The Best Prom Dress Stores

Thursday, April 25th

2024 Prom Dress Store Reviews

Macy's

• Priced from $35.53 to $798
• 414 prom dresses in stock
• Full-length and short dresses
• One-stop shop for clothing and beauty
• 90-day free returns on most items
• Buy in store or online
• Free shipping on $25+
• "A+" rating from the BBB

Macy's is a name almost everyone knows. As an American department store chain with a rich history dating back to 1858, Macy's is one of the retailers on our list that offers access to physical stores across the United States. The retail giant encompasses three well-known brands (Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and Bluemercury), and it offers an extensive range of products, from beauty items to home decor and clothing. Macy's stands out as one of the largest department store companies in the United States.

Navigation is a little confusing

Finding the prom dresses section on Macy's extensive website can take a little trial and error. The simplest way is to travel to the "Women's" tab and click on "Juniors" . Then, you'll need to scroll down the left-side navigation and click on prom dresses. However, if you use the "Dresses" page from the top-dropdown menu, you'll see a much more limited selection of prom dresses which is very confusing. Thankfully, once you get to the "Prom Dresses" page, there are plenty of ways to narrow your search. You can choose from some curated filters like "Plus size dresses," "Dresses under $150," or "After Party" or you can use the more traditional filters like dress length, color, price, style, size, brand, sleeve length, and more.

414 dresses in stock

At Macy's, there are over 400 prom dresses to explore. Most dresses are available in sizes ranging from 2 to 18. You can find 340 full-length dresses and 11 dresses in the short category. You can also expect to find dresses in almost every style from bodycon to ball gown. Whether you want a traditional dress or a more modern take, Macy's has plenty of prom dresses to choose from.

Prices from $35.53 to $798

At each retailer in our review, we looked at three different dress styles. This way, we could get an accurate price comparison between similar products. We looked at A-lines, ball gowns, and mini dresses to get a range of different tastes, and then we searched for the most and least expensive dress at Macy's. Here's what we found:

• A-line dresses: $39 to $698
• Ball gown dresses: $39.99 to $798
• Mini dresses: $35.53 to $109
• Cheapest dress: Juniors' Tiered Mesh Fit & Flare Dress (Black) for $35.53
• Most expensive dress: Women's Embellished Feather Cap Sleeve Illusion Neck Trumpet Gown (Black/Nude) for $798

90-day returns for most items and free shipping on $25+

Setting itself apart with a generous return policy, Macy's allows customers to return prom dresses within 90 days of purchase for any reason. However, keep an eye out for some prom dresses that have their own policies. For example, the most expensive dress sold at Macy's had a policy statement saying that you have to return it within 30 days rather than Macy's 90-day policy. On the bright side, that's still a pretty long policy, and Macy's offers free shipping on orders totaling at least $25.

Mixed reviews due to shipping concerns

While, like any large retailer, Macy's is not immune to criticism, it maintains a strong reputation and an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau. However, from third-party review sites, Macy's isn't as popular as some of our other competitors. For example, Macy's has only a 2.5-star rating average on Sitejabber. But, many of the comments are related to specific Macy's locations rather than the company as a whole. On the other hand, there were a few complaints about shipping to the wrong address or items not shipping fast enough, so you might want to keep an eye on your prom timeline if you want to order your dress to be delivered at home. Otherwise, you can always pick it up in the store right away.

Top option for reliability and quality

With a unique selection, a wide price range, an extended return window, and a solid reputation from the BBB, Macy's stands out as a truly reliable option for those seeking prom dresses online. It has dresses in every category with a range of sizes and colors available. You can make returns within 90 days on most items which is far above the industry average, and generally, you can trust the name-brand quality of the dresses sold at Macy's. For this reason, it gets a 5-star rating in our review for reliability and an impressive inventory.

Nordstrom

• Priced from $49.99 to $598
• 155 prom dresses in stock
• Full-length dresses
• One-stop shop for clothing and beauty
• Unlimited free returns on most items
• Buy in store or online
• Free shipping on all orders
• "A-" rating from the BBB

For over a century, Nordstrom has been a top-notch fashion retailer. With a variety of attractive clothing, shoes, and accessories for men, women, and kids, Nordstrom is a powerhouse in the world of department stores. Since its establishment in 1901, the company has been dedicated to excellent service, and this dedication has transformed Nordstrom from a modest Seattle shoe shop into the prominent fashion retailer it is today. Nordstrom now serves customers in over 350 Nordstrom, Nordstrom Local, and Nordstrom Rack locations, as well as through online shopping.

Easy browsing and helpful filters

Finding the prom section is pretty easy. All you need to do is check under the Women's section and then under the Shop By Occasion header, there's a section specifically for prom. Once you're there, you'll see an array of modern dress styles. You can easily filter them by the speed of shipping, size, color, brand, discount, how easy the fabric is to care for, and more. The listings themselves have color details before you even click through, so you can see the different options for each dress at a glance.

Solid variety but no minis

There are 155 different prom dresses to choose from at Nordstrom. These include knee-length, midi, and floor-length styles. However, we noticed there weren't any mini-dresses included in the prom section. But you will find most of the traditional styles like A-line and ballgown dresses here. There were 136 dresses in the floor-length category, offering plenty of picks for your upcoming prom.

