subject: Your Perfect Prom Dress Might Cost Less Than You Think [print this page] One of the best tips for hard up shoppers is to go vintage. Vintage outfits are a great way to find quality clothing items that are a whole lot easier on the bank balance than pricey designer eveningwear, and their secondhand nature means that vintage dresses are completely one of a kind too. You can shop for secondhand dresses at specialist vintage boutiques and markets in your area, or if your neighbourhood is short on vintage shops then you can have a look on the web for limitless online vintage specialists.
The internet is your new best friend when it comes to finding high fashion on the cheap. Try shopping around online for bargains. Check out discount designer stores and you will find plenty of handy auction sites like the secondhand clothes paradise that is eBay, where you can bid for unique vintage pieces, quality evening wear and second hand designer dresses at affordable prices, from all over the world. When you are shopping on the internet though, make sure you take the correct measurements for any dresses that catch your eye prior to bidding or making a purchase.
If you are lucky enough to have haberdasher skills, creating your very own dress for the school dance is a great cost effective option. Remember to get started well in advance of your prom, unless you want to show up to the dance in a half finished number. Making your own dress means you can be as creative as you like and create a totally unique look too. If you are looking for a dash of inspiration, take a look at your favourite fashion mags as well as in your favourite clothing stores for dresses you like that you can copy.
Making sure that you get the perfect fit is far more important than price. A prom dress sets you back hundred or thousands of pounds just will not look up to its price tag when the colour, cut or fit is all wrong. When you go shopping for dresses, ask along one of your friends, your mum or aunt to accompany you for a second opinion as to what suits and what does not.
Do not be afraid to check out high street shops as well as expensive designer shops. You might just be surprised to find how many top name designers now have ranges in high street stores, and you can then go and experiment with accessories to make your new dress look more like a one off. There is a serious 70s trend making waves in the fashion world at the moment, so maintream store are chock full of great affordable vintage inspired dresses that make ideal prom outfits.