Nordstrom vs Milanoo

The quintessential high school experience, prom, is one of the most exciting moments for teenagers across the US. This event is so well-known, it's become a pop-culture icon in TV shows and movies: international students even know about the US prom as something key to American high school life. It's a time when students can dress up, feel like royalty, and dance with their friends and, of course, their date.

One of the biggest parts of prom (and one of the most exciting) is the quest for the perfect dress. Prom dresses hold a special place in the hearts of many teens. You can use them to make a striking fashion statement and enjoy the black-tie feeling you've seen on the red carpet. Whether you're looking for a glitzy number that feels like something from a James Bond film, or a princess-style ball gown that makes you feel like a heroine in your favorite fantasy novel, the variety of prom dresses out there is extensive.

While in the old days, you'd wait to grab a bunch of friends and navigate crowded local dress stores (or get kicked out of them if you don't have an adult over 18 with you!), you can find your dress in a much quieter (and low-stress) environment these days. Online shopping introduces a world of possibilities.

Today, you can explore unique options from the comfort of your home. Most companies allow returns so you can still try on the dress and get your "wow" moment with your friends before you commit to your favorite gown. You can find long, short, tight, fluffy, long lace sleeves, or strapless. If you can picture it, there's a dress out there somewhere with your name on it.

Whether you're shopping at a bridal store, discount store, or department store, there are tons of retailers that offer prom dresses. Some sites even offer tailoring or custom services that allow you to get that like-a-glove fit. But with so many options out there it can be hard to decide where to spend your time browsing.

To help you out, we put together some criteria that can narrow the field:

• Quality. Quality is extremely important when it comes to prom dresses. There are plenty of discount sites, but are they using high-quality fabric? Can you expect the fit to be true to size? Check and see if the site offers original designs versus copycat gowns from other designers, and browse customer reviews to see if the quality in real life matches the pictures online.
• Selection. No matter what your personal style is, having a wide selection at your chosen prom retailer is essential. Having a wide range of options helps you make sure that you can find your dream dress. So make sure your favorite cuts are in stock and ready to ship in time for your perfect night.
• Return policy. Since dresses are so personal, you'll want to be able to return your prom dress if it doesn't fit the way you want. The uncertainties of online shopping require a flexible return policy, especially with something as important as your prom dress. Keep an eye out for free return shipping and flexible return windows to know you're going to be supported by the retailer.

To make sure your prom is extra special, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best online prom dress stores out there today. We hope this helps you find the perfect dress that fits flawlessly, lets you feel confident and beautiful, and makes your memorable night out one you look back on fondly for years to come. Happy shopping!