Creating a dreamy prom ensemble on a budget
By Aurora Meyer • Bankrate.com

Playing dress up used to consist of mom's old shoes, a torn dress and mom's makeup smeared all over your face (not to mention her bathroom mirror).

Prom is not just dress up anymore. The rules have changed and so have the dresses. A prom dress can set a girl back an unimaginable amount of money. If you are like most high school girls and work an after-school job, then spending $200 or more on a dress is not an option. What are you going to do?

Here are a few ideas for looking like a million bucks without spending a lot of money.

Think vintage
Hunt around in consignment shops for a retro gown or elegant dress. It doesn't have to be perfect as-is, be creative! If it's plain but you love the fabric or the way it fits, jazz it up. You could sew on beads or enlist the help of a talented seamstress. Dress it up with jewelry and accessories. You'll truly be one of a kind at half the cost of a new gown.

Build a dress
If you can sew, create your own ensemble. Find a pattern and fabric that you like and for about half the cost of a store-bought dress, you'll have a beautiful dress. Not to mention that you will be able to tell everyone you made your dress. How cool is that? You don't sew? Check with your mom or another trusted family member or friend.

Cruise mom's closet
Fashions go in cycles. Maybe your mom has a gown hanging in her closet that with a little creativity or altering would be just the look for the prom. Remember, beaded gowns are popular this year. To snazzy it up, you can add beads randomly around the dress, or add ribbons, sequins, glitter -- almost anything you can imagine to give it your own flair.

Think sale
If you are still intent on buying a dress, check out the off-season section of a local department store. Make sure to check both juniors and petites. There are always some great dresses hiding in those racks.

Barter, trade
Talk to your friends. Someone may have the perfect dress for you hanging in her closet (or a sister's closet.)

Visit your hardware store
One unusual option is to make your prom dress out of duct tape. Yes, duct tape. You could even win a college scholarship with this idea if you enter the Duck Brand duct tape's second annual "Stuck at Prom" contest.

Not only will you save a ton of money and score major creativity points but you could win $5,000 per couple for college. Duct tape comes in 18 different colors including fluorescent yellow, orange, green and pink hues. If done right the dress can look just like any other dress -- just a bit more durable.

To enter the contest, "each couple must attend a high school, or home school association, prom held in the spring of 2004." To find out more about the contest and to get outfit ideas, check out DuckTape.com. Oh, and here's a real cost-cutter: Duct tape two cars together to make a limo!

Glass slippers?
Once you have your dress, the next challenge is shoes. You could go to a department store and spend lots of money. Or, scan the selection at K-Mart, Wal-Mart or Target. You'll only need them for one night. PayLess shoes are always in style, and you can definitely find a comfortable pair that will match your dress for $10 and less.

Again you can ask your friends, your mom or your sister. Grandmothers usually keep all kinds of shoes around, so check their closets, too.

Vintage jewels
While you are raiding your family and friend's closets, ask to see their jewelry boxes. You'll be amazed at what you can find there. A broach can dress up your outfit or your shawl.

Now you have a dress and shoes and we hope some jewelry. All that is left is makeup and hair. These are the easiest parts.

The two best options for makeup are as follows:

Share the wealth
Have all your friends meet at someone's house and bring every item of makeup they own. Be sure to have everyone initial it beforehand to avoid confusion later. Dump all the cosmetics out in a bathroom or on the floor and pick what you want. This is a good option because then you have all the makeup and all the opinions at once. Not to mention, it's free.

Turn to the pros
Free. What a great word.

Makeup saleswomen at cosmetic counters at most malls like to give free makeovers. But, don't just pop in on prom day. It's wise to plan ahead, says Dominique Doerr, an Estee Lauder makeup consultant at a Dillard's department store in the Midwest. "Make an appointment in advance," she recommends. The following cosmetic counters generally offer complimentary makeovers: Estee Lauder, Christian Dior, Lancôme, Elizabeth Arden, Clinique and Perscriptives. Clinique and Perscriptives tend to have younger more hip makeup.

Dramatize the tresses
Hairstyles are simple and free flowing, not like the plastic, hair-sprayed, every-hair-in-its-place look of previous years.

If you don't want to fuss with your hair yourself, perhaps you have a friend in a beauty school who could help. If not, call the local beauty school. The price is right. You will probably want to experiment first. Nothing's worse than hating your hair the afternoon of the prom. You could also ask a friend you trust to do your hair.

Or, keep it simple
You could also just add a cute barrette, clip or headband. If you want to ad some sparkle, try putting nail polish or glitter on a plain barrette.

For a great prom, be creative! If you want to spend less money and still look fabulous just think of ways to cut corners or do some things yourself. Enjoy!

-- Updated: March 23, 2004