When you’re done with your prom dress and it’s time to part ways, you may be wondering what to do with the dress. If you’re not planning on keeping it as a memento, there are a few different options for what to do next. You could donate it, sell it, or even upcycle it into something new. Donating your prom dress is a great option if you’re not attached to it and you’d like to give someone else the chance to wear it. There are a few different places you could donate to, such as a local high school, a theater group, or a charity organization that provides prom dresses to those who can’t afford them. Selling your prom dress is a good option if you’re looking to get some money back from the dress. You could sell it online through a site like eBay or Poshmark, or you could sell it to a consignment shop. Upcycling your prom dress is a great way to give it a new life and make it into something you’ll actually want to keep. You could turn it into a new piece of clothing, like a skirt or a top, or you could use it to make home decor, like a throw pillow or a piece of art.
The prom dress you wore after prom can be restyled in a variety of ways. You can shorten, change the neckline, or change the color of the dress. There is no need to be concerned about wearing the same dress for a second time. Consider throwing a prom dress swap party for your friends. Make a monetary contribution to a good cause. Many of them provide dresses for prom to girls who may be unable to afford them. If you’re looking for prom dress donations in your city, check out a website or call your local Goodwill to see if they have any locations where you can drop it off.
What do you do with your prom dresses? A trash the dress shoot can also be enjoyable. Most resale shops require formal dresses to be in good condition and clean.
Instead of keeping a dust bunny, make a decision about keeping, selling, or donating your gown at the end of prom season. When reminiscing about the past and looking back on old memories, it is a good idea to keep your dress as a souvenir.
Does Platos Closet Take Prom Dresses?

If you want to make some cash off your old prom dress, look no further than Plato’s Closet. The Plato’s Closet resale store buys and sells used clothing for teenagers. Bring your prom attire to the store to earn quick cash.
There is a store called Plato’s Closet, which sells new and used teenage clothing. They sell men’s and women’s casual and formal clothing, as well as swimsuits and shorts. Here, you can often get a good deal on a new prom dress for a fraction of the cost of buying it new.
Plato’s Closet Offers Discounts For Students
Does platos closet have a discount for students?
Students can take advantage of discounts at Plato’s Closet. Special deals on clothing, accessories, and other items can be found. Three or more items can also be purchased at a discount of 10%. If you want to look your best on your special night without breaking the bank, Plato’s Closet is the place to go.
What Can I Turn My Prom Dress Into?

There are many ways to repurpose a prom dress. One option is to donate it to a local thrift store. Another option is to cut it up and use it as fabric for a new project. You could also make it into a pillow or a quilt.
A prom dress can be altered in a variety of ways depending on a variety of factors. Alterations can be extremely difficult, if not impossible, in some cases. When you are unable to wear a bra, you can make your bodice more visible by lining it with bra cups or an extra lining. Bra cups may be removed if they add unwanted volume or shape to a dress bodice. To remove bra cups from a sheer bodice, a backless body shaper or stick-on silicone bra cup may be required. In most cases, the most important aspect of fitting the skirt correctly is not simply cutting a straight line down the bottom. If the skirt has more than one layer, the skirt must be hemmed.
There could also be significant changes to the design and appearance of trains or godets. Schools may have strict dress codes prohibiting plunging necklines and backless crop tops, but they allow sheer coverage of those details if they do not. If your dress needs to be altered, it is critical that your seamstress consult with you right away. To make your shape more flattering, you can easily fix a hole in your neckline by sewing darts or small pleats into the bodice. Adding embellishments or binding to your formal gown will create a more formal look. If your prom dress is too large, you may need to consult a seamstress. A new strap can be made in addition to removing existing ones.