Prices from $49.99 to $598

To compare Nordstrom's pricing with our other retailers, we looked at the same three dress styles at each store. We looked at A-lines, ball gowns, and mini dresses, but since Nordstrom didn't have any mini dresses in the prom section, we left that one out. We've also found the most and least expensive dress on the virtual rack. Here's what we found at Nordstrom:

• A-line dresses: $69 to $348
• Ball gown dresses: $49.99 to $598
• Mini dresses: No mini dresses in Nordstrom's prom section
• Cheapest dress: Marvelous Moment Sequin Fringe Gown (Black) for $49.99
• Most expensive dress: Sequin & Paillette Cutout Detail Gown (Blue ombre) for $598

Tailoring starts at $50

One benefit to shopping at Nordstrom is the company's impressive tailoring initiative. You can have any item customized - whether it's from Nordstrom or your personal wardrobe. You just need to schedule an appointment for an in-person tailoring session to have your prom dress expertly fitted. With rates starting at $50, a Nordstrom specialist will visit your home to mark and measure the dress. The $50 fee will be applied to cover any alteration costs for your prom dress.

Free shipping and returns

At Nordstrom, no matter what an item costs, you can enjoy complimentary shipping and hassle-free returns with every order. Free shipping goes everywhere in the US including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. The free standard shipping option is always available, and you can find the estimated delivery date on each product's page and during the checkout process. Plus, for a quicker and more convenient experience, you have the ability to buy online and pick up your order in person at a local Nordstrom store.

Impressive open return policy

Whether you shop in-store or online with the company, returning items is a breeze with Nordstrom. A prepaid shipping label will be sent to your email for you to print at home. If you don't have a printer, no worries - just show your QR code at an eligible USPS or FedEx location, and they'll print the label for you. Returns are typically processed within 10-14 business days, with refunds following 3-5 business days after processing. There is no listed time limit, but Nordstrom states that it will accept items back even without a receipt if you're willing to take store credit for the item's current sticker value.

Mixed reviews expected for large corporations

Like other department stores in our review, Nordstrom is a popular retail location with so many customers that there are a lot more complaints about it than for some of the smaller prom dress retailers. It pretty much comes with the territory of being a massive country-wide retailer. However, the good news is Nordstrom has a solid "A-" rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 3-star average from third-party sites like Sitejabber. The reviews swing back and forth between praise like "best service ever" and complaints about shipping and refunds.

Best shipping policy

There are a lot of benefits to shopping for prom dresses at Nordstrom. While the selection is about average, the return policy is flexible and you can score free shipping on every order, which stands out among Nordstrom's competitors. While there aren't any mini dresses in the prom section, there are other areas of the site if you're set on a mini dress for prom. Given the solid "A-" rating and the competitive price range, Nordstrom earns a high rating in our review of prom dress retailers.

Ever Pretty

• Priced from $29.99 to $319.99
• 185+ prom dresses in stock
• Size inclusive options
• Full-length and short dresses
• One-stop shop for dresses (bridal, prom, and more)
• 30-day return policy
• Tailoring offered
• "A+" rating and accreditation from the BBB

With over two decades of experience in the fashion industry, Ever Pretty has an impressive customer base worldwide. Originating in the European fashion market, the company expanded to the United States in 2011. Keeping a keen eye on global fashion trends, Ever Pretty designs dresses that reflect contemporary styles while aiming to be enduring additions to your wardrobe, so you can enjoy them for years to come. With a selection designed especially for prom, you can find modern hi-low cuts and more traditional A-line dresses all in one place.

Site design is helpful for browsing

Navigating the website is a simple process. The minimal design in white, black, and pink makes finding the prom section in the top nav bar a breeze. Ever Pretty allows you to filter prom dress results based on color, size, silhouette, neckline, length, straps, price, and availability. Each dress features a helpful and detailed description, with customer reviews and optional photos submitted by customers wearing the dress. Each listing also shows the color variations before you even click on the dress, making it simple to see the options at a glance.

185 different prom dresses

Ever Pretty has a collection of 185 different prom dresses for sale, and most of them are available in multiple colors and sizes ranging from 4 to 30 with some options for custom sizing too. You can find A-line, ballroom, mermaid, bodycon, and sheath cuts. 118 dresses were full-length styles while 12 of them were cocktail length. In the sale section, there were 150 different dresses, though there was no way to limit by event, so it's unclear how many of these are prom dresses.

Pricing from $29.99 to $319.99

To compare the costs at each prom dress retailer, we looked at dresses in the same style at every store. While we usually look at floor-length A-line dresses, ball gown-style dresses, and mini dresses, Ever Pretty doesn't offer ballgown-style in their prom dress section, so we only looked at the pricing for A-line and mini styles. We've also found the most and least expensive dresses to get an idea of the complete price range. Here's what we found at Ever Pretty:

• A-line dresses: $37.99 to $269
• Ball gown dresses: Unfortunately, Ever Pretty doesn't offer any ball gowns.
• Mini dresses: $29.99 to $69.99
• Cheapest dress: Glitter Round Neckline Sleeveless (5 colors in stock) for $29.99
• Most expensive dress: Plus Size Sequin Cape Short Sleeves Mermaid (2 colors in stock) for $319.99

Tailored dresses and free shipping on $80+

There are 25 prom dresses at Ever Pretty that allow custom sizing. On these dresses, you can input all of your sizing information and get a custom-made dress. Tailoring time does create an increased processing time of 21-28 days. Then, standard shipping (which is free on purchases $80+) will take 3-10 days depending on your exact location. If you buy the dresses that are sold in standard sizing, they won't have any extra processing time and will arrive in 3-10 days.

