Pop culture is full of memorable prom nights that represent a slice of heavenly independence, so it’s only natural that teenagers dream about what their own prom night will look like, from their beautiful dress and accessories to the transport, music and fun with friends.
In the build-up to the event, it can feel like there are a dozen items to juggle to ensure that your teenager has a wonderful night, but none are more important than the prom dress itself. In all the TV programmes, films and stories from past proms, all eyes are on the dress, so it has to flawlessly suit their personality and complement their sense of style.
We’ve previously discussed how to choose the perfect prom dress, where we shared our style code on how to choose the best prom dresses for school leavers, but where can you get prom dresses from?
There are several shopping methods — each with their advantages — so it’s a matter of picking one that appeals and works best for you. Below, we’ll discuss a few different places to buy prom dresses from so you know where to go before you embark on the most important shopping trip in your daughter’s life — so far, at least!
Online Shopping
Shopping online is a quick and convenient way to shop for the winning prom dress, especially if your teenager already has a rough idea of what she’d like, such as the floor-length, colour or type of sleeves. Using the size, style and colour filters, you can easily condense hundreds of potential dresses down to a chosen few.
You may already be familiar with certain stores and brands, so to save going through the hustle and bustle of in-store shopping, you can instead browse their collections from the comfort of your own home. Many online stores come with size guides to ensure the right fit along with delivery direct to your door.
Insider Fashion Tip: If you find a dress you love, sign up to the store’s email newsletter or register a shopping account, as you’ll often be rewarded with promotions or a discount code to add to your purchase.
In-Store Shopping
While modern technology is certainly a helpful aid for making our lives easier, sometimes, a good old-fashioned shopping trip in stores is exactly what we need. When you can see, touch and try on the dresses, it can be much easier to decide what looks best, especially if you’re not sure where to begin.
The most popular option is to head over to your local shopping centre and spend some time browsing the larger merchandise retailers. As there will be lots of designs and sizes to choose from, you’re bound to find the magic dress. Boutique independent stores are also a great option, as although the products are more limited, you can pick out a one-of-a-kind piece so that your teenager looks and feels as unique and special as she is.
Insider Fashion Tip: Keep in mind any notable times of the year when there are shopping sales and plan your shopping trip for then. Boxing Day, Black Friday and at the end of a season are all renowned times for slashing prices.
Charity Shops
For anyone on a smaller budget or those who would like to give a pre-used dress a second outing, charity shops are an amazing trove of treasures. Many have a second-hand wedding dress section with a variety of bridesmaid-turned-prom dress options, as well as vintage sections with stunning pieces just waiting to be shown off.
Don’t go in looking for a specific prom dress option. Be open with your ideas and visit a few different shops over time. It’s amazing what you can find in charity shops, and the fun is all about finding “the dress!” when you least expect it.
Insider Fashion Tip: If you visit a charity shop in an area that is known for being more affluent, you’re more likely to find designer pieces for a fraction of the price.
Shop for luxury designer girls prom dresses with David Charles Childrenswear. Delivery is FREE and orders placed before 2 pm are posted the following day. If your dress isn’t quite the right size or style, we are happy to refund or exchange your item.