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Stores are making room right now for fall fashions, which is amazing news for you. You can now buy great dresses for less. It’s time to stock up your closet without spending a fortune. Here’s how:

1) Go online. Lots of people are heading to the mall, but online stores and retailers need to move their summer stock, too. With online stores, the perfect dresses are delivered right to your door – without you having to fight the crowds at your favorite mall. You can shop at any time, the selection is infinite, and online retailers often have better deals, since they have smaller overhead and can pass on the deals to you. If you want that perfect dress at a low price, start by checking out online retailers.

2) Make a list, check it twice. Before you shop, check out fashion magazines and online stores. Which dresses do you love? Make a list, then make a list of upcoming events and situations where you’ll likely need a dress. Are you going to a wedding, attending summer parties, or planning for a holiday season with lots of parties? When you shop, keep these events in mind. You never know when you’ll find the perfect summer dress for that big event.

3) Check out the top-line stores first. Check out high-end stores first, because you can often find amazing deals on quality designer dresses. You don’t want to spend your money on lots of cheapies if you can have an amazing dress you will love forever/

4) Check the sales racks and then discount stores. All stores have sales racks that are well-stocked with women’s dresses right now. Discount and outlet stores, though, are also getting in new stock right now. Don’t forget to check these stores out.

Right now, many stores are having big sales on prom dresses and accessories. It’s the perfect time to shop, because some prom dresses are discounted quite a bit. If you want a Cassandra Stone prom dress, Morrell Maxie prom dress, Janique prom dress, Jovani prom dress, Terani prom dress, Faviana prom dress, ABS prom dress, Alberto Makali prom dress, or another designer gown, this is your chance to buy the hottest prom looks for a low price. You can buy low-cost prom dresses now for:

• Summer weddings. Wedding season is here, and you may need a nice, formal dress to wear to those “I dos.” If you have a few wedding invites, look for simple but formal prom dresses that can make you a very well-dressed wedding guest.
• Summer formal events. If you have summer parties and formals coming up, look for simple, classic dresses that will help you look your best. With prom dresses so discounted right now, checking the prom sale racks can be far less expensive than buying a cocktail dress.
• Next year’s prom. If you are going to prom next year and there’s a dress from this year that you adore, now’s the time to secure that dress at a huge discount.
• The holidays. The holidays are a long way away, but they will get here and when they do you will need a great dress to wear to parties. In November and December, party dresses will be expensive, but you can buy a dress for not too much right now.
• Your wardrobe. Everyone needs one formal dress to wear out on special occasions. If you don’t have that special party outfit, check out the prom dresses on sale now. Skip over the trendy and pouffy dresses and look for the simpler, elegant dresses that will look in style for years to come.

This Faviana Turquoise Plus Size Prom Dress is a great prom gown if you are curvy and need some extra room without sacrificing style or sexiness. While many plus size prom dresses are black or try to hide your curves, this Faviana prom dress lets you shine in a gorgeous sea blue that stands out. At the same time, the dress hugs your curves rather than trying to hide them under too much fabric. This helps you look your best and your slimmest.

The deep-v neckline and detailed jewels at the empire waist are very flattering. The neckline draws the eye upward and calls attention to your face and neck while the empire waist makes you look your slimmest by cutting the dress at one of the slimmest parts of your abdomen. The gathering at the waist line creates curves and a thin waist, so that you show off an hour glass figure that makes you look slimmer. The fabric falls away from the waist, hiding problem stomach and thigh areas. An open, flowing skirt adds lots of movement and makes it easy to hit the dance floor. The skirt shows off the lower legs and adds a little flirty fun to the dress.