Returns within 30 days

The flexibility of Ever Pretty's return policy allows you a 30-day window to return dresses for any reason. You will need to pay for return shipping, and dresses must remain in their original condition to qualify for a full refund. However, Ever Pretty doesn't charge restocking fees unless you are trying to return 5+ dresses at the same time. In this case, you may have to pay fees ranging from 10%-20% of the original purchase cost, and remember that tailored dresses are final sale.

Most customers are happy with their gowns

Ever Pretty's "A+" rating and accreditation with the Better Business Bureau offers a lot of green flags for this company. Further, on third-party review sites like Trustpilot, Ever Pretty has a solid 4-star average. In general, customers praise Ever Pretty's customer service and the quality of the dresses. On a few reviews, there were concerns about getting full refunds and many of the higher-rated reviews also complained about the cost of return shipping. But otherwise, customers are generally happy with the service at Ever Pretty.

Great option for low-cost dresses

With low costs, impressive ratings, and a competitive selection of dresses, Ever Pretty stands out as a solid retailer for your prom shopping spree. While there are some complaints that you need to pay for return shipping, most customers are happy with the service at Ever Pretty. Despite a few drawbacks like slightly lower inventory than some competitors and zero options for ball gowns, Ever Pretty stands out as a solid, budget-friendly store for prom dresses. For that reason, it earns a solid rating in our review.

Lulus

• Priced from $19 to $166
• 890 prom dresses in stock
• Full-length and short dresses
• One-stop shop for dresses (bridal, prom, and more)
• 10-day free returns
• "A" rating from the BBB

If you're looking for a huge selection, high-end looks, unique styles, and a prom dress you'll never forget, hop on over to Lulu's ASAP. Lulu's stands out as a fashionable and sophisticated brand offering high-end clothing. Since its website debut in 2005, Lulu's has become a go-to destination for those seeking elegant gowns, stylish shoes, trendy swimsuits, chic jackets, fashionable pants, accessories, and more.

Easy to find dresses with customer photos to compare

Getting started on Lulu's is simple even if you don't immediately see a "Prom" tab on the top navigation bar. If you click under formal, you can easily find the prom category waiting for you. Once you've found the dresses, you can start filtering by size, color, price, style, neckline, sleeve and dress lengths, and popular options like "Prom [Current Year]" or "New In Prom''. Transparency is a feature of Lulu's, allowing shoppers to leave honest feedback on and photos of their purchases. While not all prom dresses have customer reviews, many do, offering insights into size accuracy and color representation, through star ratings and customer photos.

890 prom dresses in stock

The selection of prom dresses at Lulu's is huge. At the time of our review, there were 890 styles to choose from. Many of the dresses are available in multiple colors, and Lulu's offers sizes ranging from XXS to US10. You can find A-line, mermaid, bodycon, trumpet, tulip, and two-piece cuts, but ball gowns were notably missing from the prom section. 878 of the dresses were full-length styles while 13 of them were high-low. While we thought there weren't any mini dresses at Lulu's, we found them in a separate category from the main page. If you want to see the 408 different mini prom dresses, you'll want to click on "Short Prom Dresses'' in the Formal tab.

Prices from $19 to $166

To compare the costs at each prom dress retailer, we looked at three different dress styles at every store. Unfortunately, Lulu's doesn't have ball gown styles, so we could only get pricing for A-lines and mini dresses. We've also found the most and least expensive dresses to get an idea of the complete price range. Here's what we found at Lulu's:

• A-line dresses: $79 to $166
• Ball gown dresses: Unfortunately, Lulu's doesn't offer any ball gowns.
• Mini dresses: $19 to $119
• Cheapest dress: Sealed With a Kiss Red Ruffled Bodycon Dress (Red) for $19
• Most expensive dress: Most Beautiful Day Ivory Multi Floral Print Organza Maxi Dress (Ivory) for $166

2-day shipping

Lulu's distinguishes itself with its swift shipping process for prom dresses, which are not made-to-order. With a processing and shipping time of 48-72 hours, Lulu's promises prompt delivery. The checkout experience includes a shipping estimator tool that factors in warehouse processing times and your location, offering an accurate delivery date and occasionally free shipping (though this depends on current promos and specific items). Lulu's doesn't offer tailoring, so you don't have any extra manufacturing time to factor in.

10-day free returns

To send back an item to Lulu's, make sure it's in new condition - unworn, unwashed, and all vendor tags attached. If you postmark your return within the first 10 days after receiving it, you get free return shipping. But if it's more than 10 days after delivery, there's a $4.99 shipping fee, and a $1.49 restocking fee per item will also be deducted from your refund. You have up to 30 days to make your return, after which it won't be accepted in any condition.

