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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.
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Macy's is a popular department store with a wide range of 414 prom dresses in various styles. Despite some mixed online reviews, Macy's holds a solid "A+” rating from the BBB and stands out for its reliability. By offering a 90-day return policy and free shipping on orders over $25, Macy's stands out as a world-class choice for prom dress shopping, worthy of a 5-star rating.
Nordstrom, a century-old fashion retailer, offers 155 prom dresses with easy browsing and helpful filters. Although lacking mini dresses in the prom section, Nordstrom stands out with free shipping, hassle-free returns, and an impressive tailoring service. Coming in as a solid prom dress shopping experience, Nordstrom earns a high rating for its flexibility, competitive prices, and reliable service.
Ever Pretty offers prom dresses that reflect both modern and traditional styles. Custom sizing is available for select dresses, with a processing time of 21-28 days. As a plus, Ever Pretty has an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 4-star average on Trustpilot. The 30-day return policy adds flexibility, making Ever Pretty a solid option for affordable and quality prom dresses, earning it a solid rating.
Lulu's, founded in 2005, offers a vast selection of 890 prom dresses. The website is easy to navigate, featuring filters for size, color, price, and more. The 2-day shipping for ready-to-wear dresses sets Lulu's apart, but it doesn't offer tailoring, and mixed reviews raise concerns about dress quality. While Lulu's is good for discounts, the absence of ball gowns and some customer service issues contribute to a good overall rating in our review.
David's Bridal is a small-town store that's made it big online. The retailer offers a range of prom dresses with impressive filters for easy browsing. However, the 7-day return policy and mixed customer reviews, especially concerning in-store experiences and difficulties with refunds, contribute to its "just average” rating. While convenient for physical store shoppers, there are better prom dress options with superior selections and customer service.
ChicSew is a wedding brand specializing in bridesmaid dresses. However, there were a range of problems that raised red flags at ChicSew. Starting with a glitchy website, limited filter functionality, high shipping costs, and a limited return policy, ChicSew was already struggling to match others in the industry. While ChicSew does offer reimbursement for alterations, its mixed reputation, including concerns about long shipping times and customer service, leaves us a little concerned.
Windsor offers a user-friendly website with an impressive selection of 931 prom dresses ranging from $9.97 to $299.90. However, the lack of a Better Business Bureau rating and poor customer reviews regarding low-quality items and shipping issues result in a lower rating, suggesting caution when considering Windsor for prom dress shopping. Explore more reliable options for a stress-free experience.
ASOS, a London-based fashion hub, offers a unique selection of prom dresses with a strong emphasis on diversity and body positivity. The website provides extensive filters for easy navigation, showcasing 547 dresses in various styles. Despite competitive prices ranging from $32 to $409, the company faces criticism for poor customer service, reflected in its low ratings and an "F" score from the Better Business Bureau. While ASOS brands itself as the stop for trendsetters, traditional prom dress seekers have better alternatives.
Milanoo, an online clothing retailer from China, offers 169 prom dresses with a variety of styles. However, the site hides the prom section, making it difficult to find from the main page. On top of that, there are numerous customer complaints about shipping, returns, and dress quality, making Milanoo a less favorable option for prom dress shopping.
SHEIN, a global fashion retailer, offers an extensive selection of over 4,000 prom dresses. However, finding dresses can be challenging due to the cluttered layout. With prices ranging from $11 to $307.79, SHEIN provides free shipping on orders over $29 but faces criticism for poor customer service, lost packages, and low-quality items. You may want to consider other retailers for a stress-free prom dress shopping experience.
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:
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!
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