Are you sick and tired of going to the standard stores and looking at the same standard prom dresses? Are you ready to try something a little different? Here are some ideas for finding quirky, unique prom dresses that will make you the belle of the ball.

Online Auction Sites

Why leave the comfort of your home when there are all kinds of dresses to be found at reasonable prices online. With a little searching, you can find last year's designer must-haves, gothic get ups, 80s retro, and Cinderella fairy tale gowns. And with new auctions being listed daily, if you don't find something you like on your first search, you may well discover the perfect prom dress on day three or day four. Just start browsing well before the prom to give yourself time to find the right dress. You don't want to settle for second best.

Thrift Stores

Are you the type who is embarrassed to think of setting foot in a thrift store? Think again? Many people donate gently used prom dresses to their local thrift store. With a little diligence, you may be able to find a dress that's only a year old or so. And since fashion doesn't change that much in a single year, no one will ever know your dress is used.

KatrinaMarieDesigns.com

Does the Renaissance period, with its lovely ladies and bold knights catch your fancy? Look no further than the designs of Katrina Marie. Her prom gowns will make you look like an authentic Renaissance princess. Since the gowns are custom-made, orders must be received three to four months before the prom. The gowns themselves can cost anywhere from $100 to $2000.

Vintage Clothing Stores

Vintage clothing stores display the fashions of yesteryear. Prices vary greatly, depending upon the store and upon the dress you are interested in buying. Vintage stores are wonderful if you want that special retro look. Imagine showing up in a 50s ballerina style prom dress with a frothy pink skirt and flowers to accentuate the bust. Or perhaps you'd rather show up in a 1968 Empire dress with a lace bodice. Anything is possible when you go the Vintage store route.

Sew Your Own Prom Dress

Are you and your friends handy with a sewing machine? If so, choose patterns that you like and go to work. Sewing your own prom dress gives you the advantage of being able to choose the material you want and to custom make the dress to fit your unique body. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to complete your project.

Buying a prom dress doesn't have to mean shopping in the same tired, old stores. With a little ingenuity, you can make finding the right dress for you into a fun adventure.