Mixed reviews raise questions on quality

Lulu's currently holds an "A" rating from the Better Business Bureau, which reflects its commitment to excellence. However, on third-party review sites, the reviews are more mixed. While customer testimonials on Lulu's site highlight the high-quality apparel, excellent customer service, and reasonable pricing, reviewers on other platforms say otherwise. Customers have been sent the wrong dress and Lulu's has refused to send the correct item. Other customers complain that many of the more expensive items on the site feel "cheap" and don't live up to the price tag.

Good for discounts, but misses the mark for customer service

For anyone searching for the best place to shop for prom dresses online, Lulu's has tons of dresses to look through. However, despite its popularity, it is missing ball gown dresses which is surprising given its 800+ dress inventory. On top of that, the concerns from reviewers also raise some questions about the quality of the fabrics. This, plus the concerns about returns and customer service knock Lulu's down the rankings a bit compared to its more trustworthy competitors. So, despite the lower-than-average prices, Lulu's gets a good rating in our review.

David's Bridal

• Priced from $20.91 to $798
• 200+ prom dresses in stock
• Size inclusive options
• Full-length and short dresses
• One-stop shop for dresses (bridal, prom, and more)
• 7-day return policy
• 60-day exchange policy

Originating in 1950 as a solitary Florida bridal salon, David's Bridal has evolved into a global hub for weddings, proms, quinceaneras, and various special events. The company has a remarkable track record for turning dreams into reality, with the claim that one in three brides in the U.S. choose their dresses from David's Bridal. Whether it's the big event, a party, gala, shindig, or soiree, the company has plenty of dresses to choose from. What sets it apart for prom dresses is exclusive designs, great value, and a range of sizes for all body types.

Impressive filters and easy browsing

Finding prom dresses at David's Bridal is a breeze. There's an entire tab dedicated to the event. While all of these dresses are listed under juniors, there is sizing for all body types. David's Bridal allows you to narrow your options by color, length, size, silhouette, price, sleeve length, neckline, trends, brand, fabric, and more. We especially liked that the filters worked with visual aids, so the color filters showed colorful dots and the silhouette filters showed dress shapes in case you need clarification on the difference between mermaid/trumpet cut and sheath dresses. Many of the gowns show how many colors there are before you even click on the listing, making it easy to see all the dresses at a glance.

Choose from 200+ designs

David's Bridal offers 216 dresses in the prom dress section that include A-line, ball gown, mermaid, and sheath cuts. 166 of these dresses were full-length styles while 49 of them were shorter, cocktail styles. In the sale section, there were 14 dresses under the prom category and all of them were floor-length dresses.

Prices from $20.91 to $798

To make a more accurate price comparison at each store, we decided to shop by dress style. So, at each prom dress retailer, we looked at the price ranges for floor-length A-line dresses, ball gown-style dresses, and mini dresses. We also checked out the least and most expensive prom dresses at each location. Here's what we found at David's Bridal:

• A-line dresses: $41.99 to $299.95
• Ball gown dresses: $55.99 to $798
• Mini dresses: $20.91 to $159.95
• Cheapest dress: Charmeuse ruffled-hem mini dress (white) for $20.91
• Most expensive dress: Laura Drew ballgown (silver) for $798

Shipping time from 1-7 days

Most items at David's Bridal (at least in the prom section) are bought "as is" . So you just browse your size and purchase. During our research, we didn't find a field for alterations or modifications to dresses on any of the prom listings we checked. If you're determined to get a more custom dress, you may need to look outside of the prom section or contact David's Bridal's customer service. As for shipping, since you're not waiting for alterations, you can expect a 3-day processing time. Depending on the chosen shipping method, you can expect delivery within 1-7 days.

7-day returns

David's Bridal offers a very short 7-day return policy for prom dresses. You have to initiate returns ASAP if you're hoping to get a refund. Luckily, David's Bridal does offer a full refund in the original payment form, but dresses must be in new, unused condition with the original tags. Return shipping costs $12.50 for a prepaid shipping label which will be deducted from your final return amount. Now, if you'd rather make an exchange the policy is more lenient. You'll have 60 days to decide if you want to exchange one dress for another.

Mixed reviews and complaints about returns

Despite its popularity, David's Bridal receives average customer reviews. On the bright side, the company has improved its rating with the Better Business Bureau recently. While David's Bridal formerly held an "F" rating from the BBB, it has since brought that rating to a "C" . However, customer complaints often revolve around in-store experiences, citing issues with sales associates, alterations services, and perceived rudeness. With an average rating of 3.1 stars from Sitejabber, online shoppers frequently talk about difficulties in obtaining refunds in their reviews.

David's Bridal doesn't wow

While David's Bridal remains convenient for those who like to shop in a physical store and try on their dresses before buying, there are some concerns to keep in mind. With many customers having difficulties with returns and such a short return window, you may want to explore alternative options for your prom dress picks. While some of the exclusive dresses are nice, there are better selections and better customer service at higher-rated retailers.

