With Prom and Ring coming up, many students are searching for the perfect dress. In order to make your dress-finding experience easier, here are some local store reviews to help you out:

Elegant Touch Bridal and Tuxedo:

Elegant Touch is primarily a store for wedding dresses located in Nottingham. However, they do have a large selection of long dresses for Prom and Ring in many different styles and colors. Many of them have limited designs, though they are moderately pricey. Most dresses were plain material in different cuts and shapes, and only a few had beading along the top. The staff at Elegant Touch was extremely helpful by holding dresses as I picked them out and assisting me with lacing them up in the back. They are willing to hem and cut any dress as you please, as well. If you are looking for a quality, yet plain dress with a splash of color, Elegant Touch Bridal and Tuxedo is a good place to find your dress.

JCPenney:

JCPenney, much like Macy’s, is a popular department store known for its casual wear. However, during Prom and Ring season, the Juniors section stocks up on a couple of long dresses. With more options than Macy’s, I was tempted to try on a few dresses. They were well designed, yet the choices lacked an array of color. Most were black, blue, or a bright orange, and the designs sometimes consisted of cheap jewels. Their dresses seemed to be on the more casual side, and after visiting other stores, I was unimpressed. However, if you are looking for a quick-and-easy buy that is relatively inexpensive, JCPenney is the way to go.

Macy’s:

Macy’s is a very popular department store which carries all forms of clothes, shoes, and jewelry. Unlike the usual range of clothing styles offered, Macy’s options for long dresses suitable for Prom or Ring were slim (although casual dresses for Ring ceremony were endless). There were about five Prom and Ring options in the Juniors section, and the dresses were unoriginal yet still elegant. However, they were conveniently offered in every size, so anyone can find a wearable dress there. Macy’s is great if you want a quick find for a relatively fair price, but I would not recommend it if you intend on finding a one-of-a-kind dress.

Mizan’s Bridal:

Mizan’s Bridal, located in the White Marsh Mall, is a women’s dress retailer which specializes in Prom dresses. The store is full of hundreds of expensive dresses, each safely tucked away inside a floor length bag. The store managers do not allow photos to be taken of their dresses until they are bought, and you must consult someone before trying anything on. However, the managers are very nice and helpful. Although the dresses are pricey, you are paying for an incredible dress that is definitely worth the money. The intricate designs and rich colors are unlike any I’ve seen in other stores, meaning no one will have a similar dress to yours.

Tiger Lily:

Tiger Lily is a very small store full of colorful clothes and jewelry located on Main Street in Bel Air. It appeared as if there would be limited options because of its size, but I was pleasantly surprised by the collection of long dresses perfect for Prom or Ring. Immediately, one of the sales associates helped me with my search, and after being given numerous helpful tips and recommendations, she showed me several options. The designs and materials of the dresses were unique and high-quality, but the dresses only came in a small selection of sizes. Certain dresses were only carried in a small while others only a large. While this did lessen the available dresses to try on, there were still several left. Additionally, many dresses were expensive due to the level of quality, so if you are looking for a unique yet pricey dress, Tiger Lily is the place for you. 

Alyssa Kraus is a Copy Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.