Where to shop for a prom dress around Boston

A prom dress has to do more than look good in a photograph. You need to sit in it, dance in it and get through the evening without repeatedly repairing it in the bathroom. The price on the tag also needs to leave room for anything that has to change before you wear it.

For prom dress shopping around Boston, these options cover new clothes, resale, rental and custom work. Westwood and Cambridge are identified below, and the online options are separate from local stores. Stock changes, so a shop carrying dresses does not guarantee your preferred style or size on the rack.

The Garment District in Cambridge is a place to look for a dress outside the usual prom-store selection. Its contemporary and designer departments include dresses and evening wear alongside vintage clothing elsewhere in the shop. Give yourself time to try things on and inspect the condition. Secondhand stock rewards an open mind about color and cut; it is less useful when you need one exact gown in one exact size.

Frugal Fannie’s is in Westwood, at 24 Wilson Way. The store sells women’s fashions and formal gowns, and its FAQ says ordinary shopping does not require an appointment. It also lists plus sizes through 24, though that does not establish the size range of every dress. Call about the current occasionwear selection before making a dedicated trip, particularly if you have a specific size or style in mind.

Macy’s at Downtown Crossing has a dress department alongside shoes and accessories, making it a practical stop for comparing several parts of an outfit. Check local availability when browsing online: a dress sold on the website is not necessarily waiting in the Boston store. If you find one you like, read the item’s return terms before ordering two sizes to try at home.

Despite its name, Nordstrom Rack Newbury Boston is on Boylston Street. Its departments include dresses, shoes and accessories. It is worth considering when you want to browse available stock rather than order a custom gown. Keep the budget in view while adding extras; the shoes, bag and jewelry can turn a bargain dress into an unexpectedly expensive shopping trip.

Kim’s Fashion Design in Copley Place offers custom design and alterations. This is the option for discussing a dress made from an idea or changing a garment you already own. Bring reference images and the event date, then ask for a quote and fitting schedule. The shop says custom pricing varies with the project’s complexity, so do not assume made-to-measure work will cost less than buying off the rack.

Rent the Runway is an online clothing-rental option rather than a Boston dress shop. Search for the style you want and read the current rental terms before committing. Confirm the delivery and return dates, what happens if the fit is wrong and whether any backup option is included. Leave time to try the dress before the event, rather than making delivery day prom day.

The RealReal sells pre-owned designer clothing online, including cocktail and evening dresses. Read the individual garment’s measurements, photographs and condition notes, rather than relying on the label size alone. Check whether that specific purchase is returnable. A designer name is not a reason to accept a fit or condition you would reject on an unbranded dress.

Before buying your prom dress

Try the dress with shoes close to the height you plan to wear, and move around in it before deciding. Check the lining, seams and fastenings, particularly on a secondhand garment. Ask what can realistically be altered before purchasing something several sizes away from a comfortable fit.

Keep the receipt and read the return conditions before removing tags. If you are comparing two dresses, compare the full bill: purchase or rental, delivery, alterations, shoes and any special undergarments. A lower sticker price is not much help if making the dress wearable costs more than the dress.