You meant to shop for your prom dress early. You looked over the hottest Jovani prom dresses, Cassandra Stone prom dresses, and Alberto Makali prom dresses. You glanced through prom dress magazines and you meant to order early, you really did. But maybe you didn’t quite have enough for that gorgeous Morrell Maxie prom dress, or you got caught up in other things. Maybe you have bought a prom dress but decided against it.  Whatever the situation is, now prom season is here and you don’t have a prom dress to wear. Don’t panic. There are still ways to nab that prom dress for less:

1) Check out bridal shows in your area. Bridal shows often have a good selection or formal and prom dresses available for purchase.

2) Set aside time to shop now. Set aside four hours on Saturday to look or spend a few hours on Friday before a movie trying on dresses.

3) If money has kept you from finding the perfect prom dress, consider looking for more affordable dresses. There are some very affordable Terani prom dresses and Alberto Makali prom dresses this season. Expand your search to consider designers and dresses you haven’t considered before and you might just find a price tag that works.

4) Don’t give up on online shopping. Some online retailers can still offer you a great deal on a super prom dress – just double-check about the delivery date. Many online retailers offer delivery guarantee dates and some will ship your dress by rush order if you ask (and pay a little extra). It doesn’t hurt to ask. Just make sure that you check your measurements precisely, since you might not have time for returns.

5) Come up with a plan “B.” If you can’t get that ideal prom dress, what is another dress that fits your budget and your style? Secure another option so that you have something to wear.

High School Competition:  WIN A PROM DRESS

Instructions:  Write a one page essay describing your interpretation of `true beauty.’ Email the essay to stylist@bettercloset.com.  The deadline is April 15. Include on the one page, your name, email address, the name of your high school, the date of your prom and the essay.

Grand Prize: Any “Prom Dress” style worth up to $300. The winning essay will be featured on the internationally recognized BC Style Source, bettercloset.com/blog.

Additional Prizes: Every student from the school with the winning essay will receive a $25 gift card from Better Closet to use towards any prom dress purchase.  Additionally, all participants will receive free ground shipping on their prom dress purchase; a $20 value.

Selection Process: As essays are submitted they will be ranked and a winner will be contacted by email by midnight, 12:00AM EST, April 17.

* FAQ

Q: What “classifies” as a prom dress purchase?
A: Any dress that is recognized in the Shop More Styles tab, under any of the categories; designer prom dresses, prom dresses, plus size evening dresses, and short prom dresses is a “prom dress” and the discount and promotion applies.

Q:  Who can participate?
A: Any high school student may participate.

Q: Must the essay be submitted through email?
A: Yes, the only way to submit the essay is by emailing it to stylist@bettercloset.com

Q: What if the prom dress I want is more than $300?
A:  If the prom dress you want is more than $300, you will be responsible to make up the difference in price.

Q: Can I check the status of my essay?
A: No, the winner will be notified by April 17, 12:00am EST.

Q: If I submit an essay, how long before I receive my free shipping on a prom dress style?
A: Within 1 business day of submitting your essay you will receive a promotion code for free ground shipping on any prom dress purchase.

Q: If the winning essay is selected from my high school, how long will it be before I receive my $20 gift card for a prom dress purchase?
A:  You will receive the $20 gift card towards any prom dress purchase by April 18 12:00AM EST. *Remember to note your high school on the essay so we know to send you the discount.

Q:  How many entries can I submit?
A: Essays are limited to one entry per person. If someone is found to have submitted more than one entry, that person will be excluded from the contest.

*The school noted on your essay may be contacted to confirm your enrollment.

If you live in Los Angeles or New York, you have a wealth of store options and prom dresses to choose from. Whether you want to buy Jovani prom dresses, Morrell Maxie prom dresses, Alberto Makali prom dresses, or other designer prom dresses, you have a wealth of options. If you live in a very small town, however, you may feel that you have fewer stores and fewer dresses to choose from. Luckily, it only seems that way. You can still get your dream designer prom dress if you:

