Off the rack dress

catmarie4

Ok, so I found a great dress! It is half off because it is discontinued and is the sample dress from the store.  It seems to be in great condition, but I am a little nervous about buying a dress that a ton of people have tried on.  It is about a size too big, but could be easily taken in.  What is your opinion? Has anyone else done this?

jaytee16

I did!  I'm going to have it all cleaned and steamed next year and honestly, I'm pretty ok with buying the sample.  That's how I could actually afford the dress of my dreams and it's a compromise I'm happy to make!  I think my dress turned out to be less than half price and since I saved so much on the dress, I have a little more room in the budget for accessories, shoes, veil, etc.   I was so happy that I got to walk out of the store with it too!  It's hanging in my mom's closet, so I've gone over to try it on a couple of times   To each their own, but for me, it was so worth it!  

aerinpegadrak

What is there to be nervous about?  You can always have it cleaned before you do any alterations or anything.  My dress was also a discontinued sample, and although there were a few imperfections (popped seams, snagged sequins, etc), the store fixed those free of charge.

opalsky007

I wore a sample gown! Best decision I've ever made. I got a really luxe, gorgeous dress that I never could have afforded otherwise. 

Look over your chosen dress carefully for damage to beading or pulls in the fabric, and think about what can or can't be repaired. My own gown had some missing beads, but I was able to replace them with identical ones on my own. Look carefully at stains, especially under the arms and along the hem.

If the gown's in good shape, you're good to go! Taking in a gown by one size is no big deal.

desertmomnm

I bought a sample dress too and mine was a bit big also.  The biggeset problem I had was not picking a good seamstress.  Buying the sample gown was a great move.

tlgilmore

I walked out of the store with mine and am so happy I didnt have to order it and wait.  Mine had a dirty spot on the bottom  that I was concerned with, he walked to the back and came back and it was gone!!  Mine is a perfect fit except the halter straps.  Re-sizing is should be no problem.  Do they do alterations?  If not ask who they recommend.  Good Luck!!

[Deleted User]

I bought a sample as well.  It wasn't 100% what I wanted, but it's a high quality dress with very luxe fabric which I would not have been able to avoid otherwise.  So I took it to a dressmaker who is making it into my dream dress at a bargain price.