Every teenager deserves a memorable prom. But, for many families, the expense of attending prom excludes their high schoolers from this rite of passage.
That’s where “prom closets” come in! Also known as dress drives or dress giveaway events, prom closets let teens shop for free.
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Non-profits, churches, and community groups throughout Collin County collect donations, and provide shopping experiences to local high schoolers, who might not be able to afford prom attire.
On the day of the shopping events, volunteers serve as personal shoppers and guide each teen through boutique-style rooms. They help prom-goers sift the racks, find the right size, and attend the dressing room. The experience isn’t complete without selecting jewelry, shoes, and a handbag to complete the look — all for free!
So, how can you be a lucky teen’s fairy godmother for a day? By donating dry-cleaned, gently-used, or never-worn items to local charities. These groups accept formal or cocktail dresses, suits, tuxes, and dressy accessories like clutches, jewelry, shoes, and wraps.
Don’t have anything in the back of your closet? Make a financial donation or shop clearance sales at local bridal shops and boutiques for items to donate. You can also volunteer at a giveaway event, or host a drop-off location. If you are a professional stylist, consider donating your hair, makeup, or nail services.
Here is a list of local prom dress drives, drop-off locations, and free shopping events for this year’s formal season!
>> RELATED READ :: A Collin County Thrift Store Roundup <<
Prom Closets of Collin County
Cinderella Project :: Van Alstyne :: Crossroads Community Church hosts this annual, free shopping event for prom-goers in Anna and Van Alstyne. Reserve your spot online. It happens:
- March 18, 2024, 4:45–7:00 p.m.
- March 21–22, 4:30–7:30 p.m.
- March 23, 2024, 9:45–11:15 a.m.
Fairy Tale Closet :: Dallas:: Local shops like Nieman Marcus stock the library’s prom closet every year in March. Students shop hundreds of gowns in various sizes and styles, as well as suits and jackets, shoes, and accessories. Live hair and makeup demonstrations from Project Beauty will be onsite plus free Thrive Causemetics swag bags will be given out for the first 200 shoppers! LGBTQ+ students welcome. Register in advance for an appointment. It happens:
- March 9 – 16, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- March 13, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
- March 14, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
This event is accepting new or gently-used and clean formal wear at any Dallas Public Library branch. Find your closest branch here. Monetary donations can also be made to purchase formal wear for all sizes.
Helping Hands of Celina :: Celina :: HHOC never wants a child to miss out on a school dance because he or she doesn’t have something to wear. HHOC serves students in Celina ISD, Prosper ISD, Gunter ISD, and homeschoolers, too! Shopping is open to all, regardless of need. A seamstress will be onsite to help with alterations. Appointments can be scheduled with Jill at 512-773-2384. It happens:
- April 7, 2024, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Helping Hands is accepting dresses in junior sizes 0–8 and accessories. Drop off at a drop site during business hours.
McKinney Prom Closet :: McKinney :: McKinney students find their dresses, shoes, and matching earrings at McKinney’s free prom closet in the upper alley of Stonebridge United Methodist church. Entry and items are free. No appointment necessary, but students must be present to take home a gown. Parents and volunteers welcome! It happens:
- March 21–22, 2024, 3:00–8:00 p.m.
- March 23, 2024, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
You can drop off donations at the main office during normal business hours, Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Prom Dress Extravaganza :: Dallas and Plano :: New and gently-used formal wear will be at these pop-up shops as well as make-up demos, swag bags, and a DJ! Sponsored by Comerica Bank, this event benefits local teens served by Dallas CASA, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County. It happens:
- Dallas: March 9, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Plano: March 23, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Wylie ISD Prom Closet :: Wylie :: Now in its sixth year, Wylie High School provides free dresses to more than 300 students at its hour-long shopping event in the library. The district ensures all donated dresses are in good condition — steaming, cleaning and even performing minor repairs — before students go shopping for free. It happens:
- March 21, 2024, during lunch
Monetary donations will be accepted for tuxedo rentals. Visit wylieisd.net/promcloset to make a donation. Tax receipt will be provided upon request.
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Can’t find a local prom closet near you? Try a local resale shop or Facebook group:
- Frisco Family Services Resale Shop
- North Texas Prom & Party Dress Buy & Sale
- Prosper/Celina/Frisco/Mckinney/Little Elm Garage Sale
