By Lucy Stoter

News Editor

    As many school dances approach from Sadie’s to Prom, many girls are on the hunt for the perfect dress. For many, these dresses often cost between $100 and $600, but what makes it all worth it? While finding the right style, color, or pattern is important, the true value lies in how the dress makes a girl feel.

    “I think it’s important not to match because it makes you feel unique,” sophomore Jane Clark said. “I love wearing something that no one else is wearing because it makes me feel special.”

    Additionally, many feel it’s important to wear a unique dress. The individualized dress makes everyone feel remarkable, both in pictures and memories. The dress becomes a symbol of the fun times you had and the people you cherished the memories with. 

    Amongst R.J. Reynolds, a huge focus is also placed on the originality of one’s dress. Junior Annie Thompson manages the RJR Sadie’s and Prom dress Instagram account, where she shares photos of students’ dresses to help everyone avoid wearing the same outfit. Through the account, girls are able to send the dress they’ve chosen and “secure” it for the dance. 

    “I run the Instagram account to show everyone the dresses that have been claimed,” Thompson said. “I always want to know whose dress is whose, so now that I run the account, I can see every dress.”

    With a growing demand for a unique dress, in turn comes a hefty price. Many Sadie’s dresses this year, and in past years, have been purchased from online retailers such as Revolve, Acler, Love Shack Fancy, and Rue La La. Many of these dresses cost several hundred dollars and are often only worn on one occasion. While this may seem like a waste for many, Boone views the purchase more as an investment.  

    “After I wear the dress for the dance, I’m sure it’ll get reworn,” junior Hattie Boone said. “There are so many events in college that I can rewear the dress or lend it to other friends. I like buying my dress so that I can have it as an option later or even rent it out.”

    Due to dresses being so expensive, there are many alternatives. Several websites still offer dresses well under 100 dollars, as well as renting websites and accounts. With multiple dances to attend throughout the year, many girls have looked towards renting. Renting dresses has become very popular, due to the growing prices, and is offered on many sites, such as Rent The Runway, Nuuly, or local Instagram accounts. 

    “I think renting is a great option,” Thompson said. “Personally, I don’t usually rewear the dresses I buy, so it makes sense to rent these expensive dresses for a single night instead of buying them.”

    The scope of school dance dresses has dramatically changed, emphasizing confidence and individuality. Whether the dress is rented or purchased, expensive or cheap, the most important quality is that it makes you feel good.