ChicSew

• Priced from $107.99 to $440.99
• 263 prom dresses in stock
• Size inclusive options
• Full-length and short dresses
• Free custom sizing
• 7-15-day free return policy
• Reimbursement for tailoring

Step into ChicSew, a wedding brand born in 2012, exclusively dedicated to crafting bridesmaid dresses that stand out. With a portfolio encompassing over 30,000 bridesmaids, ChicSew departs from the conventional. The ChicSew dress designs are meant to be "mermaid" like, but not the way you might expect from a dress store. Rather than referring to the cut of the dress, ChicSew makes dresses that emulate the allure of a mermaid (the dresses accentuate each wearer's body curves and like it was made for them). The ChicSew style includes a clever side-slit design that not only showcases the leg line but also offers ease of movement.

Find your "True to size" dress

Shopping at ChicSew is simple. Even though the store bills itself primarily as a wedding spot, you can easily find prom dresses along the top navigation bar. You can start filtering out designs based on what's important to you with options like "fits true to size" or "shop by color" . Or if you prefer the standard filters, you can easily narrow down the prom dresses by price, neckline, styles, sleeves, embellishment, back details, and length. The only drawback is that there were glitches on the site, where the entire thing would flicker from time to time. This went away when we reloaded the page, but it came back a few minutes later. We also had some trouble with the filters. They do filter as asked, but the checkboxes stay empty even when you click on them, making it more confusing than some other retailers.

263 different prom dresses

We counted 263 different dresses available in ChicSew's prom dress section. The style variety was impressive, including popular styles like A-line, mermaid, and sheath cuts. 241 dresses were full-length styles while 17 of them were mini dresses or cocktail styles. Most of the dresses were already discounted, so we didn't find any other prom dresses in a special sale section of the site.

Prices from $107.99 to $440.99

For our price comparison, we decided to look at similar dress styles at each retailer. Usually, we look at three styles: floor-length A-line dresses, ball gown-style dresses, and mini dresses. However, ChicSew doesn't offer any ball gown-style dresses, so we just looked at the other two styles. We also looked for the least and most expensive prom dresses on the site. Here's what we found at ChicSew:

• A-line dresses: $125.99 to $314.99
• Ball gown dresses: Unfortunately, ChicSew doesn't offer any ball gown-style dresses.
• Mini dresses: $143.99 to $170.99
• Cheapest dress: Sexy Satin Side Slit Spaghetti Straps Midi (green) for $107.99
• Most expensive dress: Gorgeous High Neck Long Sleeves Luxury Mermaid (silver) for $440.99

Free custom dresses, but no free shipping

One of the features we loved about ChicSew was the alteration reimbursement policy. The retailer provides limited alteration reimbursement (ranging from $20 to $40) on all dresses, be they standard sizes or custom fits. Simply share a photo of your tailor's receipt, and let ChicSew take care of the rest. This is a great deal, allowing you to get your dress perfectly fit to your body without worrying about a lot of extra money. You can also select "custom size" on the site for free and enter your measurements for a tailored dress right from ChicSew. The production time is 5-10 days for a custom dress with a 5-10-day shipping time after that. Since all dresses are made to order, you can expect the same manufacturing time for all dresses. Actual shipping costs depend on the cost of the dress. Shipping can be anywhere from $5.99 to $279.99. Ouch!

7- to 15-day returns with size limitations

If you want to make a return, there are some limitations. You need to request a return within 7 days of receiving the item and the package must be sent back within 15 days from the delivery date. Beyond this limited return window, ChicSew only offers a full refund for damaged, defective, or incorrectly shipped standard-size dresses. You will need to provide photographic evidence if you're returning for a quality problem. Now, if you're shopping for a dress larger than US14, then you're out of luck. You can't get a refund on any dresses larger than US14. For dresses below that size, you can get a 90% discount if you return for a reason other than a defect. Custom dresses are typically non-returnable unless there is a quality issue, as they are considered final sale.

Concerning reviews and a mixed reputation

In terms of reputation, it's a bit of a mixed bag for ChicSew. The company isn't rated by the Better Business Bureau, but there is an alert for the company showing that while ChicSew lists headquarters in Delaware, it's actually located in China. On top of that, ChicSew just doesn't have a lot of buzz. The company holds a 4.3-star average but there are just over 100 reviews on Trustpilot. On Sitejabber, the average is down to 2.4 stars out of 5 and the feedback is almost evenly split between 1- and 5-star reviews. Some of the positive reviews include comments about high-quality fabrics and perfect fits on custom dresses. However other customers complained about extremely long wait times for shipping (up to 2 months for a dress to arrive). Others noted that even with dresses that had defects, they couldn't get in contact with customer service, and lost a lot of money in the process.

Shop here with caution

While the dresses are pretty, this wedding-focused site may not be ideal for most prom dress customers. ChicSew promises body positivity and custom-made dresses, but won't allow returns for sizing over US14. Further, customer reviews say that even the limited return policy may not help you, as it was a struggle to get a hold of customer service to help. This seems like a case where the site seems too good to be true. For this reason, ChicSew earns a cautionary rating to do your research (and get all your measurements right) if you want to shop here.

