Avoiding Knock-Off Dress Websites
Find out how to avoid buying a "fake" prom dress and learn the benefits of buying from an authorized retailer!
So, you've found your dream dress and the price is too good to be true? It probably is! Yes, buying this cheaper dress will save you money, but be warned that you many not get the dress you see in the photo. You risk getting a low quality dress, that fits poorly, and doesn't have that designer label - a knock-off.
Prom is such a special occasion and you deserve to have the best, and to get the dress you want! Be a savvy shopper and don't be fooled by counterfeit prom dress websites that offer you dresses they can't deliver. You may see the same designer images that appear on genuine websites, but there is more to look for to determine if you are buying from an authorized retailer.
What to look for:
-Genuine prom dress sites should list their designers by name throughout the site, especially on the dresses themselves.
-Double check that the site you are shopping on is an authorized retailer by looking it up on the designer's website. Most have a store locator to help with this.
-Look for a Contact page that includes a phone number and address (preferably within the US), not just an email address.
-Genuine designer prom dresses come in specific sizes, based 3-4 measurements on their own size chart. If a website asks you for a wide range of your sizes, then it is likely the dress is not authentic.
-Most legitimate prom retailers can not take returns on special occasion items, much like a department store. If a site offers a no-questions-asked full refund or return policy, they may be overselling.
Be a smart shopper
-Do your research and check around for information and reviews on a site before buying from it.
-Contact the website by email, phone, or live chat before placing an order to ensure they are an authentic retailer. Ask them to address any concerns or questions you have prior to doing business with them.
-If you do choose to order from a questionable site, do so very early. This way you still have time to shop for another dress if you are unhappy with your purchase.
Our best advice, as you shop for your perfect prom dress, is that you should buy from an authorized prom dress retailer if you want to be sure to receive a genuine designer gown. Buying at the trusted websites listed here, further guarantees that you will have a pleasant and successful dress shopping experience!
Prom 2012 Tips & Trends are coming soon! Check back later this year for the hottest designers, styles, and more!
Get ready for prom 2011!!

Prom '11 is going to be hotter than ever with stunning formal prom dresses from all your favorite designers! The Prom Websites Association member sites will be adding beautiful new prom gowns to their websites soon, so check back often for the freshest new looks for spring.
Shimmering sequins and chunky crystals and rhinestones are all the rage for a look with a touch of bling! Rich new fabrics in every shade of the rainbow let you choose the perfect color to look your best. Short ball gowns are still hot and we love the flirty poofy skirts! More trends coming soon.
Prom Shopping Tips
Helpful prom tips - a must read!
Shop Early– Start browsing online for dresses in late fall, narrow down to your favorites and be ready to buy at the beginning of the year. This is when you’ll get the best selection and ensures your dress will get to you before prom. Dresses sell out fast, so don’t miss out on the one of your dreams!
Flatter Your Body – Looking great in your prom dress is about picking a dress that looks good on you. Just because a style is trendy, doesn’t mean it’s for you. Try dresses on, consult magazines for fitting advice, ask dress store employees for input and use your own judgment to find a dress that shows off your best features. Remember YOU make the dress!
Comfort Matters – Looking beautiful might be painful, but the more comfortable you can make yourself, the more you will enjoy prom. Choose a dress that you feel confident in, that stays in place, and that you can move easily in… and dance the night away!
Measure Carefully – Trying on your dress isn’t always an option, so measuring is the best way to get a good fit. If you can, see a professional seamstress to have them taken, but if not, have someone help you. The measuring tape should be held snug, tight and level around your bust, natural waist, and hips while you stand tall looking straight ahead.
Plan on Alterations – Even the most careful measurements may not mean you get a perfect fit, so plan for alterations once you receive your dress. Everybody is different and 95% of people need something tucked, shortened, or adjusted. Don’t forget to take your shoes and undergarments to your fitting appointments!
Accessorize – You’ll need more than just a dress for prom, so plan to get your dress well in advance so that you can shop for shoes, jewelry and accessories. If you shop for these things locally take your dress along to see the whole outfit. It’s also easy to one-stop shop online and pick everything out at once!
After Prom Style – Prom doesn’t end at the door of the dance, so your prom look shouldn’t either! After Parties range from elaborate gatherings to a cozy evening with friends and you can you can dress to match. Pair a sexy beaded top with your favorite jeans or cute skirt or opt for comfy “Prom 2008” pajama pants and tank tops… even coordinate with colors to match your dress!
Prom 2010 Is Coming Soon!
Believe it or not, it's already time to think about prom of spring 2010! All of our stores have been busy traveling to prom markets all over the country shopping for dresses. They have picked out the styles that they will be offering on their websites in the coming months. Our member sites will be featuring the BEST prom styles for 2010.
If you think it's too early to think about prom, think again! The styles are hotter than ever this year and we know they will sell out fast. Now is the time to start browsing the web and watching your favorite celebrities to get great styles ideas. New 2010 prom dresses will be available for purchase begining in late fall 2009.
Prints are going to be THE hot thing again this year... go wild with animal, pretty with floral and funky with novelty designs! Lots of bling is where it's at and you'll find plenty of sparkling rhinestones and big, chunky jewels. Inovative, feminine fabrics and flattering styles are some of our favorite things coming this spring.
There is more to come... don't miss a thing for prom 2010!
Prom 2009 - Finding Your Perfect Dress
Prom dresses for 2009 offer just about any style you could dream of! No matter your style or personality, there is a perfect dress for you. So many styles are IN this season, you can have your choice of fun, cute, sexy, funky, glamorous, elegant or classic.
Short prom dresses are a huge trend for spring. This is a really fun style that features flirty A-line skirts, cute ball gowns, and sexy mini skirts. Show off your personality, your sexy heels... and a little leg!
Sleek evening gown styles are another glamorous look. You can't go wrong with rich charmeuse satin, feminine silhouettes and sparkling beaded accents. A wide range of colors for spring 2009 include purple, fuchsia, turquoise, red, emerald green and more.
Be unique with prints from animal to floral - and everything in between! From sweet to sophisticated, prints can add a beautiful element to your look.