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You have a date, you've booked a green hair appointment, but you still need to find the perfect dress. If you're as worried about showing up to find a dress twin as you are about the health of the planet, why not find a way to make a unique and eco-friendly statement with a recycled prom dress?
There are tons of places to find once-worn prom dresses. It just takes a little legwork and maybe a few alterations—which, let's face it, isn't all that different from a brand spanking new dress.
To find the best dresses, head to consignment and vintage stores with reputations for higher-end product. Not only will you find something unique and special, you'll be reusing an item rather than buying a new one—which would have meant huge manufacturing and shipping emissions (and quite possibly some sweatshop labor). While the dress will probably be cheaper than your average Jessica McClintock confection, unless you find a dress that fits your body double, you'll probably have to shell out some dough for alterations, so keep that in mind when you're buying.
If you've struck out with vintage and consignment, hit up your local second-hand stores. These stores often offer formal gowns and wedding dresses for as little as $10! I've gotten some fantastic '80s party dresses for around $15, and the only alteration I had to make was a raised hem on one of them. Go with friends and don't be afraid to try on something that looks hideous on the rack—it may just be très edgy on you.
No luck in the dressing room? Head back to the racks and take a closer look. At such a low price point, you can also afford to buy a few hideous confections to recycle them into one fantastic creation a la Andie Walsh (Molly Ringwald) in Pretty in Pink. Look past the ugly taffeta skirt and focus on the beautifully beaded bodice. Ignore the puffed shoulders that narrow into a three-quarter sleeve if you adore the fabric. Take the best of each gown and piece together your own prom dress. This option, of course, requires some sewing, but chances are you know someone with mad sewing skills, or you can probably afford to go to a pro since you only spent $40 on the gowns to begin with.
But before you head out to drop money at a re-store, consider options that won't cost a cent. Find out if there's an organized dress swap in your community (or start one!), or raid your mom's, grandmother's and aunts' closets—sometimes there's a vintage gem hidden amongst the mom jeans and granny florals.
Cara Smusiak writes on behalf of Naturally Savvy.com about how to live a more natural, organic and green lifestyle.
More on prom from Planet Green and TreeHugger:
Recycle Last Year's Prom Dress
Get Green Hair for Prom
Project Green Prom Offers Prizes to Eco-Friendly Prom Goers
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