• Look at all the stores in your area. Avoid just the obvious stores and speak with wedding dress shops, consignment stores and other shops where you might not necessarily shop regularly. Better yet, if you are looking for a specific Terani prom dress or Janique prom dress, contact the designer to find out where the closest authorized dealer is. It might be closer than you think.
• Look for prom and wedding shows. If you are located far from major cities, prom shows and wedding shows are your best friend, because these shows are hoe designers get their dresses outside just the big cities. Contact your favorite designer to find out what shows they will be participating in or keep an eye on your local newspaper to find out about upcoming shows.
• Shop online. Online stores deliver anywhere, have great prices, and boast an amazing selection. Shopping online is the closest thing to buying from a huge prom retailer. Just make sure that you give yourself extra time for delivery.
• Consider taking a day trip. If you live close enough, consider taking a special trip to a larger city to buy your prom dress.
• Speak with independent stores in your area. Small boutique stores in your town may be able to get in a special designer dress for you for a small cost. It doesn’t hurt to ask about that Jovani prom dress or Cassandra Stone prom dress you’ve been crazy about.

Even if you have a spending hangover from the holidays, January offers some amazing sales and discounts. You’ll want to mark your calendars and go shopping at least a few times in the upcoming month, because:

1) The newest spring styles are arriving. This is the best time to get a first crack at raincoats, spring dresses, rain boots, and other spring essentials. Nothing is on sale yet, but there’s lots of selection, so this is the time to pick up the spring pieces that you will wear most often.

2) Formal wear and special holiday wear is on sale. If you know you have special events coming up in the spring, such as a special dance or a wedding, keep in mind that most holiday dresses and formal wear is on discount right now. Stores are trying to get rid of the formal dresses that was brought in for holiday parties, so this might be a good time to pick up a formal dress to round out your wardrobe.

3) Best Selection on prom dresses. Many stores are getting their prom dresses in. If you have a prom coming up in the spring, this is the time to get the best selection on dresses. If there’s a particular type of dress that you are passionate about, now’s the time to snap it up, before flies off the shelves. Just be aware that you will generally be paying full price — in most stores — for prom dresses. If you do have a prom coming up but don’t want to spend full retail on the prom dress, you should still be looking at what is available and what is trendy right now, so that you can keep an eye on the dresses you want when they do go on sale.

4) Discounts on coats, boots, and sweaters. All winter clothing is now on sale at most retail stores, because stores want to make room for spring fashions. This is the time to stock up on coats, sweaters, gloves, and other items in classic styles for next year’s wardrobe.

If you want to put together a good wardrobe that sees you through semi-formal business lunches, formal events, and some special events, this is what you will need:

• One day skirt that can be worn year-round. This should be business-formal, with simple lines, a neutral color, and a fabric that is not too heavy or thick. A fine silk blend, light wool, cashmere, or very fine cotton will all work. This will be the most flexible item in your formal wardrobe and something you can mix up with your work wardrobe, even.
• One summer evening skirt. This can be a floral skirt if it is a small print or a solid color. Look for light fabrics such as silks and lines that flow elegantly.
• One winter evening skirt. Velvet is the classic winter skirt fabric and it looks wonderful for years. However, cashmere and wool are also wonderful fabrics, as long as you choose formal styles of skirts.
• One fun day top. This can be a blouse in a fine material such as silk or a scooped neck top that works under suits as well as with skirts.
• Two flirty night shirts. These can show a bit of skin and can include flirty details such as beading or lace. You can wear them with a skirt or under a suit.
• One day dress that can be worn year-round. The classic cocktail dress or little black dress works wonderfully as a very flexible part of your wardrobe that you can throw on in a pinch.
• One summer evening dress. This should be made from a soft material and may include spaghetti straps.
• One winter evening dress. Again, velvet is a classic material of choice for winter, although you can choose other fabrics. Generally, the fabric will be heavier and thicker than your summer dress and the colors darker as well, although jewel tones are a nice choice for winter as well, as they complement a paler winter complexion.
• One pair of evening pants. Look for impeccable cut and a nice quality that will take you to “formal” style easily.
• One daytime suit. Make this one business formal, a power suit that you can wear to many types of events.
• One evening suit. This one should have softer, more fluid lines than your daytime suit. Wide-legged pants and a longer jacket are a nice choice, or a skirt suit with a longer skirt work well.
• One pale-colored dress jacket for summer. This should go over your dresses.
• One velvet or rich wool jacket for winter.
• One light wrap or shawl.
• One evening clutch. Make sure it matches all of your evening wardrobe.
• One pair of dress sandals. Metallic or basic black are a good choice.
• One pair of closed toe evening shoes with a heel.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to buy everything at once – you can gradually build your formal dress wardrobe. Also, many of these pieces are a good value because they can be worn in many ways, and can even be paired with less formal clothes for everyday. If you rarely go to formal events, you may need fewer of these items, so feel free to adjust the list to your lifestyle.

