Anyone buy a formal dress lately?

[Ashley24]

I have looked and been discouraged by the 150.00 price tags! Has anyone found some formals that are quite dressy (long dress) at a more reasonable price? I was thinking there would be more selection at this time of year with prom season right around the corner. Anyone have a suggestion of where to look?
Ann

 

[Gillian]

If you're not having any luck in stores, you may want to try online. Maybe chadwicks.com? Look under clearance & social dresses. there are 2 pages of them. I only saw a few actual dresses, but they have dressy tops that you could pair with a long skirt or pants.

 

[ducklite]

The formals will go on sale AFTER prom season, so another 4-6 weeks.

I would also suggest chadwicks.com, I bought my dress for formal night there for around $100, it's gorgeous and I got a TON of compliments on it

Anne

 

[rae519]

I was maid of honor for my best friend back in....1996 and the dress I bought could be used as a formal for any occassion!! She was quite gracious and only requested that the color be teal since that is the best color for me!!!! I had carte blanche, so I had a ball and now I have a very beautiful and functional garment!!!

Try something in the bridal department, they often have clearances and the dresses can be appropriate for things other than weddings!!!!

Rae

 

[Kym Lain]

Have you tried Good Will? I'm not joking. I don't know where you live or if it would be the same there, but I was looking for some things for a halloween costume last Oct. and went to our Good Will. They had quite a few very nice formal dresses. I was very suprised, as I don't really shop Good Will as a rule. All of the dresses looked in really good shape and like someone bought them for a prom then had no more use for them. I'm going to check there for my daught's dress. Good Luck!

 

[zacsmom]

My favorites are T.J.Maxx and Marshalls. I picked up a beautiful royal blue silk gown with beading that needed a few beads fixed for $7.00. I get more compliments on that dress and I just smile thinking about how much it cost.

 

[rae519]

LOVE Goodwill and Salvation Army - lots of people give their clothes away after wearing them one time and stores will donate clothing (NEW) after the season for their big tax breaks!!! Always worth your while to shop there and SAVE!!!!

Hey, how do you think I can get so many cruises in!!! I cut coupons, budget and shop when I need to starting at Goodwill!!!

Rae

 

[Chattyaholic]

I found my dressy black pants suit at Sears the November before our first cruise, and I ordered my long red dress out of the JC Penney catalog

 

[NikSwims]

I have found that most prom dresses are not suitable for anyone over the age of 15, or anyone with something other than a 12 year old body! This may be a problem in looking for a prom type dress. As for me, I have found lots of things at the following places-

TJ Maxx
Goodwill or Salvation army
Consignment stores
Nordstrom's Rack (depending on where you live- you may have something like this)

Also, you could try David's Bridal- they may have some lower priced things.

Chadwicks.com- always a great place for classy looking formal attire.

Hope that helps and that you find exactly what you are looking for!!

 

[ldb1030]

Found a great black formal dress on EBAY for less than $5.00!!!
The lady I got it from wore it once...on a cruise!!!!

 

[buzz&woody'smom]

I also would suggest, Speigel.com and the Speigel Ultilmate Outlet and Ross and of course Marshalls. I can always find something at Marshalls and they carry name brands Jones of New York etc. for unbelieveable prices!

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

Haven't started our shopping yet but plan to this weekend. Finally got DD & DS to go through and as expected no summer clothes that really fit and are in decent condition.

DD is excited about a formal as she is 13 and has read on the boards that those 13 and over would generally dress as the adults. I've already started discussing classic lines with her with the hope that we'll get a second wearing or two out of it. Of course she turned to me and said, and what good is that if you still only wear it once. She was referring to this wonderful black gown I bought for a black tie affair and which is now TOO BIG. She hasn't yet had to fight her weight to understand how trully wonderful it feels to know that I might actually get to choose from more than one or two options.

(Actually the black is great and I'm a little disappointed not to wear it again...but only a little )

Deb

 

[Ashley24]

buzz&woody'smom,
Thanks so much for your advice! I just ordered a beautiful dress from Spiegel Ultimate Outlet! I can't wait to try it on!
Ann

 

[buzz&woody'smom]

I have been eyeing a few things on their outlet site myself. My Step Mother told me about their web site last year and I usually watch their web site and then wait for what I like if it is $$$ to go to their outlet website to save $$$.

I am glad you found something

Tiff

 

[FOJMO]

I always do well at JCPenney but, of course, I work for the company...

Seriously, they have great selection and prices. I got a long formal gown last year that was originally $150 and with the sale and my discount go it for $43.00!

 

[tenna45]

Do you have a Carson's by you? They always have a clearence rack of dresses.

 

[Ashley24]

In our area there are no Ross or Carson stores.

 

[off2disney]

I'v had good luck an my local consignment store (Sacks Thrift Avenue - don't you just love the name!). Bought a beaded dress (short) for $20.00. Also a black beaded sweater for $9.00. I found a pair of black cocktail pants with chiffon panels at our local department store to wear with it (paid $40 for the pants, but with the $9 sweater, I had a dressy outfit for about $50). I've also seen a lot of neat things on eBay

 

[lbgraves]

I found a few dresses at www.coldwatercreek.com. They have an outlet center that changes all the time. With a code I was actually able to get 2 dresses, a tropical dress, a romper, and a couple shirts for $60 shipped.

 

[joyful1nh]

I've had good luck in the past at consignment shops -- but if you are planning a cruise next year -- hit the after Christmas sales at the department stores! I went to Macy's in January and got two great formals made for adults for $25 each!