It is not well-known by most prom-goers, that the best selections are found prior to the New Year. Prom dress manufacturers are already shipping dresses to the stores in October for the upcoming prom season. By the time the prom magazines hit the news stands in December, many people will already have placed orders for the most popular dresses. How do they come across these new designs that have yet to be in the magazines? People start searching online. As soon as manufacturer photos become available, it's no surprise to find many internet prom dress retailers adding new styles on their websites in early October.
You might say, "The prom is months away in May! Isn't March enough time to find a prom dress?" If you are not wanting anything in particular, the answer is yes. If you have your heart set on a particular style or color, you may be disappointed if you wait.
Why would they vanish in this way? This is because prom dresses are a very seasonal product. Manufacturers cut a certain number of dresses intended for the following spring season in late summer, and they start shipping them to stores in October. Based on initial sales, the manufacturers will tailor the more popular styles starting in February or March. By then, the stores have pending orders for these styles. Production of more prom dresses stops after this happens. No one wants unsold prom dresses sitting in their warehouses all summer! It is possible that some styles may be suitable for homecoming in fall, but most of the time, even they are not available until at least summer.
Many schools have winter formals in December, January, and February, which is why the most popular dresses could be sold out or on back order that early. Because prom dresses are on the racks early, many of them are purchased for these earlier events. Also keep in mind that prom-dress makers sell worldwide, not just to American consumers. Many online prom dress retailers sell globally, as well. The competition for the most popular dresses is intense.
An additional reason to purchase now, is that prom season is starting earlier on the calendar. Proms may be held as early as February in some parts of the country. Simply because your prom is in April or May doesn't necessarily mean that everyone has so late a prom. There are even some proms that are held as early as mid-December! It's amazing - every April, we end up dealing with disappointed customers who can't find "their" dress, because they don't realize that the prom magazines they are carrying around were published in December (five months ago).
If you wait until the spring to buy a prom dress, you will have to accept whatever style or color remains available. If you are picky or prefer a more popular style, you should consider shopping in November and December. If you are still uncertain on what to wear, begin looking online and through magazines in early October, to compile good dress ideas. When you find the perfect style, don't hesitate. Snatch it up, before your competition does!
For the scoop on finding a prom dress, Nancy Fallat is an insider. She runs Find My Prom Dress and has experienced the agony of many teens not being able to buy their first choice because they waited. Shop early and conveniently as Find My Prom Dress has dresses organized by designer, color, and even style such as
By Nancy Fallat
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