Where to shop for formal

[Jsme]

I am wanting a new formal dress/gown for our April cruise. Can anyone give me some suggestions where to shop?

 

[shades]

You could go to Joannes (or a Walmart that has pattern books - or any fabric store), look at patterns, look at fabric and design your own dress. If you don't sew, find a custom tailor. Sometimes you can negotiate a pretty good deal with a seamstress at a drycleaning shop if it is a "mom & pop" type drycleaners. This way, you can choose your own fabric and trim (rhinestones/sequins/buttons/etc) and make it a truly special dress with a custom fit. You could probably even have your own rhinestone "hidden Mickey" studded onto your dress;o)

 

[crisi]

Consignment stores are often a great place to shop for formal wear. But you need to have patience and luck. Luck will get you the perfect dress on the first stop. Patience will usually yield a decent dress in the right size after a few stops.

David's Bridal often has a clearence rack. I bought a lovely beaded empire waist gown for $50 last year about this time off the clearance rack for a New Years Party.

J.C. Penny's and Sears - of all places - carry formals. Usually around $100 new, and they clearence them often.

Some people have luck on ebay or the internet (Chadwick's sells formals). I have lousy luck with clothes and the internet. I like to be able to touch and try on.

 

[summerrluvv]

I found a nice formal dress for a holiday charity function for $19.99 at Macy's a couple of weeks ago. It was on the clearance rack, regular $60. If you have a Macy's, check there!

 

[Jsme]

I would love to get a beaded long dress for the cruise. I figure after Christmas is going to be the best bet for prices to be good.

 

[cristit14]

Last year after New Year's I found one on Clearance at Dillard's for about $50. I had a $25 gift card so it only cost me $25 out of pocket.

 

[KarenAylwood]

Macy's ALWAYS has clearance dresses. Being in a sorority in college (and dating a fraternity guy) I have TONS of formal dresses, and I got pretty good at hunting them down!!

Macy's was always my first stop, other than that JCPenney's sometimes has good stuff too. Also, depending on the area Dillards.

 

[westjones]

Watch JCPenneys in their clearance section of their dress department. They sometimes have coupones for taking an extra 40% off clearance. I almost bought one for $16 but it was too small for me. I bet they will have some on clearance after the holidays.

DJ

 

[momsgoofy]

Basically any of the department stores that sell evening/formal wear for women should have something and typically after the holidays you can find some nice deals. I got lucky last year and found a lovely taupe tank style dress that looked like a skirt and top with beadwork around the neckline. It had a jacket to match and beadwork around the neckline and down the front of the jacket. I got it at a JCPenny Outlet store for $40 and shoes to match at the same place for $5...such a deal!! Since you've got some time to start looking, I'd suggest that you find the stores in your area that carry the formal attire and just make a point of hitting them as often as possible...ya never know when the one you want will show up on sale or the clearance rack.