Prom is one of the most important events of a high schooler’s life, and most eagerly anticipate it during their senior year. However, it can also lead to quite a lot of apprehension when it comes to the sartorial department. Many of the gowns you’ll find will most likely be quite expensive, and while there’s nothing wrong with splurging every once in a while, you should know that there are also several ways to save money if you don’t want to exceed your budget. And the best part is that you don’t need to compromise on the quality either. Here’s how to find the dress of your dreams without going broke.
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Set a budget
The safest way to ensure you don’t spend more than you can afford is to make a budget before you start shopping. This way, you’re much less likely to be tempted and end up spending much more money than you intended. Be realistic with your expectations, though, as you can’t expect to find ornate, dramatic, and very unique designs for pennies. Depending on the style you choose or if you have a certain brand in mind, you can expect to pay a little extra. Some gowns also require modifications in order to fit perfectly, so you might want to reserve a part of your budget for that as well, just in case you end up needing it.
If you want a very particular design, you should take your time and browse through as many stores as you can. It can be a frustrating experience for some, but it’s the best way to ensure you end up with something that you can afford and not compromise on the look you wish for. There are so many brick-and-mortar and online stores out there, so don’t expect to find the perfect gown in the first shop you visit. On top of that, keep in mind that you might also need to spend a portion of your budget on accessories (if you don’t already own the items you’re going to use, nails, and makeup (if you want to get them done professionally) and anything else you might need.
Go vintage
Vintage and secondhand shopping has become increasingly popular over the last few years, with more and more people choosing to buy preloved clothes instead of their brand-new alternatives. There are many reasons for this, ranging from a desire to be more sustainable to wanting to build a personal style that is more in line with your personality. Trends change so fast nowadays, and most consumers feel that clothing companies have largely dropped their quality standards. Fabrics are not what they used to be, stitching is subpar, and sizing is all over the place, leading many to want to shop second hand instead.
Another huge advantage of getting a vintage gown is that the price will most definitely be lower, so that you won’t exceed your budget even if the dress you choose has a more intricate design.
Start early
When you start looking for a dress early, you’re much more likely to find deals or benefit from sales. You also get the chance to browse large selections across different thrift stores and find something that is both beautiful, and that doesn’t cost a fortune. If you wait until the last minute, you will most likely have no choice but to grab the first dress you see since you’ll no longer have time to look for anything else. Most stores receive their prom dress inventories several months in advance, and they’re more likely to offer the best deals at that point as well.
It might feel a bit odd to start shopping when prom is still several months away, but you’ll thank yourself for avoiding the rush. If the outfit you want has a popular style that is popular nowadays, waiting until peak season arrives can also mean that the dress you want will sell out, leaving you with fewer choices that might not be so appealing to you. Prom is a unique occasion, and it would be a pity not to wear something that you truly love.
Take advantage of the sales
So, you’ve decided what kind of dress you want and are determined to get it, but there’s only one problem: it is more expensive than what you’re prepared to pay. If you don’t want to settle for a lookalike that might be a little cheaper, there’s another option you can consider: sales season. Prom gowns often go on sale during the off-season, giving you the chance to grab a dress for a fraction of its original price. Seizing this opportunity can be a challenge, especially if there are not many items left in your size. You’ll have to be quick and buy the dress as soon as it goes on sale since other shoppers might have the same strategy as you.
Another helpful tactic is to shop during events such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Some clothing shops also offer sales when the seasons change in order to get rid of the old collection. While prom dresses are not seasonal, they can be included in the scheme as well. Retailers will also offer discounts and promotions, so if you regularly shop from a certain place, make sure to check if you’ve been offered any discount codes. In some cases, these offers can be considerable and slash as much as 50% of a garment’s initial price.
Rent or borrow
Shopping for a prom dress is undoubtedly a unique experience, but you should remember that you will most likely only wear yours once. Not only does this mean that it’s probably not a good idea to splurge, but it might mean that you won’t see the point in buying a dress at all. If your mind is set on a premium-quality dress or jumpsuit from a luxury brand, the hefty price tag will most likely be too much for you. Luckily, you can find many rental services online that offer a wide selection of dresses at a fraction of the cost of buying a new one.
Friends or family might be able to help as well, so if you know anyone close to you who enjoys shopping and is very fashionable, ask them if you could perhaps borrow something from them for the occasion.
Prom is a unique and special experience, so you’ll naturally want your gown to make you feel like a million bucks. If you’re concerned about the price as well, you should know that there are many ways to slash costs so that you don’t end up spending a fortune on your dress.