Ask Fashion Girl

Dear Fashion Girl,

Dear Fashion Girl,

The prom is almost here and I have looked at tons of dresses at stores and in magazines. Yet it's hard to find the perfect one and when I do, it's very expensive. I don't have a lot of money to buy an expensive one, and yet I don't know where to shop to find good bargains. I've gone to outlets, but there were only big sizes and I also went to sales at department stores. Where should I go to find good deals and dresses that fit me? Help!

Stressed Out!

Dear Stressed Out!,

Welcome to the classic prom dress dilemma of wanting the perfect dress but not wanting to spend a huge amount of money for it. Good for you for realizing that there are alternatives to spending lots of money on a dress you most likely will only wear once! Time is the key to your budgeted dress search. Make your prom dress hunt an adventure and expect to spend at least several days on the shopping prowl.

Resale, consignment, vintage, and thrift stores can be gold mines for prom dresses at drastically reduced prices. Resale and consignment stores in particular often carry high end designer clothing and usually only accept pieces that are in excellent condition. Thrift stores pose more of a challenge, since they are less discerning when it comes to what is hanging on their racks. On the other hand, that's what makes thrifting so much fun, and you can find some true gems! Just think of all the women who have been in your shoes, searching for that perfect prom dress. When the prom is over, and pictures are taken, most of those dresses have found their way out of closets and into the hands of second-hand stores. Look in your local telephone book under "Clothing" to find sub-listings for second-hand shops.

Vintage clothing is definitely in style now, especially items from the 1930's, 40's, and 50's. The classic elegance of the formal dresses from those eras is showing up on runways and most recently at the Oscars. Going vintage for the prom means not having to worry about someone else wearing the same dress. Your look will be unique!

Another great place to look is at bridal shops and wedding dress outlet stores. Bridesmaid dresses can double as perfect prom dresses! Often bridal shops will have a marked down resale section of dresses that were special ordered and not picked up, or were returned. Most wedding stores carry designer labels and have lots of formal dresses to choose from, in a wide range of sizes.

Last but not least, do you or a friend or relative sew? One of the most rewarding options is to just create your own prom dress. You will save tons of money by sewing the dress yourself. Go to a fabric store to browse the pattern books. The simple, strapless gowns that are in style right now are very basic patterns. That way you will have a custom dress, tailored to fit perfectly, in the fabric and colors of your choice.

Remember to have fun on your search! Think of it as a shopping challenge that will definitely pay off when you find that perfect dress. Good luck and make it a prom night to remember!