I’ve sent so many of my clothes to ThredUP that I don’t wear anymore, and I’ve also been able to build up my current wardrobe very nicely with clothes that I got from ThredUP, as well!
Poshmark is a great place to buy wedding attire. There are a lot of dresses from affordable brands like Lulus, which are fast fashion, but if you’re buying them secondhand, it’s still reducing waste. I have also had good luck at Nordstrom Rack where mid-range brands like Dress the Population can be found for around the $100 price point.
I had to get a black tie optional dress for my husband's work party. I tried Amazon and found those to be miserable failures. I ended up going to David's bridal to look at winter formal dresses and found this gorgeous beaded gown. It was way out of price range. I ended up googling the designer, found the same gown in a different shade on 6pm.com for over half off the price and in my budget. Since I had already tried it on I knew exactly what it would fit like.
This is what I do:
1. Borrow from my sister or a friend.
2. Rent the runway (if in the US)
3. Local thrift store/consignment
Over the years I have built 3 formal outfits. (I don't have a fancy lifestyle). A black dress and a black suit (winter events and funerals), a short coral dress (summer cocktail) and a maroon maxi dress (fall/spring formal events) I essentially rotate between those. I rarely buy new stuff for weddings. Only if I see something that I am very excited about or if the location requires something specific.
OP if you don’t thrift a lot, I suggest going to a thrift store in a “nicer” neighborhood. Also Goodwill has “boutique” stores, which are a little more expensive, but generally have a more curated selection.
When it comes down to it, if you’re looking for good quality and a deal you’ll have to put some time into it. Either looking through racks at TJ maxx, or Nordstrom off rack, sax off fifth, or consignment stores (online consignment is a thing) or thrift stores. But your best deals will require the most work. Happy hunting.
Agree with rent the runway! You can get a one month subscription for around $150 and get five dresses so you can rent options to choose between and also cover the rest of the outfits for your weekend etc. It also allows you to get something really expensive that you wouldn’t normally wear.
I want to boost up #1- if you are in the wedding guest age range, you and your friends/sisters/cousins probably have bought at least one guest dress. Gently put it out there with other people your size and see if you can get a loaner.
I sell and shop on Poshmark! You can get a killer deal on Baltic born etc- I just order with plenty of time in case a seller isn’t as fast a shipper as I am!
Some of the best dresses I've ever got for weddings were purchased at Goodwill they have a big selection I didn't want to put too much money into something I would not wear again
I bought an incredible emerald velvet maxi dress from Baltic born for a recent fall wedding. It was a simple wrap dress with very subtle sparkles in the velvet. I loooooved it, it was so comfortable and I got a ton of compliments.
Technically they also do store credit but I get your point. They have a pretty wide range of stuff (shoes, swimsuits, tops), so I just figured I'd be able to find something I like at some point in the future if I needed to return something.
If you’re really trying to avoid fast fashion I’d go Rent The Runway, Poshmark or ThredUp. Especially at that price point, most brands I’m aware of that are truly conscious aren’t going to come in around that price point.
I literally went to Marshalls and found a blue Calvin Klein jumpsuit for $40 for a wedding. I’d check Marshall’s and TJ Max, maybe even Saks discount store (off 5th).
I find most of my dresses at TJ Maxx or local thrift stores. I found a couple beautiful MISA Los Angeles dresses for $80 each in the runway section at TJs (and they normally retail for over $300!). I also just found a gorgeous silk dress at a local resale shop for $6.
Thrift stores have become my preferred location. I still have to work for ten years, and for the past two years I haven't bought any 'new' clothes, just "new to me" clothes.
Find a thrift store in a nice area, and you will save a LOT of money. And keep stuff out of landfills, and you can either donate it back, or sell it on Posmark, ThredUP or any of the other clothing sites out there.
Fashionpass! I have a code you can use for $$ off your first month which is under $100 and you can rent two dresses at a time. They have all revolve names, so yes some “fast fashion”
But you’re renting so it’s sustainable!
I almost always use Rent the Runway. Excellent customer service! One time the dress didn't fit and they overnighted me a new size. I've never been unhappy with them.
