As homecoming comes around, prices on formal wear (and other things you’d need for homecoming) go up. With high demand for formal wear during homecoming season and inflation, things can get super expensive. Not everyone wants to spend the money on things you can get cheaper. Additionally, some wait until the last minute which means that money may be scarce by homecoming if you’re not careful. Some people might find it difficult to find the right things to still feel comfortable in what they’re wearing for less, but you just need to know where to look.
For dresses or tuxes, a great way to get them cheaper would be thrifting. Park Avenue Thrift is a great option along with Goodwill. They both have a nice selection of formal clothes to choose from in different sizes. Another wonderful and affordable option is Walmart, though it has more casual options than other stores. If you’re an Amazon user and have credits/points on the app (from returns), you can order a dress or suit with them for a discounted price, you could even earn a free outfit. David’s Bridal is a bit pricier but definitely a great choice for picking a nice dress/suit while having a wider selection to choose from. Shein can be good for dresses (not as much for suits) but you have to look at reviews, ratings, and the material it is made of as some of it is cheaper.
Accessory-wise, Hobby Lobby, Walmart, Park Avenue Thrift, and Goodwill will be your best friends. Watches, necklaces, bracelets, corsages, and hair pieces are cheaper in some places than others. The thrift stores that are listed above have vases full of jewelry and specifically, Park Avenue has beautiful options in the front of the store at the cash register. Hobby Lobby and Walmart both have bundles of accessories that aren’t too pricey including rings, hair pieces, necklaces, earrings, and face gems. Hobby Lobby also sells fake flowers if you want to make your own corsage or bouquet that will last forever.
Great places to find shoes would be Park Avenue, Walmart, and Goodwill as they all have reasonably priced dress shoes. When thrifting shoes, you must be careful to select the shoes carefully, so they don’t cause any problems with your feet or walking. Shoes that are already worn and have the shape of someone else’s feet may cause discomfort while walking or standing because their foot pattern is not the same as yours. Try looking at the bottom of the shoe and seeing how smooth it is or the inside to check if there is a footprint imprinted into the sole. The most comfortable option would be shoes from Walmart but the cheapest would be Goodwill or Park Avenue Thrift, as long as you exercise caution.
Everyone should be able to have a great time and feel comfortable in what they’re wearing to homecoming. Walmart is great if you’re looking for specifics. Thrifting is such an easy solution to being low on money during homecoming and a great way to be money-smart. Not everything has to be expensive to look good, even what you wear to the dance.