Windsor

• Priced from $9.97 to $299.90
• 931 prom dresses in stock
• Full-length dresses and short dresses
• One-stop shop for all formalwear
• Free returns in store
• Free shipping orders $75+

Founded in 1937 as a hosiery and lingerie store, Windsor began with the mission "to create an oasis that inspires and empowers women." In 1957 Windsor expanded its purview to special occasion dresses. With continuous growth, the company joined the online retail space in 1998 and currently has over 200 national brick-and-mortar stores. Windsor is renowned for its affordable range of clothing, shoes, dresses, and accessories, and an impressive number of prom dresses.

Simple browsing experience

Browsing Windsor is simple and fun. The purple and white color scheme makes it easy to find what you need at a glance. The prom section is highlighted at the top navigation bar, so you don't even need to hunt for it. Once you've gotten to the prom section, you can filter your options by size, color, price, style, accents, length, and more. On top of that, Windsor allows you to leave unfiltered reviews with notes about fit and any other thoughts you might have about the dresses. Checking out other customer's comments may help you to guide your purchase.

A dress for every aesthetic

Windsor's collection includes an impressive 931 prom dresses, showcasing a variety of colors and styles. Many of the dresses offer at least 2 color options and sizes from XXS to XL or US0-US15. You can find 622 full-length styles and 228 short or mini dresses at Windsor. With popular styles like mermaid, bodycon, and ball gown, you can find a dress that fits your aesthetic on Windsor.

Prices from $9.97 to $299.90

So, what about Windsor's pricing? To compare it with our other retailers, we looked at the same three dress styles at each store: A-lines, ball gowns, and mini dresses. We've also found the most and least expensive dress. Here are the results for Windsor:

• A-line dresses: $19.97 to $299.90
• Ball gown dresses: $44.99 to $249.90
• Mini dresses: $9.97 to $159.90
• Cheapest dress: Ella Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress (Blue) for $9.97
• Most expensive dress: Lizette Strapless A-Line Ruffle Pleated Tulle Gown (Lavender) for $299.90

Free shipping on $75+

Windsor has a competitive processing time of 1-2 business days before shipping. In busier times, like peak seasons, processing times may stretch to 3-4 days. In terms of shipping times, you can expect economy shipping to be anywhere from 5-8 business days. If your order is $75 or more, the shipping is free and any order under that threshold has a shipping fee of $5.99.

Free returns if you live near a Windsor location

While Windsor's general return policy is 30 days, the policy for Special Occasion and Formal Dresses is a little different. For your prom dress you'll have a 14-day window from the original purchase ship date to make a return. Windsor offers three return options: you can return the item to any store location for free, use Happy Returns at a Return Bar location for $4.95, or mail your return to Windsor with a prepaid label for $7.95.

Reputation shows concerning practices

At the time of this review, Windsor lacked a Better Business Bureau rating, and unfortunately, the reviews from third-party review sites don't offer many positives. Complaints encompass issues with low-quality items, poor customer service, and dresses that fell apart when they arrived. There are also complaints about lengthy shipping times and orders that never arrive at all. With an average rating of 2.2 stars out of 5, Windsor's reputation needs a lot of work before it earns a higher rating in our review.

Poor-quality dresses aren't worth the price

Waiting forever for a dress only to find out the quality is poor or the item is falling apart isn't how you want to spend your prom season. For this reason, Windsor gets a lower rating in our review. While the pricing is great, you're getting what you pay for. While the selection at Windsor keeps it from being in the bottom three, it's still not a favorite for prom season. If you're looking for a reliable retailer, check out some of our top-rated options instead.

ASOS

• Priced from $32 to $409
• 500+ prom dresses in stock
• Size inclusive options
• Full-length and short dresses
• One-stop shop for fashion
• 14-day free return policy

Based in Greater London, ASOS stands out in the fashion world by doing things differently. The brands sold at ASOS are crafted by the London design team to offer you the latest clothing, shoes, accessories, and gifts.

Body positivity

The brand curation at ASOS involves selecting clothing that's pro-diversity and offers fantastic exclusives and exciting collaborations. As if that's not enough, they also offer top-notch Face + Body products for self-expression. Emphasizing body positivity, the company actively promotes a healthy body image, working with over 200 models who represent their audience authentically. With a commitment to not digitally alter appearances, the company offers prom dresses for every body type with a unique flair you might not find at other dress retailers today.

Tons of filters to help you pick

Shopping for prom dresses on ASOS is a breeze. You can easily find the prom section under the "Dresses" tab on the top bar. From there, you can browse ASOS's curated selection by using the filters. You can narrow down dresses by season, discount, style, dress type, neckline, brand, color, sleeve length, body fit, dress length, size, and more. While the listings could use some extra details like color options or alternate designs, the overall shopping experience is user-friendly.

547 dresses available

At ASOS you can expect to find 547 different dresses in the prom section of the store. Many of these styles are more unique than the standard A-line, ball gown, mermaid, and sheath cuts, but you can find most of those styles at ASOS too. 232 dresses were full-length styles, while 110 of them were mini dresses or cocktail styles. There were 48 different dresses under the discount filter, which provides more options if you're prom dress shopping on a budget.

