How To Get A Prom Dress Under $100

The trick to finding an inexpensive prom dress is to keep an open mind and investigate all your options. It helps to be thrift shop savvy with internet expertise, but you should also know your way around the local mall. Do your research by consulting the yellow pages; is there a Loehmann's nearby? T.J. Maxx? Marshall's? Filene's Basement? And keep an eye out for promotions--clearance racks at upscale department stores offer options at this price level during their big sales.

Bluefly.com has some amazing deals in their clearance section. The user-friendly site does the sorting for you with a variety of product groupings, including one devoted to "Great Deals Under $100." Sizing at Bluefly can be limited and stock turns over quickly at these low prices, so if you find something irresistible, move fast! The site has a terrific return policy (a full refund for 90 days) so if the dress doesn't fit or you just change your mind (we girls can be notoriously fashion fickle!), you're not stuck with it! Other hot Bluefly designers at double-digit prices include A.B.S., Nicole Miller and Betsey Johnson.

If you would rather buy your dress in person, head to your local discount department store. Stores like Loehmann's, T.J. Maxx, Filene's Basement and Marshall's are full of great designer finds. Recent trips have netted us eveningwear by the trendy designers in styles that are available right now at high-end department stores! It pays to find out when new stock comes in so you can be there to nab the hottest items for yourself. These stores are also great places to score hot shoes and designer accessories at bargain basement prices. Some of these stores also sell their dresses online. A quick search of T.J. Maxx's website (www.tjmaxx.com ) turned up dresses by Laundry, Max Studio, and BCBG--all priced under $100! Loehmann's stock is available online at www.smartbargains.com , and there are plenty of deals to be found there by designers including Nicole Miller, Kenzie, Laundry and A.B.S.

And don't rule out that trip to the mall! Boutique lines like Rampage, Arden B, and Bebe, along with the incredibly cheap and stylish Forever 21, regularly offer merchandise at and below the $100 mark. And keep an eye out for end-of-season sales! During a sale at Macy's, for example, we have seen racks and racks of designer items--all priced as low as $9.99! Circulars in your local papers sometimes offer coupons for as much as 25 percent off at upscale department stores like Macy's and Lord & Taylor.

Don't get discouraged if you don't find what you want at first. Being a great discount shopper takes no small amount of patience and practice. But the end result--a prom dress you love that doesn't break the bank--is well worth the extra effort!

Sarah Bancroft makes it easy to find Prom Dresses under $100. Sarah shares some tips which could help you.