eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Find Fabulous Designer Dresses for Less

Member
By Angela Williamson
User-Submitted Article
(6 Ratings)
A.B.S by Allen Schwartz
A.B.S by Allen Schwartz

Do you need a great dress or gown for that special occasion without going for broke? Do you want to look fabulous, like celebrities? Well look no further, there are several sources for you to consider, even for those on a tight budget.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1
    Vera Wang
     
    Vera Wang

    Consignment Shops.

    Have you ever consider shopping at a consignment shop? Women who shopped here, have snatched up some fabulous evening attire for a fraction of the actual cost. These dresses or gowns have only been worn once. Many people have donated or sold these clothes to the consignment shops.

  2. Step 2
    A.B.S by Allen Schwartz
     
    A.B.S by Allen Schwartz

    Department Discount Clothing Stores.

    Another great source to consider is shopping at department discount clothing stores. Many of these stores sell designer clothing at bargain prices, like Century 21, Daffy, Simms, and Loehmanns in New York City. They purchase clothes that are over-stocked or slightly imperfect at a low price from the manufacturer or designer's showrooms. These stores are able to resale them to consumers at deeply discounted rates.

  3. Step 3
    Carolina Herrera
     
    Carolina Herrera

    Sample Sales.

    Check out designer sample sales in your city to find that special attire for the evening. They are very popular in major cities, like New York City or Los Angeles. You can also find designer sample sales online. One fantastic site is Hautelook.com, where the bargains are unbelievable. You can snatch up a designer dress for under 60.00 at these sample sales.

  4. Step 4

    Shop on ebay.
    Many people sale designer dresses and gowns on ebay for a great price.

  5. Step 5
    BCBGMAXAZRIA
     
    BCBGMAXAZRIA

    Department Stores.

    Many department stores like Macys, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and Dillards have slashed prices tremendously during mark downs, saving you up to 75% off of designer dresses. Women have bought fabulous dresses worth $$$ at bargain prices. You can even shop at these stores online for bargain deals, without leaving your home.

  6. Step 6

    Check out Thrift Stores.

    You can shop at thrift stores in the wealthier neighborhoods to find bargains on dresses or gowns that are new or in great condition. Wealthy people buy fabulous designer clothing and usually wear it once, then donate it to a local thrift shop in their neighborhood.

  7. Step 7
    Giorgio Armani
     
    Giorgio Armani

    Rent your Evening Attire Instead of Buying It.

    Did you know that designer dresses or gowns can be rented at a fraction of the price? Look exceptionally fabulous for the evening and become the attention of the party. Get that dress or gown straight off the runway. People will think you have an exquisite taste and the money for your wardrobe. They will never know that it was rented, unless you tell them. The rich and celebrities have been doing it for years, why not you. You can locate these stores by searching the internet and phone directories, like Albright in New York City.

  8. Step 8
    Guy Laroche
     
    Guy Laroche

    Sew Your Own Designer Dress or Gown.

    Go old school and take out that sewing machine to make a fabulous dress. Many designers sell their sewing patterns to make their outfits, like Guy Laroche through the Vogue sewing patterns. You can get these sewing patterns for less than $15.00 online.

Tips & Warnings
  • The Pros and Cons.
  • You should learn the pros and cons of each source.
  • Does the clothing have to come back the same way or how many days can you rent it?
  • Do you have to be a member and pay a monthly fee for online sample sales?
  • Remember to shop with reputable company or by word of mouth from family and friends.
  • Locate and read the feedbacks about companies, which are located on the web.
  • Look for and read the fine print closely to make sure you are not getting knock offs that cost you $100 or more to rent or any other stipulations.

Comments  

| View All 7 Comments

eac913 said

Flag This Comment

on 9/27/2009 Great article. I am going to check out hautelook right now. Do you know of any Loehmannish stores on the west coast? 5*

angelanyc said

Flag This Comment

on 5/6/2009 Thank you for adding the addtitional info!

wtgt said

Flag This Comment

on 5/6/2009 You can also check out:http://www.WearTodayGoneTomorrow.comThey rent designer dresses at 10% of the clothing's retail price, ship nationally, and provide refunds if the dress doesn't fit! They're getting rave reviews in the press, including: NBC, Glamour, Allure, etc...

Flag This Comment

on 5/3/2009 Nice tips, I love consignment shops, I get a lot of designer clothes really cheap and in great condition

Flag This Comment

on 2/17/2009 These are great tips on How to Find Fabulous Designer Dresses for Less

Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Fashion, Style & Personal Care Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License. † requires javascript

eHow Fashion, Style and Personal Care
eHow_eHow Fashion, Style and Personal Care