Free prom dresses and more at Lydia’s Prom Closet – “shop” on Saturdays – Charlotte On The Cheap

Prom is a rite of passage for many teenagers, but the cost of that dream dress can put it out of reach. For 14 years, Lydia’s Prom Closet has been helping to make that special night possible. It operates out of First Baptist Church, 14813 N Old Statesville Road in Huntersville.

It’s on the 3rd floor of the Education Building of the church.

Follow Lydia’s Prom Closet on Instagram. If you have questions, email [email protected].

Every Saturday from February 10 to May 4, 2024,  high school girls are invited to shop for dresses from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The price? Free. No appointment is necessary, and girls don’t have to be referred by an agency or fill out any application.

Many years ago they received a donation of six dresses and now there are over a thousand dresses to choose from. Dresses of all styles, sizes and colors.

Lydia’s Prom Closet is a great option for teens who want to find a dress that nobody else will be wearing, because you never know what you’ll find.

The all-volunteer staff ensures that the dresses are clean and free of rips, and then arranges them by size. They have so many dresses that they’ve overflowed into a second room.

In addition there are some suits, shirts and shoes for the guys.

But that’s not all. There’s a whole room just for shoes and accessories, also free.

Everything, from the jewelry and the shoes, down to the PVC used for the dressing rooms, are donations. The whole operation takes up several rooms and is intended to be a special experience for the teens. They really feel like they’re shopping and picking out something special.

Would you like to donate prom wear? Bring items any time to sister organization Lydia’s Loft, which collects clothes for families, and is in a purple house on the campus of First Baptist Church, at 14835 N Old Statesville Road, Huntersville, NC.

Lydia’s Prom Closet is especially in need of dresses in sizes 14 and up, and men’s suits.

Also, here are some other tips on saving money on prom, compiled by Enya Flack, actress, reporter and frequent Charlotte on the Cheap spokesperson:

• Keep an open mind: try on as many dresses as possible and don’t get caught up in brand names.
• Rent a dress or buy a used one. Check out consignment shops.
• Get one for free at Lydia’s Loft Prom Closet (information above.)
• Save on hair and makeup by getting an appointment with a student at a cosmetology school.
• Schedule a makeup appointment at the mall beauty counter.
• Plan a Mary Kay or Avon party the afternoon of prom. Invite friends over for makeovers.
• Guys: Buy a tux instead of renting, especially if you’re planning more than one prom. (Look on Craigslist!)
• Or consider not wearing a tux. Suits or slacks and sports jackets are becoming more of a trend.
• Still for guys: Shop around. There’s lots of competition. See if stores will offer a discount for multiple rentals. And skip on renting accessories.
• If you want to go the limo route, share the cost with other couples. Book early.
• Skip the limo and clean out your mom’s minivan. Seriously, it accommodates seven! Maybe an older friend or sibling can play chauffeur.
• Wrist corsages tend to be more labor intensive (and thus, more expensive) than pin-on corsages. Buy a pin-on corsage and use a ribbon to tie it onto a wrist.
• Choose less expensive flowers like Chrysanthemum, Baby’s breath, Freesia, Carnations.
• Make your own corsage.

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