Find the perfect school ball dress when you buy second-hand at Good Sammy

For most teens, the school ball is a special occasion to get dolled up in a fancy outfit and dance the night away with classmates. It’s a rite of passage for teens entering their adult years – one last hurrah before they knuckle down for their final year of school. And for many, wearing the right dress is one of the most important parts.

A brand-new ball dress can cost anything from $150 to $1500. When you add that to the cost of the shoes, the accessories, the hair and makeup, the limo, the ball tickets, the photographer, and every other expense, families are left with quite a hefty bill.

Good Sammy receives a wide variety of quality donations, from casual to formalwear and everything in between. Better yet, the Good Sammy Gold Seal section, a collection of high-quality designer items, includes evening gowns and bridesmaid dresses that have only been worn once – or sometimes never at all. Not only are these dresses in pristine condition, they come in a wide range of sizes and styles and they’re generally only priced between $15 and $75.

When you consider these factors, buying a second-hand ball dress should be a no-brainer. You’ll save money and reduce the waste of a one-time retail purchase, while supporting a local organisation which provides employment opportunities for people with disability. Better still, you can donate it after the ball, so it brings joy to another Cinderella-to-be.

Whether you’re after something simple, showy, classic or modern, Good Sammy has a dress to suit even the fussiest of teenage tastes. Here are some Good Sammy dresses that bring major belle-of-the-ball vibes.

Fitted Dresses:

(L-R) CBR Red dress with split: Size S, $15
Shareen Collections Blue Dress with neck piece and split: Size 10: $15
Sheike high neck mermaid dress piece: Size 12, $35

Flowy Dresses:

(L-R) Seduce black chiffon dress with sequins: Size 6, $25
Paco fuchsia halter neck A-line dress: Size 14: $30
Blue: Unbranded strapless dress with ruffles: Size L, $20

Lacy Dresses:

(L-R) White Closet strappy red and white midi dress: Size 10, $20
Lipsy London high neck black lace dress: Size 6/8, $30
Navy lace maxi dress with frill shoulders: Size 8/10, $18

Simple Dresses:

(L-R) Unbranded Black satin boatneck dress: $18
Unbranded cream dress: Size 6: $20
Slide Show navy slip dress: Size 6

Sparkly Dresses

(L-R) Unbranded sequin midi dress: Size S, $18
Bardot strapless sequin midi dress: Size 10, $20
NBD: Beaded halterneck dress maxi dress with split: Size S, $70

Princess Dresses

(L-R) Unbranded silver and champagne gown: Size 8/10, $49
Unbranded bronze dress: Size 6-8, $20

Vintage Dresses:

(L-R) Pink tulle prom dress: Size 12, $25
Opera by Richards black velvet strapless dress: Size 10, $15
Unbranded long-sleeved baby pink dress: Size Small, $25

Cocktail Dresses

(L-R) Forever Unique neon pink midi dress: Size 6/8, $30
Wayne Cooper one-shoulder asymmetrical mini dress: Size 6, $30

It’s entirely possible to look a million dollars on ball night without spending the big bucks. Good Sammy can also help finish the look with a gorgeous pair of heels and a nice clutch. Just look at the beauties I found in store.

By shopping pre-loved, you’ll significantly minimise your costs without minimising the memories of the night. Plus, you’ll be a walking billboard for the slow fashion movement.

Here’s to the class of 2023!

*The dresses photographed for this article were from Good Sammy Cannington and Willetton.

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