Prom is an exciting milestone event for high school students, but finding the perfect prom dress can be stressful. With so many options and factors to consider, the most common question is: what is a reasonable price for a prom dress?
What is the average cost of a prom dress?
The average price for a new prom dress ranges from $100 to $500. However, there are certainly cheaper and more expensive options outside of that range. Here are some general price guidelines:
- Budget/discount dresses: Under $100
- Moderate pricing: $100 to $200
- Mid-range pricing: $200 to $400
- Expensive/designer pricing: $400 to $1,000+
According to surveys, most teenagers spend between $100 and $250 on their prom dress. The table below shows a breakdown of how much money teenagers actually spent on prom dresses in 2022:
| Price Range | Percentage of Teens |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | 12% |
| $50 – $99 | 18% |
| $100 – $199 | 38% |
| $200 – $299 | 22% |
| $300 – $399 | 6% |
| $400+ | 4% |
As you can see, about 60% of prom dress shoppers spent under $200. However, there are still many factors that influence the final cost.
What affects the price of a prom dress?
Here are some of the key factors that determine the price of a prom dress:
- Brand/Designer: Well-known brands like Sherri Hill, Jovani, and Calvin Klein tend to be more expensive. Custom or couture designs can run into the thousands.
- Fabric/Materials: Silk, chiffon, and lace fabrics command higher prices over synthetics like polyester.
- Styling Details: Embellishments like beads, sequins, crystals, and appliques drive up the cost. Ruffles, layers, trains, and other complex styling also increase pricing.
- Shop Location: Brick-and-mortar stores in malls or downtown shopping areas have higher overhead costs that translate to higher dress prices.
- Time of Year: Prices are often inflated right before prom season between March and May.
- Ordering Custom: Getting a dress custom-made to your exact measurements will be significantly more expensive.
You’ll notice that formalwear and evening gown shops almost always have higher prices than large department stores or discount retailers. The level of service, alterations expertise, and unique inventory selection helps justify the premium costs at formalwear stores.
Where can you find an affordable prom dress?
Luckily there are many ways to save money and still get a fabulous prom dress. Here are some tips:
- Shop off-season sales during the summer or winter.
- Browse discount or outlet stores like Ross, TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack, etc.
- Search resale shops for gently used dresses.
- Find a dress under $100 at a department store like Macy’s or Dillard’s.
- Buy online for wider selection and lower prices.
- Rent a dress rather than buying.
- Re-wear a formal dress you already own.
- Borrow a dress from a sister, friend, or relative.
If you have the time, check out consignment shops and local Facebook resale groups. You can often score a high-end gown for under $150 if you hunt for bargains and are open to pre-owned items. Sample sales are another option for major discounts off retail pricing.
Discount or outlet stores
Stores like Ross, TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, and Nordstrom Rack can offer huge savings on formal dresses. While selection is more limited, the dresses are brand new with tags for up to 60% less. You can often find prom-worthy dresses for under $60 at these discount retailers.
Online shopping
Shopping online opens up many more budget-friendly options. Large marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart offer a ton of affordable choices. You can also find deals at department store websites and specialty retailers like Cocomelody, JJ’s House, and PromGirl. Just be sure to order early enough to allow time for shipping and returns.
Is it worth paying more for an expensive dress?
While you can certainly find a stylish prom dress for under $200, there are some potential benefits of splurging on a more expensive option:
- Higher quality materials and construction.
- Better fit and tailoring.
- Unique details unlikely to be duplicated.
- Designer prestige.
- A dress you can re-wear.
- Confidence from looking and feeling your best.
Paying more doesn’t automatically mean getting a better dress. But if budget isn’t too tight, the memories of prom night may justify spending a bit extra on your dream dress.
Is designer worth it?
If having a stand-out designer dress is important to you, paying extra can be worthwhile. High-end brands like Sherri Hill and Jovani use finer fabrics, flattering cuts, and quality construction. The unique styles are less likely to be copied, so you’ll have an original one-of-a-kind look.
Re-wear value
Since prom dresses are only worn once, try selecting a style you may be able to wear again. Many girls re-style their dresses for sorority formals, weddings, cruises, or other formal events. Choosing a classic style in a neutral color makes a dress more reusable and increases the cost per wear. You may pay more upfront, but cost-per-use will be lower.
What makes a dress high or low quality?
>Beyond just price, here are some ways to evaluate the quality of a prom dress:
- Fabric – High quality dresses use fabrics like silk, chiffon, lace, and satin. Cheaper dresses often use polyester blends.
- Construction – Check seams, hems, and embellishments for neat and consistent stitching. Zippers and closures should operate smoothly.
- Weight – Better quality fabrics and linings have more weight and drape rather than being flimsy.
- Fit – A quality dress is precisely cut to flatter your body shape rather than being boxy and shapeless.
- Details – Hand-sewn beads, crystals, and other decor look elegant compared to cheaper plastic accents.
Trying on dresses in person makes assessing quality easier. If the price seems too good to be true, the dress likely won’t have the highest construction standards.
Conclusion
When searching for your perfect prom dress, set a budget that matches your needs and resources. While you can certainly find great options for under $200, allowing some flexibility in your price range gives more choices. Consider where you’ll shop, which brands you prefer, and your personal style priorities. Ultimately any dress that makes you feel confident and beautiful is a reasonable price for you!