MARIETTA, Ga. -- High school girls are already shopping for the perfect dress for the big night. Some are finding hot bargains at Hot Ticket Boutique in Marietta.
"This dress looks like $1,000 and it's $300," Roswell High School senior Kelsey Renoe said on a recent shopping trip.
"They're really great quality, really good prices," said Cheryl McConnell, a junior at Walton High School.
Some teens buy dresses here for a fraction of the retail price and in many cases bring them back to sell after one wearing. Hot Ticket is also popular for pageant contestants.
Renting is a second option. RentTheRunway.com has formal wear starting at $50. For a 10-percent discount through the end of March, use the discount code 11ALIVE at checkout.
In Athens, the annual Address A Need Sale sells hundreds of new and used gowns, and the proceeds are used to help benefit mental health organizations. This year's sale is March 2 and 3.
If you have designer taste on a shoestring budget, so does Daniel Troppy. His Double Take Boutique is an eclectic mix of high-end clothing he picks up at charity thrift sales. Double Take is located in StudioPlex at 659 Auburn Avenue #G7 Atlanta, Ga. 30312. Hours are limited so call ahead: (404) 935-8253.
A fifth option is to buy off season on the clearance rack. Designer dresses that retail for around $300 or $400 can be found for $50 and under.