BUFFALO, N.Y. — Colvin Cleaners is hosting its 16th annual "Gowns for Prom" free distribution event from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. through Thursday at the Buffalo Convention Center.
The event features thousands of dresses in all sizes and colors that high school students can choose for free. There will also be free jewelry available for all students.
Over the past 15 years, Colvin Cleaners has given more than 17,000 gowns to students through this program.
High school senior Layla Lewis and her mom returned to "Gowns for Prom" for the second year.
"I was looking at like a regular shop. Oh my gosh. I don’t know why dresses are so expensive! So expensive. But I'm really grateful I get to do this," Lewis said.
While Lewis' dress will come at no cost, the overall prom experience can be pricey.
According to Amarra, prom dresses can cost you anywhere from $85 to $700.
So 7 News checked out some stores to see where you can make ends meet:
- Lulus has dresses as low as $59 and a 10 percent discount for students
- Prom dresses at Macy’s range anywhere from $50 to $500
- Nordstrom has some dresses on sale starting at about $49.99
- Amazon has dresses are anywhere between $20 to $250
- Rent the Runway has designer dresses you can rent starting at $30
Organizers at the "Gowns for Prom" event said more than 750 high schoolers from around Western New York signed up for a free dress.
Appointments must be made ahead of time. You can sign up here.
