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PROM FASHION

Find a Great Prom Dress at Half the Price

By: Sofia Blum

Prom is an amazing, exciting, and one of the most memorable times of your life. Prom may be the only time other than your wedding day that you get to dress up like a fairy princess, and allow society to see how beautiful and glamorous you really are. It's easy, however, to get caught up in all the glitz and glamour, and end up breaking the bank. I remember by high school days, when prom was just another casual event, and sure there were Hummers pulling up in front of the hotel, but my mom wasn't in the mood to spend a ton of money, and so I took a Lincoln town car to drive me to prom. Like many teens including myself, money and having a set budget may be a problem. Everyone wants to fit in, and everyone wants to be Cinderella for the night, which can force you to get creative and go bargain hunting for that perfect prom look. Here are some tips to help you attend prom in a killer gown without spending it all.

Consignment Shops
Consignment shops are not necessarily the Goodwill or the Salvation Army, although sometimes you can find a diamond in the rough at these shops. Consignment shops are on the higher end of the spectrum, and offer newer, nicer garments, as well as a wider selection of cuts and sizes. Maybe it's not exactly what you are looking for, but beggars are not chooser's. If you find a dress that you are interested in, and the size, cut, or shape isn't exactly appealing, just take it to the seamstress, after all that's what tailors are their for. Bought a fabulous dress but hate the length? Have it taken up into a cute tea-length, or over the knee dress. You can also buy fabric at your local store and make yourself a wrap to go over your dress to spice up a simple number. It's all in the detail, just because your dress doesn't scream Chanel, doesn't mean you can't look as if you are wearing one. As long as you have the eye to find a potential couture, leave the rest to your imagination and accessories, and allow the tailor do the rest!

Go to the web
Ebay is great resource as long as you know what you're getting. Ebay is a great way to shop for vintage, couture, and one of a kind designer dresses. Make sure if you are planning to order online that you order early, just in case there are some "surprises" upon delivery and you need to make alterations. Discount websites are also popular. Discountdressup.com offers dresses in a number of price ranges. One tip for all you prom goers is to bend the rules a bit. Don't just stick to prom dresses. Discount bridal sites usually offer a selection of bridesmaid's dresses, some from world famous designers! Also, a simple black elegant dress can make for a killer prom outfit. If you shop online make sure you know both your exact measurements and the measurements of the dress before you buy it. Often online discount shops have no return or exchange policy, as many of the gowns are closeouts from popular designers. When in doubt, buy a size larger. You can always have the dress taken in, but if it's too small, you're probably stuck with what you bought. Remember is it easier to remove material than it is to add to it!

Think outside the dress
Think outside the box. Prom has been updated from poofy ball gowns to sleek and elegant dresses. So if you don't have the money to buy an extravagant dress, why not shop for separates! During prom season, vendors and retailers are in no mood to put a dress on sale, but you can find a beautiful skirt and then go all out. At a lot of department stores you can find elegant ball skirts or sleek silk floor length numbers. They may look like they're designed for a more mature woman but try pairing one up with a fun cute shirt, or blouse. Don't forget, Sharon Stone made an appearance at the Oscars by wearing a beautiful white ball skirt paired with a black Gap tee shirt! Buying separates allows you to be creative, while shopping mega sales and clearance racks to find the perfect ensemble at the perfect price.

Host a dress party
The best thing about having friends is exchanging dresses, and clothing. If you don't have the big bucks to shed out for that perfect gown, why not go clothes shopping in your friend's closet. If you have been to prom before, or have some old formal gowns hanging out in the back of your closet, get some friends together and swap outfits. This option will save you big bucks and give you access to very nice, very new formal gowns. Not only will this save you tons of money, but it is a fun day to bond with your friends for free, while talking about boys, shoes, and jewelry.

When all is said and done, and you have had your perfect prom experience, think about all the people that would love to go to prom, but don't have anything to wear, or cannot afford all the luxuries that come with prom, and spread the love, by donating your dress, shoes, and accessories to the local thrift shop! Styles change every season, and you will probably never wear the dress again, so pass it on to someone who can really use it. A number of charitable organizations such as Becca's Closet, which has active chapters in 27 states across the nation, collects formal wear to needy students for proms, homecoming dances, and other events. Make a difference in someone else's life, because your rags are another person's treasure.