How to Resell Your Prom Dress After the Big Night (and Make Your Money Back!)

So prom is over. You danced your heart out, took a million photos, and now you’ve got a gorgeous dress hanging in your closet. Instead of letting it sit there for the next ten years, why not get some of that money back by reselling it?

Here’s how to do it right—without it being a hassle.

Buy With Resale in Mind

Okay, if you haven’t bought your dress yet, this is your sign: buy smart. Certain brands are easier to resell and tend to hold their value better. Think:

• Sherri Hill – Always in demand, especially the more timeless cuts.

• Mac Duggal – Their formal styles resell really well on platforms like Queenly and Poshmark.

• Jovani – A classic brand buyers search for by name.

Also, think about colors and styles that will appeal to more people—not everyone wants neon green with a high slit and feathers (no offense).

Keep It Clean and Cared For

The second you get home, hang your dress up. If you spilled anything on it or danced hard enough to sweat through it (no shame), get it dry cleaned before stains set in. A clean dress is way more likely to sell, and it photographs better too.

Where to Resell It

Here are the apps and sites I’ve found easiest to use:

• Poshmark – Easy to list, and they provide the shipping label. The audience is huge and searches for prom dresses spike around January through April.

• Depop – Best if your dress has a trendier or more alternative vibe.

• Queenly – Tailored to formalwear. It takes a bigger cut than others, but the buyers are there for gowns specifically.

• Facebook Marketplace or Buy/Sell Groups – Especially great for last-minute buyers in your area.

Pro tip: cross-post it on more than one platform. Just remember to take it down when it sells.

How to Price It

Look up what similar dresses (same brand, same style if possible) are selling for—NOT just what they’re listed for. Pricing it around 50–70% of the retail price is usually a good place to start, especially if it’s in great shape.

You can even link to the retail version of your dress. If a buyer sees how much it costs new, they’re more likely to appreciate the deal you’re offering.

Make It Look Good

Photos matter. Take some good ones in daylight, hang it up on a clean wall or door, or put it on a mannequin if you have one. If you’re comfortable, include a photo of you wearing it so people can see how it fits IRL.

In your listing, be specific about the size, if it was altered, how long it is, and anything else someone might ask. The more info you include, the fewer questions you’ll get later.

Final Thoughts

Reselling your prom dress isn’t just smart—it’s sustainable. Someone else gets to feel amazing in a beautiful gown, and you get cash back (maybe to put toward something else fabulous).

If you list it soon while prom season’s still hot, you’ll have way better luck selling quickly. Don’t wait!