There are dresses with smaller seams than others, and embellishments may make it difficult to open the dress. If your fabric and style allow it, zipper alterations can help to make your formal evening gown more comfortable and stylish. Because the grain of a fabric determines how it moves, the method of sewing your prom dress alterations may differ depending on the fabric used. Many towns in the area have skilled seamstresses or tailors who can provide prom dress alteration services. A professional will typically charge between $30 and $50 per hour for a prom dress modification. Alterations can cost as much as twice or three times what the original cost. Depending on the professional’s schedule and the type of work required, a time limit may be imposed.
You should contact a seamstress or tailor as soon as possible if you want to make any changes to your prom dress. If it’s just an alteration, seamstresses and tailors are on high alert during prom season. Because there are so many people waiting for an appointment, make an informed decision as soon as possible. If the dress does not fit properly, return it or get a new one that will fit better.
How To Transform Your Prom Dress Into A Cocktail Dress
How do you turn a prom dress into a cocktail dress? Any dress becomes more wearable if it is shorter automatically, so it can be worn for a formal dinner or party. A high-low dress could also be made just by shortening the front of the dress. How much does a major cosmetic surgery cost to have your prom gown altered? Depending on where you live, a professional will charge between $30 and $50 per hour for prom gown alterations. If you want the most expensive gown, you might have to pay more because the fabric and the amount of detail required to make it look its best are two of the most noticeable factors.
How Much Can You Resell Prom Dresses For?
If you have a new prom dress (new in the last two years), you can sell it for between 50% and 200% of its original price. You could even pay a little more if your prom dress comes with a name like Sherri Hill or Jovani, or even a well-known custom gown designer.
It’s time to put some thought into whether or not you can get a refund on your prom gown. It may appear that you should give up your gown, but we recommend that you investigate the best options first. The amount of money you receive from consignment shops and sites can have a direct impact on your pricing power. Traded items can be used to sell almost anything in your closet, from fast fashion to haute couture. You can make a lot of money by listing your items on Craigslist, which is a great way to sell things with minimal investment. If you want your item to be up to their high standards, Material World will inspect it.
How To Sell Your Prom Dress For The Most Money
It is important to remember, however, that eBay is a global marketplace, and the price you receive for your dress may differ in your hometown from in San Francisco. Before you sell your gown, you should do some research on the outfit. If your dress is in good condition and does not have any major flaws, you may be able to sell it for between 30% and 50% of its original retail price. Purchasing an off-brand prom dress may be preferable to purchasing one from a brand name store, as well as to purchasing one from a younger friend. If you have younger friends or Sister’s friends, please ask them if they can help you buy your dress.
Where To Sell Old Prom Dresses
There are many places to sell old prom dresses. Some people sell them online, while others take them to consignment shops. There are also some companies that will purchase used prom dresses and resell them.
You have the option of reselling, reusing, or donating your old prom gown after the big night. eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist are just a few of the online forums where you can sell a prom dress. If you don’t require the funds, you can donate your dress. How can I make money reselling a prom gown? The price is determined by the condition of the dress and the amount paid for it. You can sell on large online forums like eBay or on tailored websites like Poshmark. You can also sell locally by visiting Facebook Marketplace or a nearby consignment shop.
This app allows you to sell your prom dresses, wedding gowns, and other fancy evening gowns. Marketplace is similar to a virtual yard sale where you can buy and sell locally. The Dress List assists buyers and sellers in finding a specific dress for their pre-owned formal dresses. Yoogi’s Closet is an excellent place to sell pre-owned wedding and prom dresses. Users can sell or buy used clothing through the DePop app, a mobile app based clothing sale platform. OfferUp is an online shopping portal that sells almost everything, but it has a large selection of dresses. Almost NewlyWed mainly sells wedding dresses, but it also sells other formal wear.
You do not need to pay anything to post your items on OfferUp, and there is no commission fee for selling them. We once had a large marketing reach, with over 40,000 dresses regularly for sale. The Real Real is an online store where you can buy gently used luxury items. Craigslist is a less sophisticated version of eBay, allowing you to shop and sell locally. Items such as prom dresses can be sold on the online marketplace tradesy. The sale of pre-owned items at consignment stores is often accompanied by a hefty commission on the sale price. If the dress does not sell within a certain period of time, it may be returned to the store; some stores allow you to sell the dress for up to six months.