Prices from $32 to $409

To compare dresses at each store, we decided to look at similar dress styles at each retailer. We picked three styles to compare: floor-length A-line dresses, ball gown-style dresses, and mini dresses. We also found the prices for the least and most expensive prom dresses. Here's what we found at ASOS:

• A-line dresses: $54.99 to $202
• Ball gown dresses: Unfortunately, ASOS doesn't offer any ball gown-style dresses.
• Mini dresses: $36 to $345
• Cheapest dress: ASOS DESIGN racer neck satin slip midi dress (chocolate) for $32
• Most expensive dress: ASOS EDITION Gem encrusted cami midi dress (blush) for $409

Free standard shipping on orders $50+

Standard shipping at ASOS is 7 days and many of the items at ASOS qualify for free shipping. If you spend more than $50, your item will qualify for free shipping. There isn't a lengthy processing time at ASOS either, as the dresses are "as is" , meaning the site doesn't offer alterations.

Free returns within 14 days

When it comes to ASOS returns, you can make free returns if you do so within 14 days of receiving your prom dress. However, if you send something back after that period, the company will charge you a fee. If you return an item within 28 days of its delivery ASOS will deduct a fee of $3.99 for your return. If, for any reason, you can't return the item within the specified timeframes but still request a refund, ASOS suggests that you reach out to their customer service team, but the decision to grant a refund is at its discretion.

Lots of complaints about customer service

Unfortunately for ASOS, the reviews have come in, and they're not good. According to the page for ASOS on the Better Business Bureau, the retailer has the lowest possible "F" score. This is due to over 300 registered complaints in the last three years. The news isn't much better from third-party review sites. At Sitejabber, ASOS has just 1.5 out of 5 stars on average, and at Trustpilot, the company has a mid-tier 3-star average. Customers complain about issues with returns and blocked accounts as well as problems with customer service reps being rude. While there are some five-star reviews in recent years, these mostly focus on item quality and unique designs. There are some reviews praising customer service, but these are much less frequent than the complaints.

Trendy dresses not worth the poor ratings

If you want truly unique dresses, ASOS may be a place you want to browse, but if you're looking for more traditional prom dresses or options that offer alterations, you're going to want to keep looking. With myriad concerns about returns and customer service, ASOS's "F" rating raises some red flags as well. It could be worth a look if you're a trendsetter fashionista, but keep in mind you may struggle to return your dress if you don't like it. For these reasons, we recommend you check out our more highly-rated retailers instead.

Milanoo

• Priced from $47.99 to $297.99
• 169 prom dresses in stock
• Full-length and 1 short dresses
• One-stop shop for men and women
• 14-day returns
• Option for custom dress

Milanoo is an online clothing retailer hailing from Chengdu, China. Founded in 2008, Milanoo offers clothing for men and women with an extensive number of products including wedding and prom dresses. However, despite the abundance of fashionable choices, customer feedback suggests that Milanoo falls short of meeting expectations. You may want to use caution if you plan to shop at Milanoo. Read on to see why.

Website is a little busy

At first glance, Milanoo feels busy. The site design overall is clean, but the photos come from a wide variety of different sources. Some even seem to have come from red carpet photos. On top of that, there are pop-up ads and discount banners along the sides of the screen that make it feel a little crowded.

Hard to find the prom section

Finding the prom section is also a little confusing. From the Milanoo landing page, you might be inclined to start with "dresses" , but this won't get you where you need to go. Instead, you want to start by clicking "Wedding." From there, you'll see another tab labeled "Occasion Dresses" where you'll find a drop-down menu with Prom Dresses hidden on that final list. Once you've gotten to the prom section, shopping is pretty simple. You can filter by price, color, length, silhouette, neckline, sleeve length, and more.

169 different dresses to choose from

There is a competitive variety of dresses at Milanoo. You'll find 169 different prom dresses on sale. Sizes for most dresses ranged from US2-US26W. You'll find 45 dresses in the full-length category and 1 mini-prom dress. The others are a mix of high-low and bodycon options.

Prices from $47.99 to $297.99

At Milanoo we looked at the same three dress styles that we checked at every other retailer. We looked at A-lines, ball gowns, and mini dresses to see how Milanoo's prices matched up against the other retailers. We've also found the most and least expensive dress. Here's what we found at Milanoo:

• A-line dresses: $47.99 to $292.99
• Ball gown dresses: $81.59 to $297.99
• Mini dresses: There was only one dress for $84.99
• Cheapest dress: Silver Bridesmaid Long Lace Tulle A Line (silver) for $47.99
• Most expensive dress: Long Prom Dresses Luxury V Neck Rhinestones (Blue) for $297.99

Shipping in 10-20 days

Given that Milanoo is based in China, you may want to plan ahead a little extra. For most items, you can expect longer-than-average shipping. Processing times for dresses are estimated at 6-12 days, with 4-8 days for shipping. Keep an eye on the listings for the dress you choose, as the shipping times may be different depending on what you buy. There is also an option for custom sizing, which doesn't have a timeframe listed, but you can expect the processing for a custom dress to be even longer. The custom size is free, so your only worry would be time.

