Finding the perfect prom dress can be a daunting task (perhaps even more difficult than snagging a date to the dance). Skip the crowded department stores and shopping malls and check out these stylish Toronto boutiques where you’re bound to find a dazzling dress for prom night.
You’ll wow your date in a red-carpet-ready dress from this uptown clothing boutique. The upscale shop stocks a wide array of glamorous gowns from luxe designer labels such as, Scala, Terani, Sherri Hill and Jovani. The shop also carries a variety of sparkling accessories to finish off the look and offers alteration services to ensure your dress is the perfect fit. Prices are in keeping with the ritzy Avenue Road locale, so be prepared to splurge on the gown of your dreams.
Why buy when you can borrow? This creative Toronto-based service lets clients rent designer gowns and accessories at up to 90 per cent off the actual retail price. Dresses are available is a variety of colours, cuts and sizes and are shipped directly to your doorstep. Stylish wares can also be picked up in person at the Roncesvalles showroom if you want some in-person fashion advice. And don’t worry if you spill your prom punch on your dress — dry cleaning costs are included in the rental rates.
Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn with a stunning vintage-inspired gown from this iconic Queen Street clothing boutique. The racks here are filled with stylish and sophisticated vintage clothing from the 1920s to 1970s. You’re guaranteed to steal the spotlight in a beaded flapper dresses (and roaring ’20s headpieces to match), a retro polka dot swing dress, or a sequined disco-era gown from the ’70s.
Pretty young things might need to borrow someone else’s credit card to shop for designer dresses at this upscale boutique in Bayview Village. The showroom carries a stylish selection of special occasion gowns and evening wear from big names like Sherri Hill, La Femme, Terani Couture and Jovani. The full-length evening dresses with dramatic thigh slits and figure-hugging dresses covered in delicate beading wouldn’t be out of place at a Hollywood award show.
Want to stand out from the crowd? There’s definitely no little black dresses at this truly original fashion showroom. Stroll down Queen Street and you can’t miss the eye-catching window displays bursting with wildly colourful dresses, shoes and accessories. Head upstairs to browse the spectacular selection of flamboyant dresses, shoes and accessories in both new and vintage varieties. Eclectic party dresses are bursting with original details and embellishments including feathers, beading, ruffles, sequins, lace and much more.
The whimsical dresses at this Queen Street boutique are available ready-to-wear off the rack or custom made to suit your own style preferences. Dresses are locally made at the on-site studio and only a limited few are created in each style — which means you’re not likely to show up to the prom in the same dress as someone else. The affordable dresses and accessories are a great option for teenage fashionistas who are on a budget.