How to Get a Designer Prom Dress on the Cheap

Next to your wedding, prom night just may be the most photographed event of your life. Since the pictures will last a lifetime, you want to be happy with the dress you choose to wear–-and not break the bank doing it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Rent a prom dress online. Websites such as ClosetElite rent out designer dresses for as little as $18 per night.

2. Check the local classifieds. Since prom dresses are usually something that people wear only once, people often sell their dresses at a cheap price in classified ads. Especially if the dress has a designer label, the owner is more likely to go with an ad in the paper or on Kijiji than a consignment shop.

3. Visit your local department store. People don't often associate department stores with designer labels, but stores such as Sears, JC Penney, Macy's and more all carry designer labels. If you're lucky, you may even find a cheap designer dress in their end-of-season bargain section.

4. Shop at a bridal store. You probably don't want to wear a wedding dress to your prom, but bridal shops carry a wide selection of designer bridesmaid's dresses that are fancy enough to double as prom dresses.