dress ideas!

Shopping for New Prom Dresses

There are several clothing stores geared toward young women that offer cheaper clothing both online and locally. Additionally, some department stores also offer clothing for young women at cheaper prices or on sale. Watch the sales throughout the year, as prom dresses are often marked down off season. Make the sales rack of your favorite store a regular stop. Bridal stores are a great place to check as well. Check for sales and markdowns at the following stores both online and in person:

Like a Million Bucks

With all of these choices, there is no reason to avoid going to prom just because you're short on cash. No one, including your prom date, will guess that you didn't spent a lot of money, as you'll look like you went shopping for haute couture. Only you will know that you spent more time than money to look like a million bucks.