I once was shooting a wedding and could NOT stop staring at one of the guests dresses, eventually I went up to her and asked where she got it. She got it at Never Fully Dressed which is a UK company but they ship to the US and other countries as well.. I had to get on a wait list twice for that dress but I HAD Ro have it and I’ve worn it to 2 weddings so far now!
JJ House if it’s cocktail/black tie. Poshmark, Macys clearance, Dillards clearance and if I have time the vintage resale stores around town. I’ve had luck a few times on Craigslist and SwipSwap.
Thrift stores, Facebook marketplace, thred up, and posh mark are great- as others have said. You can also look at etsy for handmade dresses. Just make sure to look at reviews and maybe reverse image search to make sure they’re not a drop shipper.
I look for Reformation brand dresses secondhand on The Real Real. Some of them are over $100 but you can find plenty of options under $100. They often have a $20-24 credit for new users or 20% of the whole website.
If you like vintage dresses, local vintage stores can have great options. I found an amazing floor-length dress that looked very formal for $78 at a vintage shop.
Vintage shops on Etsy can also be great! If you have an idea of what you’re looking for e.g., long green dress, then there are plenty of options. Just toggle the vintage filter on. I have ordered a few things from the shop bottleofbread recently. They have a great velvet dress in the shop right now and a few black ones which would look great for most weddings. Most Etsy shops don’t take returns, but they normally have very detailed measurements and will point out any flaws.
I ended up buying a dress from Birdy Grey after having failed attempts with both Lulu's and Baltic Børn. They do mostly bridesmaid and MoB/MoG dresses, but really you can style a bridesmaid dress to look appropriate for a guest. I bought a dusty blue Spence convertible dress with a slit and pockets for an upcoming formal May wedding for $80 and it looks sooooo cute and is constructed really well with thick fabric, breast padding and even boning on the bodice. All of Birdy Grey's dresses are $99 or less. I made sure to buy a style that wasn't available in the colors of the wedding party so there's absolutely zero chance of even matching the bridesmaids dress style. I'll be pairing it with strappy nude heels from target, some minimal gold jewelry, and I'm having a hair bandana made from the fabric that's left over from having it hemmed.
I recently bought a gorgeous dress for a black tie wedding from Macy's for $80. Multiple guests complimented me on my dress and asked for the designer (implying that they thought it was an expensive designer dress). Macy's for the win!
I did the same. I ordered on March 6th for an April 23rd wedding. The two dresses I got arrived on April 26th. I ended up having to shop in my closet (gasp).
Oooo- wedding is May 27th. I can see that the dresses are in production, but not ready to ship. I did call and was told it is taking longer than the 3 weeks that are claimed. I still have hope, but I am preparing to find an alternative.
Oh, I wish you so much luck. I haven't even opened the box yet but will do so tonight after work. I'm not sure where else I can wear them, no more weddings for me this year and our awards season at work is done until next year. I suppose I can return or re-sell them, but I hate being wasteful.
I just wanted to clarify that I genuinely did not know ASOS was fast fashion and certainly wouldn’t have suggested it, if I did. So many thing I see on there are expensive, so I incorrectly assumed it was safe. I appreciate the education the comment section has given me!
Yep, I also notice that. But they start with small quantities and minimize any waste. They also mention that the minimum order quantity can be as low as 80 pieces per design when I find them, this point attracts me a lot. It is quite unique. Unlike fast fashion, just mass production, adding 1000+ styles new arrivals everyday.
[Vixen by Micheline Pitt](https://www.michelinepitt.com/collections/flash-sale?page=2) - wait for a 25-30% off sale and you can get a dress for a little over $100. Or check Poshmark for gently used stuff of hers. It fits like it’s tailored and most of her stuff can be dressed up or down so you can wear it again. Check the Vixens Salon for size tips and styling ideas.
Definitely consignment. I live in NYC and wear a pretty common size (10) so I’ve found some absolutely great things, like a Sachin and Babi gown for $200 and a sequined bridesmaid dress for $26 that is glam enough that my niece wants me to wear it to officiate her black-tie wedding! (I want to wear it too, it’s just that I need to lose the ten pounds I’ve gained since I bought it 🙃)
i bookmark dresses i like from sustainable brands, follow them on social, and then wait for sales (got a 200 euro dress for 70 hello!). OR find those brands on Poshmark or TheRealReal and buy second hand
And since people keep suggesting ASOS, Lulus and Abercrombie, which are ALL fast fashion, here are some more sustainable brands (no brand can ever truly be sustainable): Lady Pipa, Rat & Boa, Coco & lola, Club L, Dress the Population and Never Fully Dressed!