Pawnshops are notorious for being shady, but they can quickly and easily sell your prom gown. Teenagers, on the other hand, spend around $200 for a gown. It will be very easy to see how much money you will have to spend if you have a designer dress or a high-end brand. Consignment stores are frequently the source of bridal gown purchases, such as prom dresses, bridesmaids gowns, and wedding gowns.
Where To Donate Prom Dresses
There are many places where you can donate prom dresses. You can donate to local high schools, charities, or even online. There are many websites that allow you to donate prom dresses, and they will often send the dress to someone in need. You can also donate to local organisations such as the Salvation Army.
We’re going to focus on closet de-cluttering as part of our Declutter 365 missions. You’ll almost certainly come across a gown or dress you wore to a prom, formal, dance, wedding, or other special occasion. The age of your gown or dress can also influence where you donate. Becca’s Closet, a charity that collects donated prom dresses, homecoming dresses, and bridesmaid dresses, has provided over 2,500 prom dresses and homecoming dresses to deserving students. You will be exempt from tax in exchange for your donation, but the dress must be in good condition (new within the previous five years, so it will be fashionable) and clean and undamaged.
Don’t Let Your Prom Dress Go To Waste – Donate It To A Local Organization!
Project G.L.A.M. is a non-profit organization in Los Angeles that provides formal dresses and suits in good condition. In addition, they provide a scholarship to a graduating senior who demonstrates exceptional community service.
The Operation Prom organization is a nationwide collection for both formal dresses and suits in good condition. Seniors who have demonstrated community service and have demonstrated financial achievement are also eligible for scholarships.
If you can’t find a local organization that will accept your prom gown, you can donate it to Becca’s Closet or Project G.L.A.M.
FAQs
What To Do With Your Old Prom Dress? ›
When thinking about the long run and looking back on old memories, keeping your dress as a memento is the way to go. Being able to look back at old pictures of prom and have the dress to pull out again is a cherishing moment to look forward to in the future.
Is there any reason to keep prom dress? ›When thinking about the long run and looking back on old memories, keeping your dress as a memento is the way to go. Being able to look back at old pictures of prom and have the dress to pull out again is a cherishing moment to look forward to in the future.
What else can I wear a prom dress to? ›- Weddings. Weddings are a great opportunity to wear your prom dress again. ...
- Christenings. If your prom dress looks like this one, it might be a good outfit to wear in a Christening. ...
- Bridal Showers. ...
- Dinner Date. ...
- Birthday Parties.
If they're hosting a black-tie affair, recycle your prom dress for the occasion. College Dances or Mixers – Certain college events, like awards ceremonies, dances, or sorority mixers, require formal attire. This is a great time to wear your prom dress again.
How do you sell prom dress after you wear it? ›- Consignment Stores. At consignment stores, they'll examine your prom dress and tell you if they want to buy it from you and for how much. ...
- TheRealReal. ...
- eBay. ...
- Depop. ...
- Poshmark. ...
- Vestiaire Collective. ...
- 7. Facebook. ...
- Start an Instagram page for your school.
On the other hand, it's perfectly fine to wear prom dresses twice, and you can still change up your look in the same dress for a fresh twist!
What if I don't like my prom dress? ›If you've already had your prom, sell it or give it away. If you haven't had your prom yet, see if you can return or exchange the dress. If that isn't possible and you can't afford a replacement, consult a tailor about making alterations or ask someone with a good sense of style how you can modify it with accessories.
What is not appropriate for prom? ›Formal dress hats that go with the tuxedo or suit are welcome. Dresses should be modestly cut in the front; plunging chest and necklines are not appropriate. Dresses may not be cut below the bust line. See-through, mesh tops or bra-top-style dresses are not appropriate for this event.
