Cocktail Dress Shopping Made Simple: Your Guide to Fab Finds
You’ve been dying to get your hands on that perfect cocktail dress for your upcoming night out on the town, but your budget is looking a little slim. Not to worry – with these insider tips on scoring the best deals on cocktail dresses during sales, you’ll be walking into the party looking like a million bucks without spending a fortune. In this quick guide, you’ll discover when and where to find the steepest discounts on stylish and sexy cocktail dresses so you can strut your stuff in designer style for less. Arm yourself with the right intel and you’ll be shocked at the bargains you can bag. So get ready to toast your new dress and your savvy shopping skills. The night is young and so is your wallet!
The Best Places to Find Cocktail Dresses on Sale
Department Stores
Major department stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale’s frequently run sales on cocktail dresses, especially at the end of each season. They offer a huge selection from various brands at discounted prices. Check their websites for current promotions and coupons to save even more.
Outlet Malls
Outlet malls are a prime spot to find fancy dresses on sale. Brands like Ann Taylor, J. Crew, and Banana Republic have outlet stores that carry a lot of their past season cocktail dresses at 30-70% off. You may need to hunt a bit to find gems in your size, but the savings can be significant.
Flash Sale Sites
Flash sale sites like Rue La La, Gilt, and HauteLook feature limited-time sales on high-end designer cocktail dresses. They offer new flash sales daily, so check back frequently. Just be sure to check the original retail price to make sure you’re really getting a good deal. Sizes and quantities are often limited, so shop early for the best selection.
Sample Sales
In major cities, many designers and brands host sample sales a few times a year to sell off samples, overstock, and out-of-season merchandise. Everything at a sample sale is heavily discounted, from 30-90% off retail prices. You may need to stand in line and fight the crowds, but sample sales are a once-in-a-lifetime chance to score a designer cocktail dress on the cheap.
Consignment Shops
High-end consignment shops are an overlooked source for luxury cocktail dresses at a fraction of the retail cost. Check shops in affluent areas of your city that focus on evening and special occasion wear. Many items will still have the original tags and have only been worn once or twice. You’ll get a designer dress at a price far below retail.
How to Spot Quality Cocktail Dresses at Discount Prices
Look for High-Quality Materials
When buying a cocktail dress on sale, pay attention to the materials. High-quality, luxurious fabrics like silk, chiffon or lace are more likely to signal a well-made dress. Avoid anything that looks cheap or feels scratchy against your skin. High-quality materials drape better and last longer, even with frequent use and washing.
Examine the Construction
Look closely at things like stitching, seams, and embellishments. Are the stitches small, even and securely sewn? Do seams lay flat with no fraying edges? Are beads, sequins or appliques securely attached with no loose threads? Shoddy craftsmanship is a sign of a poorly made garment, even if the price seems right. Quality construction means a dress that keeps its shape and lasts longer.
Check the Fit
Just because a cocktail dress is discounted doesn’t mean you should settle for a poor fit. Look for a dress that flatters your figure and fits well through the bust, waist and hips. It should move with you comfortably and allow you to sit, stand and dance without restriction. An ill-fitting dress won’t do you any favors no matter how much you save on it.
Don’t Sacrifice Style
A bargain price tag doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. Look for a dress in a classic cut that flatters your body type, in a color and pattern you genuinely like. An on-trend silhouette, flattering neckline or unique detail like lace trim or an asymmetrical hem will help ensure you stay stylish for seasons to come. With the right accessories, an inexpensive but fashionable dress can look like a million bucks.
Saving money on a quality cocktail dress is satisfying, but don’t get so caught up in the deals that you end up with a dress you don’t feel amazing in. Do your research, know what to look for and don’t be afraid to be picky – you’ll be glad you held out for a dress that’s well-made, stylish and fits like a dream!
Clever Tips for Getting the Biggest Savings on Cocktail Dresses
Shop Off-Season
The best time to shop for cocktail dresses is when they’re out of season. Look for deals in the spring and summer for fall and winter styles and vice versa. Retailers are looking to clear out last season’s inventory to make room for new designs. You can easily save 50-75% off the original retail price.
Check the Sale Sections
Most clothing retailers have dedicated sale sections on their website with discounts on select styles. Sort by the category “dresses” and set the price filter to show items under $100 or $50 to uncover major deals on cocktail dresses. Some sites let you filter further by color, size and brand. Be sure to check sites like Nordstrom Rack, Neiman Marcus Last Call and Saks Off 5th which focus on discounted designer goods.
Look for Coupon Codes
Before checking out with your dream cocktail dress, search online for coupon codes to save even more. Retailers like Macy’s, JCPenney and Bloomingdale’s frequently run sitewide sales and promo codes for 10-20% off or $10-$20 off your purchase. You can also look for codes specifically for dresses or a certain brand. Every dollar saved helps, especially when shopping At Daily Sale for a high-end item like a cocktail dress.
Buy Refurbished or Pre-Owned
If you’re open to a pre-owned cocktail dress, check resale sites like The RealReal, Vestiaire Collective or eBay. You’ll find high-end designer dresses that have been professionally authenticated at a fraction of the retail price. Some pieces may have minor signs of wear, while others are brand new with tags still attached. Just be sure to check the item condition and return policy before buying. Buying refurbished or pre-owned is an eco-friendly way to score luxury goods at lower prices.
With some savvy shopping skills and patience to hunt for deals, you can get that gorgeous cocktail dress you’ve been eyeing without breaking the budget. Staying flexible on color and style and buying at the right time of year will help maximize your savings. And of course, always check for extra discounts and coupon codes to enjoy the biggest savings possible. You’ll be raising a glass in celebration when you see how much you saved!
Mix & Match: Styling Discount Cocktail Dresses for Any Occasion
Scoring a deal on a cute cocktail dress is exciting, but the dress itself is just the beginning. The key to making the most of your purchase is learning how to style your new dress for any event. A few simple additions can take your discount dress from casual cocktails to a formal wedding and everything in between.
Accessorize for a Night Out
When you’re hitting the town for drinks or a fun night of dancing, accessorize your cocktail dress to suit the occasion. Statement earrings, a stylish clutch, and sky-high heels will give your dress a flirty, nightlife-ready look. For a pop of color, add a bright lipstick and you’ll be ready to party.
Add a Jacket for Weddings or Work Events
If you need to wear your cocktail dress to a wedding, work function or other semi-formal event, a tailored jacket or blazer is key. A cropped style will accentuate your waist while covering your shoulders. Pair with strappy but conservative heels and minimal jewelry. For extra style points, look for a jacket in a complementing but contrasting color or unique texture like lace or tweed.
Dress It Down for Casual Get-Togethers
To wear your cocktail dress for casual daytime or weekend plans, just dress it down with relaxed, low-key accessories. Slip on comfy ballet flats or sandals, a long necklace, and stack a few bracelets on your wrist. A denim or bomber jacket will also instantly make your dress more laid-back. Pull your hair up into a messy bun and you’ll look stylishly put-together for brunch, shopping trips or meetups with friends.
With the right additions and by creatively mixing up your styling, you can get so much more wear out of a single cocktail dress. Don’t be afraid to experiment—you may just find a new favorite look! By accessorizing for the occasion, you’ll always feel occasion-appropriate and make the most of your latest fashion find.