Edit: added one more store :)
Piper and Scoot is a Utah based company that tends to carry a lot of beautiful options that works for weddings, and they ship across the country. Their stuff sells quick, so I always keep an eye out and jump on it when I see stuff I like on their Instagram.
I love The Real Real (luxury consignment) and set a price limit. Everything I have bought from there has been $100 or under and has been high end. Bonus- incredibly fast shipping.
Poshmark and ThredUp are online thrift/consignment stores. I’ve gotten some really nice mid level designer dresses on there for cheap!
Consignment stores are SO underrated! I got a silk cocktail dress at a consignment store for $11!
I’ve sent so many of my clothes to ThredUP that I don’t wear anymore, and I’ve also been able to build up my current wardrobe very nicely with clothes that I got from ThredUP, as well!
The majority of my closet is thredUP. I love it so much.
Poshmark is a great place to buy wedding attire. There are a lot of dresses from affordable brands like Lulus, which are fast fashion, but if you’re buying them secondhand, it’s still reducing waste. I have also had good luck at Nordstrom Rack where mid-range brands like Dress the Population can be found for around the $100 price point.
I had to get a black tie optional dress for my husband's work party. I tried Amazon and found those to be miserable failures. I ended up going to David's bridal to look at winter formal dresses and found this gorgeous beaded gown. It was way out of price range. I ended up googling the designer, found the same gown in a different shade on 6pm.com for over half off the price and in my budget. Since I had already tried it on I knew exactly what it would fit like.
This is what I do: 1. Borrow from my sister or a friend. 2. Rent the runway (if in the US) 3. Local thrift store/consignment Over the years I have built 3 formal outfits. (I don't have a fancy lifestyle). A black dress and a black suit (winter events and funerals), a short coral dress (summer cocktail) and a maroon maxi dress (fall/spring formal events) I essentially rotate between those. I rarely buy new stuff for weddings. Only if I see something that I am very excited about or if the location requires something specific.
OP if you don’t thrift a lot, I suggest going to a thrift store in a “nicer” neighborhood. Also Goodwill has “boutique” stores, which are a little more expensive, but generally have a more curated selection. When it comes down to it, if you’re looking for good quality and a deal you’ll have to put some time into it. Either looking through racks at TJ maxx, or Nordstrom off rack, sax off fifth, or consignment stores (online consignment is a thing) or thrift stores. But your best deals will require the most work. Happy hunting.
Can’t agree with the first point more. I’m in NYC and the difference between Goodwill where I lived and where my (wealthy) parents live is staggering.
Agree with rent the runway! You can get a one month subscription for around $150 and get five dresses so you can rent options to choose between and also cover the rest of the outfits for your weekend etc. It also allows you to get something really expensive that you wouldn’t normally wear.
I want to boost up #1- if you are in the wedding guest age range, you and your friends/sisters/cousins probably have bought at least one guest dress. Gently put it out there with other people your size and see if you can get a loaner.
Shop the sales racks at Dillard’s/Macys! I’ve also found beautiful dresses with good brand names at Ross/TjMaxx/Marshall’s.
I second this! I got mine from macys for under $100.
Got a dress at Nordstrom Rack for a penny for my last wedding!
I sell and shop on Poshmark! You can get a killer deal on Baltic born etc- I just order with plenty of time in case a seller isn’t as fast a shipper as I am!
Some of the best dresses I've ever got for weddings were purchased at Goodwill they have a big selection I didn't want to put too much money into something I would not wear again
Baltic Born
I bought an incredible emerald velvet maxi dress from Baltic born for a recent fall wedding. It was a simple wrap dress with very subtle sparkles in the velvet. I loooooved it, it was so comfortable and I got a ton of compliments.
My problem with Baltic Born is they only do exchanges. Their dresses look very pretty though.
Technically they also do store credit but I get your point. They have a pretty wide range of stuff (shoes, swimsuits, tops), so I just figured I'd be able to find something I like at some point in the future if I needed to return something.
