Save Money on Unique Semi Formal Dresses

Prom season, wedding parties, pageants... All of these occasions call for fancy dresses or "formals." While commonly lumped together and referred to as formal dresses, the modern, shorter dresses that we are seeing a lot of at these types of events are more accurately categorized as "semi formal."It's Important to Know the DifferenceSemi formal dresses are also commonly referred to as cocktail dresses. While the hem length may hit anywhere from above the knee to the lower calf (known as "tea length"), it does not hit the ankle or floor. Formal dresses, on the other hand, are floor-length evening and ball gowns; they are worn to events where tuxedos are worn by male guests. A semi formal is more useful for the younger set, as it allows for more playful movement and dancing that is typical of gatherings they may attend. Cocktail dresses are fresher, funkier, and more fun; they allow girls and women to be more fashion-forward and look sexier than a full-length gown. A semi formal gown is typically paired with a dark, dressy suit for men; however, it is common these days to see a man in black tie with a woman in a semi formal dress.Now that we know exactly what they are, where is the best place to find semi formal dresses?Cocktail Dresses Are Seldom Worn More Than OnceWhen it's time to go shopping for a dress, the most important thing to remember is that it most likely will not be worn again. With this in mind, your best option is to seek out a second-hand dress. This doesn't always mean the local Goodwill or Salvation Army, although you will frequently find gems there. A second-hand dress could be purchased through a site like eBay or Craigslist or from a local newspaper advertisement; it could be borrowed from a friend or relative; it could even be rented from shops that specialize in formal rentals if you are lucky enough to live near an urban area.Again, because these dresses are rarely worn more than once by the same person, it's one of the few times where classic styling or quality construction are not major shopping concerns. Not that you want a cheaply made dress, but this is a situation where women and girls may seek trendier styles and brighter colors than they normally would for their everyday wardrobes.Armed with this information, you can now go shopping for semi formal dresses knowing exactly what you're looking for, and knowing that you don't have to make it a major purchase!