cheap formal dress
 

OK. I need a cheap formal dress by Friday, apparently. Cause I'm a cheap date like that.

Additionally I'm interested in what, exactly, I should be looking for to wear to a military ball. I think it needs to be long and probably not to sexy, but honestly, I don't know for sure.

I'd imagine that a lot of department stores will have dresses on sale since the high school homecoming season is winding down.

yeah but then won't everyone be like, "Who brought Hilary Duff to the ball?"

Loehman's is a mecca of reasonably priced formal dresses. You'll want to wear a long dress to the military ball. Also, try TJ Maxx, Ross and Marshall's... I'm normally a label snob, but I got away with a $12 Ross dress at an industry function last spring, and I got so many compliments on my dress... meanwhile my beautiful co-worker, who was dressed to the nines in a designer gown (Michael Kors? I don't know what it was...) didn't get a-one.

First check with your friends and raid their closets. Then hit the discount department stores and upscale consignment shops.

It's all about attitude and the right accessories! Good luck!

ETA: David's Bridal has some inexpensive off-the-rack formal gowns, too. I'm not the hugest fan of their gowns, but you never know what you'll find. Happy Shopping. Definitely check out Loehmans!

ha.

I'm sure they have normal dresses too...

I've gotten lots of normal dresses in the Homecoming clearance area at department stores - there's usually some cute simple longer gowns.

LMAO

Thats what I was thinking the whole time I was formal dress shopping. At one point, I got all bitchy and yelled a bit to loud, "I JUST WANT A F&%^ING DRESS WITHOUT CRINOLINE." Some women then put her hands over her child's ears and ran out of the story. Honestly, we're in NJ. The kid probably hears worse on the Turnpike.

Borrow from a friend or sister? Large chapters mean many dresses.

multicolored duct tape ;)

OMG that stuff hurts!

but you get a dress, wax, and exfoliation all in one, for only a few dollars ;)

I agree with James about borrowing a dress from a friend or a sister. Or check out a discount or outlet store such as T.J. Maxx or Daffy's. I got a gorgeous elegant formal dress at Daffy's for $50 down from like $200. :)

Hey don't knock the duct tape prom dresses...they can be quite elaborate and amazing.

http://www.ducktapeclub.com/common/g...all/177_sm.gif

http://www.ducktapeclub.com/common/g...all/086_sm.gif

http://www.ducktapeclub.com/common/g...all/062_sm.gif

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http://www.octanecreative.com/ductta...s/ductprom.gif

RESALE STORES!!!! especially those near wealthy neighborhoods.

Can I just add that I am already buying a bridesmaids dress that involves crinoline?

My personal crinoline needs are already satisfied. Maybe that kid with the covered ears knows where I can get a non-Duff-ified dress?

Good luck finding a dress, I just spent last weekend looking for something to wear to Black Diamond Ball. I was going as an advisor so it had to be something cute but not scandalous. I spent two days perusing 2 different malls and finally found something at JCPenny's that I wasnt too thrilled about but was too sick of looking to care.

I should have checked out TJMaxx, Ross, and Marshalls so I suggest those before you hit the mall because I'm telling you know they have nothing.

*sigh* great. I'm in your same boat, too. It's all his work friends so I have to be classy and sexy but not stuck up or whorish. Hopefully my 6 inch long nails and platform lucite shoes won't give the wrong impression.

Dont forget a lot of hairspray, dark lip liner, and heavy eye shadow. ;)

Did you find a dress yet?

I found it last night. I liked it more before I went on the website to find a pic to post, and then saw a bunch of other dresses. :(

Of course there was like NO selection -- a lot of old lady dresses and shorter dresses. I ended up with a long silky champagne-colored dress, a halter top, with a brooch right in the middle under the bust. At the time I thought it was very glamarous, but hmmm. Now I'm not so sure. I'll try to fall back in love with it before tonight -- or not wear it and exchange it tomorrow.

I need some dress help.

I found a really cute dress on sale at Gap.com.
The only problem is that they come in size 4 and size 10. I wear a 6-8. It's an empire waist so it can be smaller on top but I'm wondering what size would be a better buy, especially since I can't try it on. (It's only available online.) Any suggestions?

http://www.gap.com/assets/product/big/ga256363-02b.jpg

ETA... nevermind, they only have the size 4 left. I wonder if I can squeeze into it.

It's much easier to have a dress taken in than let out. Get the bigger size.

I'm normally a size 6, but when it comes to dresses I have to wear a 4 because anything bigger just hangs off of me and looks really baggy. Maybe you can order the 4 (since that's all they have left) and just return it if it doesn't fit?

That's SUCH a cute dress.

Gap sizes tend to run big. You may be able to fit into the 4 if the 10 isn't available and you really want it. Go to Gap and try on something similar.

I ordered the 14... 10s were out and I just wasn't sure about the 4. I have a small upper half but my lower half is quite curvy. I tried on a couple form fitting dresses yesterday and I looked like an hour glass.

It will probably be shipped out this week or next so I can get it altered before the 17th.

Good cuz if you're a 6-8 it will be way too big on you.

GAH! I about fainted when the seamstress quoted the alterations on my size 14 dress. $67! That's more than I paid for the dress and probably more than it's worth. I'm hoping to scope out JC Pennys or borrow one from a sister. Besides, since the dress came mail order, they had it folded in all sorts a crazy ways and the creases are insane. I hope Gap takes it back.

Thats insane!!! Gap will take it back, I once bought something off their website and they took it back at the store, only problem is you're out the S&H cost. :(

Wal Mart sells bubble-wrap. Be unique- bubblewrap and ductape!!!