14-day returns

If you buy a standard-size prom dress, your dress will be eligible for returns. You have 14 days to return your item to Milanoo. You must have the original packaging and original price tag, and the items must be unworn and unwashed to qualify for a refund. If you choose a custom-sized dress, you won't be able to return the item at all. While Milanoo's return policy doesn't mention shipping charges, there is a 15% restocking fee for all items sent back for a refund.

Reviews show it might be safer to shop elsewhere

Milanoo lacks a Better Business Bureau rating, but online customer complaints are plentiful. Criticisms include dresses that are significantly different in person from online images, challenges in returning items, and dresses being low-quality fabrics. According to Sitejabber, Milanoo has just a 2.8-star average with many reviews accusing Milanoo of false advertising. Customers never received their items in some cases and were never reimbursed.

Not worth the potential disappointment

Despite potentially offering some decent prices, Milanoo's problematic shipping and returns as well as quality issues with dresses make it a less appealing choice for your prom dress. Considering the risks involved (missing items, slow shopping, or just not loving your dress when it arrives), you may want to aim for a retailer that has a track record of happy customers instead.

SHEIN

• Priced from $11 to $307.79
• 4,000+ prom dresses in stock
• Full-length dresses and short dresses
• One-stop shop for everything
• Free returns for 1 item in each order
• Free shipping orders $29+

SHEIN, a worldwide online fashion and lifestyle retailer, is dedicated to bringing fashion's beauty within everyone's reach. Using its "proprietary" manufacturing technology, the company connects suppliers to a flexible supply chain, minimizing inventory waste and offering affordable products. Operating from its global offices, SHEIN serves customers in over 150 countries. However, before you get excited by the low prices, read through the concerning red flags we found for this retailer.

Hard to find what you need

While there's a lot to look at on SHEIN, from home appliances to clothing to automotive products, this is a bit of a drawback when it comes to browsing. SHEIN's prom dresses aren't easy to find from the home page. After some trial and error, it was easiest for us just to type in Prom Dress in the search bar and select the most accurate result that popped up. There are so many things to scroll through on SHEIN, you could be there all day just looking for the prom section.

Dress section looks a little too familiar

Once you find the dresses though, you might think the storefront looks super familiar. If you checked out our review for Milanoo, you might even confuse SHEIN for the same site since the layout is so similar (including the coupons on the right-hand side). The filters are likewise similar including options like color, fit, style, length, and some unique filters like material, pattern, details, and more.

Insane number of dresses

There are over 4,000 different prom dresses on SHEIN. These include cuts like A-line, bodycon, and tank dresses. The sizes range from XS to XXL with tall sizing as well. You'll find nearly 2,000 products for full-length dresses and 29 options for mini dresses. This is the largest collection we've seen in our review, beating out all of our companies for the most prom dresses at one retailer.

Prices from $11 to $307.79

With so many dresses for sale, we definitely needed to get you some prices for SHEIN. Like at our other retailers, we looked at the same three dress styles at each store. We looked at A-lines, ball gowns, and mini dresses and found the most and least expensive dresses. Here's what showed up for SHEIN:

• A-line dresses: $18.01 to $301.79
• Ball gown dresses: There wasn't a separate category for ball gowns, but many of the A-line styles would fit ball gowns too.
• Mini dresses: $22.75 to $55.39
• Cheapest dress: SHEIN Belle Cut Out Front Velvet Formal Dress (Purple) for $11
• Most expensive dress: Women's Sparkling Mesh See-Through Floor-Length Dress With High Slit Sleeves For Evening Party (Red) for $307.79

Free shipping on $29+

While there aren't any options for tailoring at SHEIN, you can enjoy free shipping on orders over $29. Standard shipping is typically estimated to take around 10 days, with SHEIN promising that most items ship in a much shorter timeframe. While this isn't the case for many who left reviews for SHEIN, the low threshold for free shipping is a bonus.

Free returns on the first item in any order

For all clothing items, including wedding dresses, suits, and other formal attire, SHEIN requires them to be returned in a new, unworn, unwashed, undamaged, and unaltered condition with the original tags attached. The company provides a free return shipping label for your first return package with any order. Make sure to use the provided return label and send the return package postmarked within 35 days after the purchase date. If you need to make other returns from the same order, you can still use the provided Return Label, but a $7.99 shipping fee will be deducted from your refund.

Reviewers warn to stay away

Now, with prices like SHEIN's, you are probably getting what you pay for. Or at least, that's what the reviews are saying. SHEIN is rated by the Better Business Bureau, but the news isn't good: the company holds an "F" rating. On third-party review sites, SHEIN also isn't popular. At Sitejabber, SHEIN has a 1.8-star average. Ouch. Customers say that there is zero support from customer service and that you should only buy from SHEIN if you're 100% sure about your purchase. Customers have also complained about lost packages, SHEIN refusing to process returns, and items coming damaged or being extremely poor quality.

Too much uncertainty

Bottom line? SHEIN has great discounts and an insane number of prom dresses, but it's not worth the potential stress of trying to get your money back if something goes wrong. Prom is supposed to be a fun and exciting time, not stressful, and from the reviews out there, buying your prom dress at SHEIN might make it one of the most stressful events of the year (if the dress even arrives). Our recommendation? Check out one of our top-rated services instead.