Shop for Secondhand Formal Dresses
How to Find a Great Dress for a Fraction of the Cost
School is back in session. That means it's time to find the perfect dress for events such as dances, homecoming, formals and before you know it, holiday parties.
With such a list of events, the first question on every girl’s mind is: “What am I going to wear?” Then the search begins at a pretty penny in many cases.
It doesn't take a ton of money to dress well for such events. Checking out charity sales, consignment and secondhand shops and yard sales fpr deals really pays off. Late summer is the perfect time to hit up these bargain “shops” for great dresses and outfits that may have only seen one or two wearings.
Charity Sales
Charity sales are one great way to get that dress to impress on the cheap. Many groups host these as fundraisers for their organizations. They take donated dresses and sell them at a fraction of the retail cost.
For instance, the Dickinson, North Dakota, Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center (DVRCC) hosted a prom/party dress fundraiser in November 2006. They had area residents donate dresses at volunteer retail locations, set up a dressing room and organized the dresses according to size. Dresses sold for $25-$40 each. Check local newspaper calendars for sales like this in your area.
Consignment Stores
Consignment stores are a great resource for quality, low-cost dresses. Owners of consignment stores buy quality pieces at estate sales, yard sales, and from the general public and resell them at a discounted price. Check the phone book for a list of consignment retailer. Those living in a rural area may need to travel to the nearest metropolitan area for best selection.
Secondhand Shops
These are often known as “thrift stores.” Items are sold much like in consignment shops, but usually for lower prices. Goodwill Industries, the Salvation Army and many other charities sell merchandise donated to them at these types of stores. It’s a good idea to look for stores like this in upper-income neighborhoods or around universities with Greek organizations. The designer label selection is usually excellent in these areas.
Yard Sales
These types of sales will take the most hunting. Many churches and organizations host these events as fundraisers for mission trips and trips to competitions. Individuals also host sales to rid their homes of excess before moving, after a child moves out or to donate proceeds to charity.
They are often advertised in newspaper classified listings a day or two before the event and on community bulletin boards. Many ads detail the types of items for sale. Don’t discount the sales that don’t mention clothing. Many people use yard sales as a means to sell formal clothing. It’s a good idea to start early. Most sales are held on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning. Be prepared to start around 5 a.m. to get the best deals.
Tips for Fitting Secondhand Dresses
- Don’t go by the size on the tag. Dresses are not the same sizes across the board. It’s common to have to go up a size or two in formal wear.
- Know measurements for bust, waist, neck, hips, and dress length.
- Make sure to measure for length in the shoes with heels.
- Measure waist at the natural waistline.
- When measuring for the bust and hip areas, measure around the fullest parts of each.
- Carry a tape measure in case dressing rooms aren't an option. Measure across the bust, the waist, the hips and the length. Add an inch or two to be safe. It's easier to tailor down than up.
- Compare the dress measurements to body measurements to ensure proper fit.
- Look for flattering colors.
- Take a friend for honest feedback.
