The weather is heating up, school is almost out, but there’s one more event before you say goodbye to class for two months, PROM! Ohhhh, prom—where dreams come true and memories are made. Sigh. But the prices of paying for your outfit is forever remembered. Wait! There’s a solution! This year, buy used clothing at your local thrift store to save money and still look fly at prom!

Ok, ok, we know what you’re thinking. Shop for my prom outfit at a thrift or second hand store? Won’t I only find clothes that are super outdated and old or ones that look used? The answer is no! What you will find is something super original, still in good condition and half the price of what you would pay for something new.

Are you sold now? If not, here are some other advantages and ways to save money by buying used clothing for prom.

Vintage Is In

Vintage pieces are SO in right now. Some people actually pay more money for a vintage dress so that they are different than everyone else. Well, we’re going to let you in on a little secret—vintage dresses can be found at thrift stores. Some words of advice: start looking early, look at all the thrift stores and check back often.

Many Dresses Are Only Worn Once

If you think about it, a prom dress is typically only worn once and for only a couple of hours! Many girls spend hundreds of dollars on something that is on their body for a couple hours. So, the dresses you are looking at in a thrift store are generally in great condition because of that, but up to 50 percent off of their original price.

If you can’t find one that you like enough at your local thrift store, Rent the Runway is an awesome site where you can rent dresses for the night for a fraction of their actual price. So a designer dress that retails for $1,000 can be yours for the night for $150. You only wear it once anyways, right?

Chunky Bold Jewelry for Cheap and Better Quality

Costume jewelry is all the rage right now. Guess what? It also used to be about 20 years ago so you’re in luck! Also, things were made with better quality back then. So those items you get at Forever 21 may be cheap but will they make it through your night of dancing? You can never tell! Well-made jewelry from the past however is trustworthy and again is unique. Get ready to be flooded by compliments!

We won’t even get into all the other accessories that you can score for a deal by buying them used—such as purses, shoes, etc.

Suits/Dress Attire for Men

Don’t worry guys, we haven’t left you out! They’re ways for you to save money for prom too! Imagine having more money left to take your date to a really nice dinner or rent a limo! Wouldn’t it be nice to spend more money on the experience rather than spending a couple hundred dollars for a suit that looks identical to all your male counterparts?

Add a little style and stand out from the crowd by buying used clothing from a thrift store for prom. Even better, here’s a date idea for you—go on a thrift store shopping adventure with your prom date, but don’t let each other see what you end up picking so that’s it’s a surprise on the big day!

The Biggest Bonus

Guess what one of the biggest bonuses is about buying used clothing for prom? No one and we mean NO ONE will be wearing the same thing as you! Can you imagine having that awkward moment of walking into the dance and the first thing you see is another girl wearing the exact same dress that you’re wearing? Don’t worry, you don’t have to! Because that won’t be happening to you if you buy used clothing for your prom outfit!

There you have it prom fashionistas. Time to boogie down to your local thrift shop to score some deals on used clothing for your special night! Head on down to the Arc Store and bring the $5 Coupon below with you!