Do you wear a bra under a prom dress? ›Almost always, prom dresses have some intricate cut. Whether it's a backless style, an off the shoulder style, a halter neck, completely strapless, or a deep V, these dresses will require a specialty bra.
Is it OK to wear a prom dress to a wedding? ›Can you wear a prom dress to a wedding? You sure can! Just because you bought a dress to wear to prom doesn't mean it is ONLY a prom dress! So go ahead and take that long or short dress back out of your closet and rewear it to a wedding.
Can you preserve a prom dress? ›
In order for fabric to survive the years, it must be able to breathe. Storing the gown in all natural cotton is the best long-term storage. A natural white pillowcase makes a great bag for storing old fabrics. Heat and humidity can cause fabrics to mold or discolor.
Can you wear the same prom dress as someone else? ›It really does not matter if two people wear the same dress to Prom. Unless the two people are identical twins the dress will not look the same on you anyway. Having said that, you don't want to be shown up by someone who wears the dress better.
What should I charge for a used prom dress? ›If the dress is in perfect condition you may get close to 30-50% of the original retail price. Off-brands may actually sell better on Craigslist, or to a younger friend. Ask your younger friends, younger Sister's friends, etc if they know any one that would like to buy your dress.
How much do girls pay for a prom dress? ›THE DRESS: With the average prom dress ranging from $100 to $600, the prom dress is by far the biggest priority, and probably the most important piece of the prom budget for the average teenage girl.
Who pays for prom dress? ›The person who asks someone to prom is responsible for paying for the night's expenses, traditionally. However, it is more common now for couples to share the costs of the evening, as proms can be very expensive.
Should you wear the same color as your prom date? ›You and your date don't have to match for prom, but you may want to complement each other, at least. Complementing colors show that you're each other's dates for the evening without matching perfectly. Coordinating your colors is a great choice if you want a prom dress in a color your date doesn't prefer to wear.
How many months before prom should you look for a dress? ›It's safe to say that you'll want to look as great as possible for your big night! That's why you need to start shopping at least three months in advance. Whether you intend to buy online or in a store, the greatest approach to acquiring a prom dress is to look and shop early!
Are you supposed to match your prom dates dress? ›If you don't want to match, you don't have to! Just be sure to discuss the notion of not matching at all with your date first. Keep It Simple: A classic suit will pair well with any type of dress, whether it's a solid color or a patterned, fashion forward piece.
Is it normal to have dress regret? ›So yes, wedding dress regrets are perfectly normal, but usually only a short-term feeling. Remember: Take your time when buying your dress.
How do you fix a boring prom dress? ›- of 12. Add Costume Jewelry. ...
- of 12. Get Creative With a Brooch. ...
- of 12. Carry a Bright Bag. ...
- of 12. Make Your Shoes the Outfit Centerpiece. ...
- of 12. Create a Dramatic Makeup Look. ...
- of 12. Indulge in Nail Art. ...
- of 12. Go All out With Your Hair. ...
- of 12. Add a Headpiece or a Hat.
Is it a big deal to not go to prom? ›
Her advice: "Prom is not necessarily a defining or crucial experience in high school, and it's totally OK to skip out on that for whatever reason. Don't let anyone pressure you into going strictly out of fear that you'll regret it."
What colors should you not wear to prom? ›Stay away from shades of brown and black, as these can completely wash out dark skin tones. Other colors like blues, silvers, and grays should be avoided, as cool colors appear harsher on dark skin. Even neutrals like gray can make dark skin look fatigued, so stick to colors that pop.
What is the most common prom dress color? ›Black. It's classic for a reason! Black prom dresses never go out of style, which makes black a perfect choice for a timeless look.
What colors shouldn't you wear to prom? ›One of the biggest prom don'ts is wearing white. Unless you're going for a bridal look, avoid white clothing altogether. It's generally seen as too formal for prom and can clash with other colors. Generally, white is a popular color for formal wear, but it's not the best choice for prom.
