Your evening gown allows you to truly own your princess moment, whether onstage at a pageant or on the dance floor at prom. But where can you find the best one? What are the most reliable retailers out there? What should you do if there are no gown stores in your area?

In this article, we’ll answer all of those questions and more, including how to get your dream gown for your dream price. But remember, your prom or pageant look is more than just the dress, so don’t forget to also think about your hair and makeup for the big event.

What to Look for in an Evening Gown

Fit, color, and style all come together to create the perfect look for you. In a competition setting, not having the right combination of these elements may cost you the crown.

Regardless of where you buy your gown from, you should get it tailored by a professional. If you’re shopping for your pageant wardrobe, you don’t want to make this rookie mistake. Don’t forget to bring your heels to the appointment!

My advice is to find a color that looks good on you (even under harsh lights) and makes you feel confident. The style should flatter your figure; what looks good on one person may not work for another.

If you need help picking out your evening gown or crafting your walking routine, we’re always here to help.

Shopping Tip: Find a dress store near you and try a bunch of different styles and colors, then buy something similar online.

PromGirl

My favorite thing about PromGirl is their range of dresses. They have gowns in all styles and colors. Their gowns tend to be more affordable, with the majority of their dresses being less than $500. If you’re looking for a simple, colorful, straight-style gown, PromGirl is your new go-to! They even have a Prom Guide if you’re looking for more prom-related advice.

New York Dress

Similar to PromGirl, New York Dress carries a range of styles, colors, and designers. Most of their collection is pageant-appropriate, as they are a sponsor of the Miss New York Scholarship Competition. In addition, New York Dress also has some great cocktail dresses that are perfect for Homecoming and appearances. The price point of this retailer slightly higher than PromGirl, but you can find dresses up to 50% off in their Clearance section.

Queenly

Similar to Poshmark or Ebay, Queenly is a clothing resale platform specifically made for prom and pageant dresses. Because of this, you can find some of the most unique pieces (including customs) offered at a discounted price. Their collection isn’t just limited to just evening gowns – you can also find rompers, jumpsuits, and interview outfits on their site and mobile app. The best part, however, is the ability to sell your own wardrobe!

Ashley Rene’s Prom & Pageant

With a huge selection of some of the most icon gown designers in the country, it’s no surprise that Ashley Rene’s is one of the most well-known retailers in the country. Their collection is more expensive than New York Dress, in the range of a couple hundred to over a thousand dollars.

As a sponsor of the IAM Pageant Powerhouse, Ashley Rene’s provides custom-designed Opening Number dresses to the international contestants.

Henri’s Cloud Nine

Henri’s is another big name in the pageant world, with titleholders flying from all over the country to shop at the in-person store. They also boast several couture gown lines, including one of their very own. This retailer is in the same price range as Ashley Rene’s.

Stay tuned for more…

As we look for more of the best gown retailers, you can put on your favorite pageant playlist and get to practicing!