Buying a gala dress can be difficult because the perfect style, fit, and budget do not always **meet in the middle**. One dress may look stunning on the hanger but fail to **measure up** once it is on. Another may fit beautifully but leave your wallet feeling less than **dressed to impress**. Add limited local inventory, changing trends, and the pressure to find something unique, and shopping can become a real **fashion face-off**. Fortunately, Brookings-area shoppers have several places to search before the big night, so you can **stitch together** a look that works.
Prices below are approximate averages for formal or gala-appropriate dresses, not guaranteed prices for every item. Inventory and pricing can change, so it is wise to call ahead and **dress for success** by checking availability.
## 1. The Clothing Company
[Visit The Clothing Company](https://www.theclothingcompany.com/) for contemporary women’s clothing and occasion-ready styles. Its selection may include cocktail dresses, maxi dresses, and polished outfits that can work for a less traditional gala. **Estimated average price:** **$85–;$150**. This store could help you **clothing-line** up a look that gets compliments all evening.
## 2. Boutique 23
[Browse Boutique 23](https://www.boutique23.com/) for boutique-style clothing and accessories with a more distinctive feel. Boutique inventory often changes quickly, so shoppers may find a memorable dress that does not look like it came from the same **fashion assembly line** as everyone else’s. **Estimated average price:** **$75–;$140**. With the right accessories, your outfit can go from **cute to couture**.
## 3. Maurices
[Shop Maurices](https://www.maurices.com/) for a range of women’s sizes and dress styles, including maxi, midi, and occasion dresses. This can be a practical stop if you want something polished without spending a **fortune in fashion**. **Estimated average price:** **$50–;$90**. Maurices may help you **size up** your options while keeping your budget from shrinking.
## 4. Target
[Check Target’s women’s dresses](https://www.target.com/c/women-s-dresses-clothing/-/N-5xtc6) for affordable dresses, accessories, shoes, and shapewear in one trip. Formal selections can be seasonal, so the best gala choices may appear around spring and early summer event seasons. **Estimated average price:** **$35–;$70**. Target can help you hit the **bull’s-eye** without making your bank account see red.
## 5. Walmart
[Browse Walmart’s dress selection](https://www.walmart.com/cp/womens-dresses/5438) for budget-friendly options ranging from simple maxi dresses to more decorated evening styles. Online inventory is usually broader than what is displayed in the store, so check pickup and shipping options before you go **dress hunting**. **Estimated average price:** **$25–;$60**. It is a good place to **hem and haw** over affordable possibilities.
## 6. Kohl’s
[Shop Kohl’s dresses](https://www.kohls.com/catalog/womens-dresses.jsp?CN=Gender%3AWomen+Category%3ADresses) for brands that often offer cocktail, evening, and special-occasion styles. Sales, coupons, and Kohl’s Cash may bring the final price down, making this an appealing place to **button up** a budget. **Estimated average price:** **$55–;$110** before discounts. A good promotion can make your gala look **sew** much more affordable.
## 7. JCPenney
[JCPenney’s women’s dress department](https://www.jcpenney.com/g/women/dresses) includes formal, cocktail, plus-size, and special-occasion choices online. Because local store inventory may vary, confirm whether a selected dress is available for shipping or pickup before making the trip. **Estimated average price:** **$45–;$90**. With the right sale, your savings may really **dress the part**.
## 8. Dillard’s
[Dillard’s formal-dress collection](https://www.dillards.com/c/women-dresses) is worth considering if you are willing to shop online or travel outside Brookings for a larger selection. The store typically carries a wider range of designer and occasionwear labels than most discount retailers. **Estimated average price:** **$120–;$300**. This is where your gala wardrobe can **raise the bar—and the hemline**.
## 9. Macy’s
[Macy’s women’s evening dresses](https://www.macys.com/shop/womens-clothing/womens-dresses/Occasion/Formal%20%26%20Evening?id=55596) offer a broad range of formal silhouettes, sizes, and price points. Online sales can make higher-priced brands more approachable, especially if you shop early and watch for promotions. **Estimated average price:** **$100–;$250**. Macy’s can help you **make an entrance** without making a fashion misstep.
## 10. Nordstrom
[Nordstrom’s evening-dress selection](https://www.nordstrom.com/browse/women/clothing/dresses/evening) is a strong option for shoppers seeking designer labels, high-quality fabrics, or a more elevated gala look. It is generally a higher-budget choice, but the selection and customer-service options can make the search less **ruffled**. **Estimated average price:** **$200–;$500 or more**. If you want your outfit to be the **talk of the ballroom**, Nordstrom is worth a look.
Before purchasing, check the event’s dress code, ask about return policies, and try sitting, walking, and dancing in the dress. A gala dress should look fabulous, but it also needs to let you **party without a wardrobe malfunction**. Give yourself time for alterations, because even a beautiful gown may need a little **tailoring to the occasion**.