Is it normal for a girl to wear a suit to prom? ›If worn correctly, a woman's suit is a very popular outfit and suitable for a variety of events, including a prom. With so many styles and accessories available, you can dress perfectly for any occasion. Wearing a woman's suit to a prom can be a great fit for you, especially if you love being stylish and trendy.
What do girls wear under prom dresses? ›If your prom dress leaves you feeling exposed, a nude slip or nude underwear is the best choice. Try to find nude underwear that matches your skin tone well. Even if it is revealed slightly through a cut-out or sheer area, the result will be far less noticeable!
How do you walk in a prom dress? ›...
So, how do you walk in a long gown?
- Keep your back straight. ...
- Gently kick your feet forward as you walk. ...
- Walk toe-to-heel not heel-to-toe. ...
- Walk slowly.
An elegant pantsuit is also appropriate. Floor-length gowns, however, would be inappropriate. Pair with heels, nice wedges, or formal flats. If the ceremony is being held outdoors and you'll be walking across a lawn, avoid traditional heels that will likely get stuck in the grass.
Can I wear whatever I want to prom? ›You can wear whatever you want! Unlike high school, THERE ARE NO RULES when it comes to your prom ensemble.
Can you wear floral to prom? ›Whatever your shape or size, wearing a floral dress to prom is totally you.
How much money should you save for prom? ›
Prom costs can add up quickly. Costs of attending prom are not the same for every girl as it varies per region. You can spend $150 to $2,000 or more attending prom. However, on average a prom girl will spend about $900 – $1000 on their prom night with all the costs mentioned above.
Do you change clothes for after prom? ›Dressing for the Occasion
Here are some tips for dressing for an after-prom party: a. Bring a change of clothes: You may want to bring a change of clothes for the after-party. This can be something more casual and comfortable that you can dance in without worrying about ruining your prom dress or suit.
Prom is a formal event and you are expected to wear formal attire. Formal prom attire may be classified as a dress, tuxedo, dress suit, including a tie or bow tie, a dress shirt, which may include a vest or cummerbund, and dress shoes. Dresses may be strapless (if they fit properly) or include spaghetti straps.
How do you store prom dresses long term? ›Store the dress in a garment bag made of cloth such as unbleached, un-dyed muslin so that it can breathe. Do not use plastic for long-term storage. Use an acid-free, sturdy cardboard storage box or sweater bag, and line it with tissue paper.
Can I preserve my wedding dress 10 years later? ›Long story short, get your wedding dress cleaned and sent to a preservation specialist within the next few weeks after your wedding; you'll be doing yourself a huge favor down the line. If months or even years have passed since your wedding day, don't worry! It's never too late to preserve your wedding dress!
Does going to prom with someone mean you're dating? ›No, prom is just a social situation where everyone needs a date. Some people go to prom with a friend, some go with a girlfriend, some go with a girl as a date. How do I ask someone out for prom?
Can you wear any color dress to prom? ›There aren't any hard-set rules when it comes to choosing your prom dress color.
Can girls go to prom together? ›There's no rule that says you'll only have a great time at prom if you go with a guy. Going with a group of girlfriends can be just as much fun, if not more! Get your girlfriends together beforehand at someone's house to get ready and then head over to the prom together to dance the night away!
How much should a prom outfit cost? ›The average cost of getting a tailor-made prom suit ranges from $300 to $500 depending on where you live, but if you are willing to spend more money, you can get an even more luxurious garment made from high-quality material.
How can I make prom less expensive? ›- Start early. ...
- Figure out who is paying for what. ...
- Prioritize. ...
- Brainstorm money-making ideas. ...
- Don't spend a fortune on the dress. ...
- The same goes for accessories. ...
- Try a two-piece prom dress to get extra bang for your buck.
Why does prom cost so much? ›
The other reasoning behind spending excessive amounts on Prom is because it's a special occasion. Students don't get the opportunity to dress up in formal wear very often. It's exciting to wear long, fancy dresses and tuxedos, even though it only lasts for one night. There's no need to over-do it.