If you have a closet, you need to have at least some formal wear in that closet for the inevitable invitations to events like parties, formal dances, special dinners, and gala events. Even if you don’t think you go to formal events often enough to justify formal dress shopping, formal events can sneak up on you, and being prepared is essential.

Sometimes, we are given plenty of time to shop around for special event, but invitations also do arrive at the last minute. If you don’t want to miss out on great opportunities just because you have nothing to wear, it’s smart to invest in a few formal wear pieces that can take you into the evening in style.

Formal wear does not mean just big ball gowns. In fact, formal dresses can look very much like any dresses – just that they are often made of finer materials, such as lace, silk, velvet, or satin. When selecting your formalwear, look for:

1) A piece that can be worn for daytime events. Look for knee-length or calf-length dresses or skirt suits made of fine material and if you like hats, shop around for a hat that matches. For daytime formal events, look for business formal styles that can be worn to a variety of daytime functions. Daytime formal dresses and suits are usually appropriate for
events that begin during the morning or afternoon, before 6 in the evening. If you go to several daytime formal events or business formal events in a year, you may wish to invest in more than one daytime formal outfit – perhaps one dress and one suit.

2) A piece that is eveningwear formal. This can be a full-length gown, cocktail dress or even separates in shiny or fine fabrics. If you opt for a shoulder-baring style, do invest in a pretty matching jacket or shawl to make your evening outfit appropriate for religious events. Eveningwear formal dresses are usually worn to formal functions that begin after 6 or in the later afternoon or early evening.

At this time of year, all of us are thinking about what to wear to parties and other festive events. This means that in addition to gift shopping, most of us are keeping an eye out for pretty clothing for special events, as well. The great news is that December and November are great times to shop for eveningwear and formal wear because stores are well stocked up on party dresses, formal dresses, and accessories. Most stores will mark these items down in January, so this is the time to shop around for the pieces you might want to buy after the holidays are over.

If you need to put together some party dresses and outfits but your budget is feeling the pinch of holiday shopping, consider shopping consignment stores and even second-hand stores. These retail stores always have some dresses on hand that will give you that unique sparkle at upcoming parties. Look for dresses that are in good condition and are timeless or classic in style.

Another good option is to buy online. Lots of online retailers offer rush delivery at this time of year or even are able to guarantee that your finery arrives before a specific date. Online stores often have a huge selection and are able to offer very low prices, even on designer formal dresses.

Retail stores offer their best selection of formal and eveningwear dresses in November and December. While these dresses are often not on sale at this point, you can choose from a wide selection. If there is a dress you need for an upcoming special event and you are willing to pay full price for it, retail stores will be able to help. If you need to build a nice eveningwear wardrobe for later in the year, mark your calendar: most of the formal dresses go on sale in January. If you are shopping for a special holiday dress for the spring or summer, buy in January for the best deals.

Even if you don’t go out to parties or formal events a great deal, having an evening wardrobe of at least a few pieces is a good idea. It’s just part of being prepared for anything life has to offer.