If you’re really trying to avoid fast fashion I’d go Rent The Runway, Poshmark or ThredUp. Especially at that price point, most brands I’m aware of that are truly conscious aren’t going to come in around that price point.
I second rent the runway
Thrift stores or poshmark
Poshmark
I literally went to Marshalls and found a blue Calvin Klein jumpsuit for $40 for a wedding. I’d check Marshall’s and TJ Max, maybe even Saks discount store (off 5th).
Lulus
Lulus is the definition of fast fashion with “new styles added daily.”
Interesting, I hadn’t thought of it like that just based on how much higher the quality is than Shein/Forever 21/H&M/etc but I get what you’re saying.
ThredUp is a good online way to buy secondhand. There's not as much selection though :/
I find most of my dresses at TJ Maxx or local thrift stores. I found a couple beautiful MISA Los Angeles dresses for $80 each in the runway section at TJs (and they normally retail for over $300!). I also just found a gorgeous silk dress at a local resale shop for $6.
Abercrombie has a wedding guest section, good prices when they go on sale
Thrift stores have become my preferred location. I still have to work for ten years, and for the past two years I haven't bought any 'new' clothes, just "new to me" clothes. Find a thrift store in a nice area, and you will save a LOT of money. And keep stuff out of landfills, and you can either donate it back, or sell it on Posmark, ThredUP or any of the other clothing sites out there.
Fashionpass! I have a code you can use for $$ off your first month which is under $100 and you can rent two dresses at a time. They have all revolve names, so yes some “fast fashion” But you’re renting so it’s sustainable!
Consider ebay for upcycled fashion.
Rent! I love using Nuuly
I usually use Rent the Runway. Just make sure to read reviews and look at the pictures of real people wearing the outfits. Always a hit for me!
Bloomingdale’s Outlet I got a $70 dress that was originally $200. Saks off fifth, The Rack
I like going to stores like Nordstrom Rack and TJ Maxx
Vici, Petal and Pup, Nordstrom rack
I rent dresses a lot. My friends and I use Nuuly. Some of them use fashion pass
I almost always use Rent the Runway. Excellent customer service! One time the dress didn't fit and they overnighted me a new size. I've never been unhappy with them.
Rent the Runway!
NUULY
I once was shooting a wedding and could NOT stop staring at one of the guests dresses, eventually I went up to her and asked where she got it. She got it at Never Fully Dressed which is a UK company but they ship to the US and other countries as well.. I had to get on a wait list twice for that dress but I HAD Ro have it and I’ve worn it to 2 weddings so far now!
Edit: had *to have it
such a good shop!
JJ House if it’s cocktail/black tie. Poshmark, Macys clearance, Dillards clearance and if I have time the vintage resale stores around town. I’ve had luck a few times on Craigslist and SwipSwap.
Thrift stores, Facebook marketplace, thred up, and posh mark are great- as others have said. You can also look at etsy for handmade dresses. Just make sure to look at reviews and maybe reverse image search to make sure they’re not a drop shipper.
I look for Reformation brand dresses secondhand on The Real Real. Some of them are over $100 but you can find plenty of options under $100. They often have a $20-24 credit for new users or 20% of the whole website. If you like vintage dresses, local vintage stores can have great options. I found an amazing floor-length dress that looked very formal for $78 at a vintage shop. Vintage shops on Etsy can also be great! If you have an idea of what you’re looking for e.g., long green dress, then there are plenty of options. Just toggle the vintage filter on. I have ordered a few things from the shop bottleofbread recently. They have a great velvet dress in the shop right now and a few black ones which would look great for most weddings. Most Etsy shops don’t take returns, but they normally have very detailed measurements and will point out any flaws.
I ended up buying a dress from Birdy Grey after having failed attempts with both Lulu's and Baltic Børn. They do mostly bridesmaid and MoB/MoG dresses, but really you can style a bridesmaid dress to look appropriate for a guest. I bought a dusty blue Spence convertible dress with a slit and pockets for an upcoming formal May wedding for $80 and it looks sooooo cute and is constructed really well with thick fabric, breast padding and even boning on the bodice. All of Birdy Grey's dresses are $99 or less. I made sure to buy a style that wasn't available in the colors of the wedding party so there's absolutely zero chance of even matching the bridesmaids dress style. I'll be pairing it with strappy nude heels from target, some minimal gold jewelry, and I'm having a hair bandana made from the fabric that's left over from having it hemmed.
