With prom just six weeks away on Apr. 18, the hunt for a prom dress is officially in high gear. While tradition indulges in the boutique moment, the new digital age creates a prominent avenue for dress shoppers, putting prom-goers in a predicament.
The in person shopping experience offers several unique luxuries, from the glamour of feeling the dress to the yes to the dress moment, though these moments vary from each retailer.
Boutiques are the safest option for shoppers who want to get to know their dress before purchasing it. Local boutiques like Whatchamacallit Boutique, Chally’s, and Terry Costa often have designer labels like Sherri Hill and Jovani, giving shoppers a high-end experience. These boutiques cost a trip outside of Frisco, as many of them are located in Plano and Dallas.
While the boutique experience can come with a higher price tag, the investment includes perks like viewing stages and professional staff to guide the search.
For many, a more convenient in-person option is purchasing with major retailers, like Windsor, Macy’s, Nordstrom. This option is the most accessible, as these stores are commonly found in malls. These store staples however, offer a limited range of styles for the more whimsical shoppers.
While in-person shoppers may have to visit multiple stores, extending the search, this extra effort is offset by the opportunity to see and feel oneself in the right dress.
The online experience is a better choice for those who prioritize the dress itself over the dress experience. Shoppers can choose between two options: private sellers and online retailers.
While the internet offers endless styles at a range of price points for any consumer, such a large collection of dresses comes with the risk of shipping delays, quality issues, or even fraudulent sales. Shoppers can browse multiple online stores at a time, but the opportunity of seeing the dress only exists after purchasing.
Trending online stores highlighted on platforms like TikTok include Zapaka, Peppermayo, Princess Polly, just to name a few.
Major online retailers, like the online storefronts of Windsor and Macy’s, offer the convenience of in person shopping without the hassle of leaving your home, but the initial savings are often offset by shipping fees.
