When it comes to prom, dresses can get very expensive. Who wants to pay hundreds of dollars for a dress that they will only wear once? There are ways to find high quality dresses at a discounted rate.

Second hand stores, like Goodwill, are a cheaper option. However they are not always in the best condition, or  in style.

“I got a purple prom dress for $7 at Goodwill,”  Caitlin Cross, senior, said.

Stores like JC Penney’s and Macy’s also have a great selection of prom dresses that are reasonably priced. However there are risks that someone may have the same dress. Ross,  T.J. Maxx, and Marshalls are alternatives for cheap prom dresses. They clear out a whole section of the store to display their wide range of crazy and elegant dresses.

Uptown Cheapskate, a store off of Cobb Parkway, sells used clothes that are both fashionable and in good condition. A young staff keeps the store up to date. During the spring, the front section of the store has a full display of prom dresses. Prices are affordable, and with the helpful staff, finding the perfect dress is easy.

Online stores are another great option; however, finding the right size can be difficult. Promgirl.com has dresses for under $100. They also have a price match guarantee. If one of their dresses is found at another authorized retailer, Promgirl.com will lower their price two percent under the competitor’s rate. If the dress is not wanted after it is purchased, just print out the return label from promgirl.com and ship it back with a full refund minus an $8 shipping fee.

Lulus, an online store, also carries dresses, right under $100, a good deal, considering the fact that many dresses cost around $300. The return policy is similar to Promgirl.com, though it can only be returned within 30 days. However, return the dress within 10 days of delivery, and return shipping is free.

Do not be ashamed to rock a secondhand dress. They can be both affordable and just as beautiful as a new dress.