What does the boy pay for at prom? ›Purchase Tickets
While some couples will go dutch, the gentlemanly thing to do is to pay for the prom tickets for you and your date. Yes, it may seem like a lot of money, but your date is likely spending much more money (and time) on the perfect dress, hairstyle, makeup, manicure, pedicure, etc.
For most teens, prom is their first formal event, and how much is spent comes down to individual budgets. Some parents opt to pay for expenses, while others don't have the financial means to do so—or, regardless of parental resources, they expect their teens to foot the bill.
What do the girls give the guys for prom? ›Traditionally, the male brings his date a corsage when he picks her up for prom or a homecoming dance, and the female brings the boutonniere.
Who pays for the flowers at prom? ›Traditionally, the guy pays for the corsage and the girl pays for the boutonniere, as each person is gifting the flowers to their date. However, it's common for couples dating for awhile to choose their flowers together or for one half of the pair to place the order for both to ensure the flowers coordinate.
Do boys pay for girls prom ticket? ›Well traditionally, if the girl asks, the girl pays. If the boy asks, the boy pays. For example, at a Sadie Hawkins dance the girl would pay for the tickets. At prom, usually the guy pays.
How can I make my daughter prom special? ›- Splash Out On The Dress. One of the most important parts of prom is the outfit and it is likely that this is something you will start thinking about months in advance of the big night. ...
- Host A Get Together. ...
- Organize Hair And Makeup. ...
- Consider The Transport. ...
- Final Verdict.
Some people I talked to regretted skipping prom, especially if they'd skipped because they were struggling with self-esteem issues or were insecure about going without a date. But the majority of prom-skippers had no regrets.
How important is prom to a girl? ›It may sound cheesy, but prom marks the day of getting into adulthood, indicating that the teen has passed high school and is now graduating to another stage. Prom is a unique way to celebrate this transition.
Is it embarrassing to not have a prom date? ›Prom is approaching, and while you might feel like you need to find a date, it's totally fine to go to prom without one.
Is it embarrassing to go to prom alone? ›
Spoiler alert: Nope. Going to prom alone is the ultimate power move. Heading to prom alone or with a group of friends can actually end up being way more fun than tying yourself down to one special (or, in a lot of cases, not-so-special) someone.
What percent of people don't have a date to prom? ›The latest research from YouGov shows that most Americans (53%) didn't actually attend prom, and among those that did barely half (51%) went with a date. Overall, this means that only 24% of Americans had the 'typical' experience of attending prom with their high school sweetheart.
Do I wear a bra under my prom dress? ›Almost always, prom dresses have some intricate cut. Whether it's a backless style, an off the shoulder style, a halter neck, completely strapless, or a deep V, these dresses will require a specialty bra.
Do you wear a bra when trying on prom dresses? ›Besides dressing comfortably, celebrity stylist Ali Levine told INSIDER that it's important to have the right undergarments when prom dress shopping. Consider wearing a strapless bra, seamless panties, and bring along any other shapewear or support undergarments you plan to wear on prom night.
Should you wear a garter to prom? ›Wearing garters
They'll get a garter to match their dress and some girls even get them customized with their initials or graduation year. Once prom starts, girls will give their garter to their date to wear around their arm and the date will often keep the garter.
Traditionally, the male brings his date a corsage when he picks her up for prom or a homecoming dance, and the female brings the boutonniere. Of course, females can buy their own corsages, too. Or friends can purchase corsages or boutonnieres for each other if they're going in a group.
What is it called when a girl asks a guy to prom? ›In the United States and Canada, a Sadie Hawkins dance or turnabout is a usually informal dance sponsored by a high school, middle school or college, to which the women invite the men.
Do girls ever ask boys to prom? ›The perspective on a girl asking a guy to prom varies from person to person, as we found out when asking people about this topic. Some girls are more comfortable waiting because it is easier and safer than promposing; in addition, some girls may become “too nervous” to ask at all.