As the end of the school year quickly approaches, so does one of the most stressful, time-consuming and expensive events of the year for many junior and senior students: prom. With high expectations and minimum wage jobs, one of the best places to prepare for the dance is a thrift store.
In a boutique or department store, many teens and parents spend upwards of $300 to $500 on a prom dress alone; in extreme cases, dresses can cost over $1,000. Secondhand dress shopping can help to curtail this cost, but can also be long-winded and difficult. Keeping this in mind, there are a few tips that may help make this process easier for students and families.
Before one begins shopping, it is important to know the difference between thrift shops, consignment stores and vintage retailers.
Thrift shops, such as Goodwill, are generally stocked through donations and carry a wide selection of items. These stores offer the best prices, but are very hit or miss; there may be a lot of searching before a dress is found.
Consignment stores, such as Encore Resale Fashions, buy specific items from individuals to stock their stores. This means that prices are higher, but there is more thought put into the pieces selected for sale and, therefore, less to sort through to find a dress.
Vintage retailers, such as Hidden Pearl Vintage Clothing, are generally boutique stores that are very intentionally cultivated with pieces individually sourced by owners or employees. These types of stores tend to have the highest price tags of the three, but also offer unique, one-of-a-kind pieces not found elsewhere.
The last important thing before one starts shopping is to get an idea of what to look for; this is especially important when shopping in a thrift store with a lot to sort through. While a search does not have to be narrowed down to one specific color or style, having an idea of what colors, styles and designs are most flattering can save valuable time.
Now that shop and dress preferences have been determined, the search can begin. Once in the store, shoppers should take their time and at least glance at every section, since dresses can often end up out of place.
If the first trip does not yield what was hoped for, go again. The inventory in a secondhand store is constantly changing; it is worth stopping in at least once every week or two to check on new items.
Once some options have been found, it is very important to consider not only the style, but also the fit and alteration potential, fabric and condition of the dress.
First, vintage styles often have significant sizing differences, especially when compared to modern clothes. To put it plainly, the numerical size on the tag means very little about how a dress will actually fit, so every dress needs to be tried on. Even if the dress does not fit perfectly, alterations may be possible. Dresses with simpler designs tend to alter more easily, as do fabrics less slippery than satin or silk.
Second, the fabric of a garment can often indicate its structural integrity. Natural fabrics like cotton, wool or silk tend to be used in higher-quality dresses. In contrast, a dress made of a synthetic fabric such as polyester, acrylic or rayon indicates a cheaper, lower-quality garment.
Finally, the condition of the dress must be examined. Age stains from improper storage can often appear as yellowing or browning of the fabric and can sometimes be fully removed, depending on the material and color. Any intricate design detail — like beading or embroidery — should be closely checked to rule out missing beads or loose threads.
With these tips in hand, the hunt for the perfect prom dress can begin. Because thrifting takes patience, starting the search sooner rather than later is almost always worth it, both for the sake of finding something special and for saving a little extra money along the way.
