Looking for a Cheap Prom Dress? These 9 Tips Will Help You Find The One!
Is prom around the corner for your teen? Here’s where you can find cheap prom dresses and save while dress shopping.
Wondering where to buy cheap prom dresses but worried about the price tag? We’re proving the point that you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars when it onlinees to prom dresses!
These tried & true tips, tricks, and purchases have worked for the Hip team’s budget, so we’re hoping they work for yours too. Plus, did you know there’s a way to get a made-to-order prom dress for a decent price – keep scrolling to find out how!
1. David’s Bridal has more affordable prom dresses than you think.
Offering both prom and bridesmaid dresses (which can also work as prom dresses), David’s Bridal is a great choice for prom shopping.
Plus, they have an extensive selection of short and long dresses currently on sale with prices starting at just $9.94!
HIP TIP: Although David’s Bridal does not have a rental program, select boutiques might offer rentals. Hip Sidekick, Lina’s daughter, was able to rent her dress back in 2023 so it may be worth asking your local boutique!
2. Lulus has stunning options under $100!
If you’re looking for a wide variety of quality, affordable dresses, Lulus is an option you need to check out! I have ordered bridesmaids, wedding guest, and graduation dresses from them in the past, and I’m always impressed by the quality, especially since I’ve never paid more than $100!
3. Considering pre-loved styles? Our team is blown away by Nuuly!
Nuuly offers gorgeous secondhand pieces from luxury brands like Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Free People, and more!
It does require a monthly membership, but you gain access to 6 rotating styles per month, which could be beneficial for uponlineing summer weddings, vacations, and more for yourself and your teen to dress up!
Start shopping Nuuly like a pro and learn everything you need to know!
4. Amazon is a solid option if you’re shopping well in advance (just be sure to look at the return policy!)
If you’re shopping ahead and giving yourself enough time for returns, why not order a few Amazon options? There are thousands to choose from, and there are also tons of reviews that will help guide you. Even if you don’t love it, Amazon has an incredible return policy, so this option is practically risk-free.
HIP TIP: Similar to Amazon, eBay is another option; however, just note that return policies will vary per seller.
5. Look to discounted department stores for the best deals.
Stores like TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack have an awesome prom selection. These stores carry a variety of brands and designers, so if you’re willing to take the time to search around, you might find some beautiful pieces!
6. Shop for a new dress during the off-season or right after prom.
If you really want to think ahead, buying a prom dress off-season is the way to go. This includes fall or even directly after prom season; if you’re looking for your senior year, start looking in the spring prior to your senior year! It may sound very early, but prices skyrocket as spring approaches.
7. Searching for “prom dress stores near me”? Try Consignment Stores or Goodwill!
Tons of hidden gems can be found at both Goodwill and consignment stores. Since consignment stores vary per location, make sure to do some research on the ones in your neighborhood.
These are also great to donate your dress to after prom! Most people don’t end up wearing their prom dress again, so why not pass the torch and make it easier for the next round of prom dress seekers?!
8. Facebook Marketplace has tons of prom dresses, too!
Facebook Marketplace is great for a variety of items, including prom dresses! It’s based on local sellers and if your area has a ‘Buy Nothing’ page, people may be willing to give you things free of charge!
Note that many do not mail items, so it’s likely you’ll have to pick it up yourself.
9. Check local organizations for potential free/cheap prom dresses.
Even when scoring a deal, prom gets super pricey. A reader previously suggested that some local organizations may distribute free prom dresses! Operation Prom and Becca’s Closet are a few online resources to use as a starting point, but check out church donations or other nearby organizations and charities.
Want to make her prom dress shopping a little more personal? Stacee’s offers made to order prom dresses that ship fast!
These glamorous dresses onlinee in every shape, size, style, and fabric! Plus, whether you choose a standard size or custom measurements, each dress is hand-tailored!
Better yet, prices start at just $68, and you can give your custom measurements for a small extra fee!
Check out a few more tips on how to score cheap prom dresses from our Hip team & readers…
So happy to share about my daughter’s prom! Her dress was from a secondhand dress shop in town, over 50% off original retail. I did her hair, she did her makeup, and her nails were Glamnetics! – Hip Sidekick, Amber
My daughter bought her dress secondhand from one of the girls at school. It saved us a ton onlinepared to what the cost would have been brand new. Plus, around here, a lot of the kids will attend multiple proms so rather than buying a dress for each one, they would swap dressed with other girls their size. My daughter also paid a classmate to do her makeup. It was much cheaper than having it done professionally. – Hip Sidekick, Nicole
My daughter got her dress at Ross for $30! It was the same one she almost bought at a higher-end dept store going for $115. – Hip Readers, Angela
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