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Prom Dress for Less

By Casey Lewis, About.com

Thrift stores

The only obstacle standing between you and a fabulous prom bargain is a day spent combing through thrift stores and vintage bins.
  • Keep your eyes peeled for timeless shapes, luxurious fabrics, and classic details.
  • Don’t focus too much on the fit – a few tweaks from the tailor can change the entire look.
  • Choose a “blank canvas” that can be jazzed up with a fistful of layered necklaces, a cluster of brooches, or a colorful obi belt.

Closet

After you gain approval to peruse, peek through the closets of your sisters, mother, and grandmother.
  • Zoom in on anything that could be chopped, draped, or sewn into a piece of art.
  • Keep in mind that little alterations can make an enormous difference in the vibe of a dress.
  • Sleeves can be removed, the neckline can be modified, a sash can nip the waist, the length can be shortened, and the silhouette can be tailored.

Sewing

Do you know your way around a sewing machine? The idea of whipping up a prom dress may sound intimidating at first, but keep in mind that most dress patterns are remarkably simple.
  • Select a pattern with minimal seams and simple hemlines.
  • Details – like ruffles and trim – are much easier than they appear.
  • The most challenging point is often working with flimsy fabrics, but if you stick with taffeta and raw silk -- and stay away from chiffon and satin – you’ll find the task far less daunting than, say, prom dress shopping!

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