You’ve been dying to get your hands on that perfect cocktail dress for your upcoming night out on the town, but your budget is looking a little slim. Not to worry – with these insider tips on scoring the best deals on cocktail dresses during sales, you’ll be walking into the party looking like a million bucks without spending a fortune. In this quick guide, you’ll discover when and where to find the steepest discounts on stylish and sexy cocktail dresses so you can strut your stuff in designer style for less. Arm yourself with the right intel and you’ll be shocked at the bargains you can bag. So get ready to toast your new dress and your savvy shopping skills. The night is young and so is your wallet!

The Best Places to Find Cocktail Dresses on Sale

Department Stores

Major department stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale’s frequently run sales on cocktail dresses, especially at the end of each season. They offer a huge selection from various brands at discounted prices. Check their websites for current promotions and coupons to save even more.

Outlet Malls

Outlet malls are a prime spot to find fancy dresses on sale. Brands like Ann Taylor, J. Crew, and Banana Republic have outlet stores that carry a lot of their past season cocktail dresses at 30-70% off. You may need to hunt a bit to find gems in your size, but the savings can be significant.

Flash Sale Sites

Flash sale sites like Rue La La, Gilt, and HauteLook feature limited-time sales on high-end designer cocktail dresses. They offer new flash sales daily, so check back frequently. Just be sure to check the original retail price to make sure you’re really getting a good Daily deal. Sizes and quantities are often limited, so shop early for the best selection.

Sample Sales

In major cities, many designers and brands host sample sales a few times a year to sell off samples, overstock, and out-of-season merchandise. Everything at a sample sale is heavily discounted, from 30-90% off retail prices. You may need to stand in line and fight the crowds, but sample sales are a once-in-a-lifetime chance to score a designer cocktail dress on the cheap.

Consignment Shops

High-end consignment shops are an overlooked source for luxury cocktail dresses at a fraction of the retail cost. Check shops in affluent areas of your city that focus on evening and special occasion wear. Many items will still have the original tags and have only been worn once or twice. You’ll get a designer dress at a price far below retail.

How to Spot Quality Cocktail Dresses at Discount Prices

Look for High-Quality Materials

When buying a cocktail dress on sale, pay attention to the materials. High-quality, luxurious fabrics like silk, chiffon or lace are more likely to signal a well-made dress. Avoid anything that looks cheap or feels scratchy against your skin. High-quality materials drape better and last longer, even with frequent use and washing.

Examine the Construction

Look closely at things like stitching, seams, and embellishments. Are the stitches small, even and securely sewn? Do seams lay flat with no fraying edges? Are beads, sequins or appliques securely attached with no loose threads? Shoddy craftsmanship is a sign of a poorly made garment, even if the price seems right. Quality construction means a dress that keeps its shape and lasts longer.

Check the Fit

Just because a cocktail dress is discounted doesn’t mean you should settle for a poor fit. Look for a dress that flatters your figure and fits well through the bust, waist and hips. It should move with you comfortably and allow you to sit, stand and dance without restriction. An ill-fitting dress won’t do you any favors no matter how much you save on it.

Don’t Sacrifice Style

A bargain price tag doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. Look for a dress in a classic cut that flatters your body type, in a color and pattern you genuinely like. An on-trend silhouette, flattering neckline or unique detail like lace trim or an asymmetrical hem will help ensure you stay stylish for seasons to come. With the right accessories, an inexpensive but fashionable dress can look like a million bucks.

Saving money on a quality cocktail dress is satisfying, but don’t get so caught up in the deals that you end up with a dress you don’t feel amazing in. Do your research, know what to look for and don’t be afraid to be picky – you’ll be glad you held out for a dress that’s well-made, stylish and fits like a dream!