Looking to attend prom but do not want to drain your wallet trying to find the perfect dress? Finding the perfect prom dress is an exciting event, but the extensive cost of dresses and accessories make what should be an exciting time, a stressful process. Fortunately for us in the Bay Area, there are many companies that provide beautiful, new and lightly-used prom dresses for free.
The Princess Project, located in San Francisco, is an organization that hosts events for prom dress giveaways. Thanks to their sponsors who have donated dresses, and those who help volunteer, students across the Bay now have the opportunity to get a prom dress without spending a dime. With the help of over 2,000 volunteers, they have served over 20,000 teens in California.
This all began in February of 2002 when a girl needed a prom dress. Women from all over San Francisco helped buy her dress through donations, and this charitable event has evolved into the thriving organization we now know as the Princess Project. Their dress giveaway events take place every year in the spring in San Diego, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and Sonoma. This year in San Francisco, giveaways are every Saturday beginning in February, and end on March 29th. At the Princess Project, they value the importance of recycling Earth’s resources by treating their clothing, accessories, and donations with care, and all the while striving to instill teens with confidence. They are appointment only, so grab one while you still can!
Just a thirty minute drive from Oakland, in Danville, is The Prom Dress Pop-Up. Just like the Princess Project, this organization has opportunities for teens to get prom and homecoming dresses, along with accessories, heels, and other formal clothing. Their goal is to provide clothes that make teens feel confident and free to express themselves. They are open on March 8th and April 26th, from 10am to 2pm and then on April 1st, from 6pm to 8pm. This year, they are located in building #C at the address 109 Town and Country Dr, which is located in the shopping area of South Danville. Pop in any time on the dates listed above and enjoy some tasty food during your dress search!
Looking to help start an event for teens to have easier access to free prom dresses? Look no further, because the organization “Becca’s Closet” provides the opportunity to start your own chapter. They have store locations all over the United States, with the closest ones being in Santa Rosa and Modesto. Additionally, you can donate an old dress or donate money directly to Becca’s Closet in order to help those in need.
Although they don’t offer free prom dresses, the websites Windsor and Promgirl have stylish dresses that are on the cheaper side. If you want to try a dress on in person before purchasing, find accessories, or search for heels, Stoneridge Mall in Pleasanton has a Windsor store. You could also try searching on resell apps and websites like Depop and eBay for discounted dresses. Before purchasing a dress online, make sure it’s returnable in case it doesn’t fit!
These free prom dress opportunities provide a wonderful opportunity for many students who may otherwise struggle with the financial burden of attending prom. We can’t wait to see everyone looking their best this prom season!