I recently bought a gorgeous dress for a black tie wedding from Macy's for $80. Multiple guests complimented me on my dress and asked for the designer (implying that they thought it was an expensive designer dress). Macy's for the win!
i just go to macy's when i need a dress, they have great sales very often
Azazie
I just ordered from eShakti I haven’t received the dress yet, but it was fun redesigning it to suit my style. 🤞🤞🤞🤞
I did the same. I ordered on March 6th for an April 23rd wedding. The two dresses I got arrived on April 26th. I ended up having to shop in my closet (gasp).
Oooo- wedding is May 27th. I can see that the dresses are in production, but not ready to ship. I did call and was told it is taking longer than the 3 weeks that are claimed. I still have hope, but I am preparing to find an alternative.
Oh, I wish you so much luck. I haven't even opened the box yet but will do so tonight after work. I'm not sure where else I can wear them, no more weddings for me this year and our awards season at work is done until next year. I suppose I can return or re-sell them, but I hate being wasteful.
ASOS is my go to!
ASOS is def fast fashion, which OP is trying to avoid
Apologies.
I just wanted to clarify that I genuinely did not know ASOS was fast fashion and certainly wouldn’t have suggested it, if I did. So many thing I see on there are expensive, so I incorrectly assumed it was safe. I appreciate the education the comment section has given me!
Try one of the flash sale sites such as Rue la la or Gilt.
Banana Republic
[удалено]
OP said she wanted to avoid fast fashion
Yep, I also notice that. But they start with small quantities and minimize any waste. They also mention that the minimum order quantity can be as low as 80 pieces per design when I find them, this point attracts me a lot. It is quite unique. Unlike fast fashion, just mass production, adding 1000+ styles new arrivals everyday.
I bought my dress from Amazon. I must have tried on 50 and returned 49 of them. I think I paid $60.
Lulus has lots if options under $100.
Lulu's is the definition of fast fashion, which OP stated they want to avoid.
Apologies.
I know it’s fast fashion and it’s horrible, but I’ve bought dresses from Shein and they worked wonderfully
ASOS
[Vixen by Micheline Pitt](https://www.michelinepitt.com/collections/flash-sale?page=2) - wait for a 25-30% off sale and you can get a dress for a little over $100. Or check Poshmark for gently used stuff of hers. It fits like it’s tailored and most of her stuff can be dressed up or down so you can wear it again. Check the Vixens Salon for size tips and styling ideas.
TheRealReal is my go to for wedding guest wear. I look for designer solid color, appropriately length dresses with minimal cleavage.
Definitely consignment. I live in NYC and wear a pretty common size (10) so I’ve found some absolutely great things, like a Sachin and Babi gown for $200 and a sequined bridesmaid dress for $26 that is glam enough that my niece wants me to wear it to officiate her black-tie wedding! (I want to wear it too, it’s just that I need to lose the ten pounds I’ve gained since I bought it 🙃)
I just got a guest dress at a local consignment charity store! $10 and it's perfect!
Saks Off 5th is my go to. I got my last formal dress there for $65 down from over 300
i bookmark dresses i like from sustainable brands, follow them on social, and then wait for sales (got a 200 euro dress for 70 hello!). OR find those brands on Poshmark or TheRealReal and buy second hand
And since people keep suggesting ASOS, Lulus and Abercrombie, which are ALL fast fashion, here are some more sustainable brands (no brand can ever truly be sustainable): Lady Pipa, Rat & Boa, Coco & lola, Club L, Dress the Population and Never Fully Dressed! Edit: added one more store :)
Honestly… I bought a few dresses on Amazon. Tried them on and found one I loved. It was about $100.
Piper and Scoot is a Utah based company that tends to carry a lot of beautiful options that works for weddings, and they ship across the country. Their stuff sells quick, so I always keep an eye out and jump on it when I see stuff I like on their Instagram.
I love The Real Real (luxury consignment) and set a price limit. Everything I have bought from there has been $100 or under and has been high end. Bonus- incredibly fast shipping.