I’m a big fan of thrift and resale shops. So was my mom. Back when I was younger and much thinner, my mom found a dark green velvet dress much like thumper’s and my sisters and I shared it for special occasions. I think the youngest one ended up with it. You have to be patient, but getting a real “find” at a thrift store can be like winning the lottery. It’s often easy to find formal wear at these stores because a lot of ladies don’t wear them over and over or grow out of them. The Seattle Goodwill has a “Glitter Sale” every year-this weekend, in fact, and puts hundreds of high-end dresses, skirts, tops, shoes, etc. out. People come from all over just to get in the door. I didn’t get anything this year, but many of my D’s Christmas and Easter dresses, then later homecoming or church event dresses came from this sale.
I’m a super fan of thrift shopping, but dresses are usually picked over this time of year. THE really brilliant scores for us happen in the early spring when people clean out their closets.
I love a good high end consignment shop, as well.
I was at our thrift store yesterday, and there were tons on holiday dresses on a separate rack, ranging in price from $5 to $15. Nice stuff. But I’d also hit TJMaxx or Ross type stores too, or Nordstrom Rack. I think she can find a $40 dress as easily as renting one.
Our hospital thrift shop has a room devoted to dressy clothes. That is where I donated all my fancy dresses from the Bar/Bat mitzvah years. (Now I want to check it out).
Nordstrums Rack has a section of fancy dresses.
Our Ross carries Ralph Lauren dresses. Two,friends (my age)'got dresses there.
Lots,of other great suggestions have been offered.
Just saw this - http://seattlegoodwill.org/sales-and-events/glitter-sale - wonder if other thrift shops do this for the holidays (don’t live in Seattle and the event already passed)
Dillard’s and Belk’s also have good choices. You can shop online if you are not the South.
@kiddie that’s the sale I mentioned above. For weeks after the sale, some of the items are put out in the main store, so it would still be worth a visit for those in Seattle. My D was sad to be away at college and having to miss the sale, but we’ll go Thanksgiving week and see what is still on the sales floor. We have a HUGE Goodwill, and it’s a widely publicized sale, but I’m sure other shops could do a smaller version. All you’d need to do is save up the formal wear and get the word out about a special sale.
I have been able to buy several Lauren dresses at Macy’s and Ross for about $50 apiece. They are all classic sheath dresses. One is black, one is navy with a bit of green, one is royal blue. They work for nearly any occasion.
I don’t think those Lauren dresses are dressy enough for cocktail attire though.
My younger D has had good luck with Zappos when she is in need of a dress quick and has no time to shop. She orders a bunch and within a day she has them. Try them on and send back shipping free what didn’t work. For her it beats spending days going from store to store.
I suppose it depends on venue. Those Lauren dresses with appropriate accessories are enough for me pretty much anywhere in HI that I’ve been, including weddings, when I’ve been a speaker at a major event, etc. It depends on the person and the way folks around them dress, I guess. When you’re young and fit, pretty much anything dark with nice accessories can go just about anywhere.
Yeah, but if you are young and fit you might want something more fun than those Lauren dresses.
Dunno–D is young and fit and likes classic dresses, especially for dressy occasions. I think she feels they are more versatile and that she will be able to wear them much longer than “fun” dresses that will likely go out of style sooner. D likes to be comfortable but look amazing–her clothing has to do both. 
When choosing something for a professional event “fun” may not be the best choice IMO. It depends on the profession and the venue. This is a Lauren dress which is perfect for a cocktail party IMO http://m.macys.com/shop/product/lauren-ralph-lauren-petite-sequined-lace-sheath-dress?ID=2564418&pla_country=US&CAGPSPN=pla&CAWELAID=120156340008685523&CAAGID=19061551021&CATCI=aud-102345011570:pla-107947207727&catargetid=120156340003946303&cadevice=m&cm_mmc=Google_Womens_PLA--RTW+Womens_Lauren+Ralph+Lauren±+GS_Dresses--72117743461-_-pg46413_m_kclickid_2b94fbfe-106c-e648-dabc-00005fd20f57&trackingid=424x46413&gclid=CIfutp6-l9ACFdgYgQodncYDSA
That dress works, but there are a lot of others that would as well. I think the Lauren dresses that would work for the office as well are not all that festive, although they certainly would be appropriate. I think a cocktail dress can be fun without being inappropriate. My daughter is a priest, and the dresses she has gotten from Rent the Runway are amazing, but not overly revealing or short.
If this D of OP is “newly launched” I’m assuming she is in her low to mid 20’s. Only OP knows her style - if she shares that we’d be better guided to share where to shop…BUT, I agree - either buy a LBD that is appropriate but makes her feel like a million bucks - why the heck not?! She’s likely in her 20’s! “Classic” has a time and place…but I hope she wants to dress like herself! - and not worry about if that dress is going to be ok in 10 years!
The last place my 20’s girls would go to shop is a big department store - it’s overwhelming and all those racks. Mine would go to Nordstrom Rack…or consider RTR.
Our steinmart has lots of nice holiday/cocktail dresses for good prices
After my daughter had an unsuccessful shopping trip, we are trying something different. I do tons of shopping online but never clothes (unless I am ordering something I already own and therefore know how it fits). Ordered four cute dresses from Dress Barn online which she loved (had a great coupon). Hopefully one of them looks great on her, the others will be returned.
Despite the horrible name, two of my fav work blouses are from DB.
here is the winner - looks great on her - very reasonably priced https://www.dressbarn.com/detail/lace-sequin-drape-neck-dress/102860021