Have you bought your dress for prom yet? Junior prom, set for March 15, and Senior ball, set for May 24, are both close approaching. With prom season in full swing, it’s time to start planning outfits and shopping for dresses.
While some students have already picked their prom dresses, others are struggling to fit dress shopping into their already busy schedules. These shops, which Amador students recommend, are sure to streamline the shopping process and ensure finding the perfect dress.
Best Bay Area Shops
For those looking to shop locally, Blossom’s Bridal and Formal, Camille la Vie, Windsor, and David’s Bridal were among some of the top choices of students who wanted an in-person shopping experience.
“I already bought my dress. I got it from Camille la Vie, which is a store in the Great Mall in Milpitas. My friend told me about it… and there were a bunch of options, so it was great. They were a bit pricey sometimes but it was fine.” said Aisling Duggan (‘26).
Though online shops tend to have more selections, there’s no guarantee that their sizing is accurate. For this reason, some students prefer the ability to try on dresses in person over the convenience of online shopping.
“At first, I was looking more like form-fitted or mermaid style. But I ended up going with a ball gown style which I wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t tried on a bunch of different dresses first. So, if you’re [buying dresses] for the first time, definitely check what type of shape or fit you want on you before you go to dresses online.” said Duggan.
Best Budget Shops
Prom dress prices differ dramatically, ranging anywhere from under $100 to $500 or more, depending on the brand of dress. For some students, price was a huge consideration when it came to selecting a dress.
“I bought my dress from Windsor because I was really looking for a dress that fit me well, I liked, and wouldn’t have to get too many alterations done. I didn’t want to overdo it, because it was like I was buying a dress that I was only going to wear once.” said Zoey Li (‘26).
Macy’s and Windsor are ideal for students on a budget looking to get a new dress. On the other hand, online thrift stores like Depop, Poshmark, and Vinted are better for students who prefer the price appeal of pre-owned dresses or are shopping for more unique, vintage dresses.
