It feels like there are thousands of decisions to make about prom. Is it better to go with a group, with a date, or solo? Is matching your clutch to your shoes too much? But the most important question of all is, what are you going to wear?
Online shopping can be a great option, but you never quite know what you’re going to get, and if you haven’t left yourself enough time for shipping and returns you could end up stuck. That’s where good old-fashioned bricks-and-mortar shops can be your BFF. And good news: there are tons of great places right in your city that specialize in special-ocassion dressing. Because the last thing you want is to end up looking like a bridesmaid, our Ottawa Localist scoured Canada’s capital city to find the very best shops that offer modern, gorgeous gowns that will help you shine bright on your big night.
Scroll down—and get ready to have the night of your life! Once you’ve hit up the best spots in the nation’s capital, peruse our fave prom stores across Canada for all of the dress inspo you’ll ever need.
Royal Palm
Rent Frock Repeat
Address: 107 Murray St., rentfrockrepeat.com
Vibe: Classy, edgy, and full of sparkle
Tailoring on-site: Since this is a dress rental store, no permanent alterations can be made. But, if you try on a dress and it’s too long, you can have it temporarily hemmed with fashion tape to get you through your night.
Appointments? Yes. You’ll be given an hour with a professional stylist in a private fitting appointment.
Price range: $100 to $200 to rent pieces that retail for $1,000 to $2,000
Bonus: They keep a list of dresses purchased for prom for wach school to avoid repeats!
Royal Palm
Address: 1000 Wellington St. West, Suite 100A, @royalpalmvintage
Vibe: The selection at this vintage store is truly one of a kind, pretty much eliminating the chances of someone else showing up with your dress. They have lots of flirty, tea-length dresses, and tons of pin-up inspired looks.
Tailoring on-site: Yes, someone comes in every Friday.
Appointments? No
Price range: $60 to $150
Victoire
Address: 1282 Wellington St. West, victoireboutique.com
Vibe: Buying from a boutique like this one guarantees a unique selection, as their quantities are very limited. You’ll get a one-of-a-kind feminine frock, perfect for the grad who wants something they can wear again.
Tailoring on-site: No
Appointments? No
Price range: $175 to $320
