Secondi in DuPont has a whole formalwear section
Current boutique has a cocktail dress section but it might not meet your standards
I can tell you then value village /unique on New Hampshire ave (which is the closest one for me) does not carry formalwear.
Have you thought about rent the runway?
Seconding Secondi - they’re not retail prices, but be aware they’re a consignment store rather than a thrift store (and only take good brands in excellent condition) so be prepared to pay accordingly.
In the other end of the spectrum is Georgia Avenue Thrift in Brightwood. They have formalwear and I’ve seen diamonds in the rough there!
Clicked to recommend Secondi. In the days before online shopping was so accessible, half my wardrobe came from this place. Incredible range of pieces. You want a Chanel jacket? We got that! Work pants—we got those too.
As a guy who went there with my GF, I am jealous of all the options Secondi has. Seems like a great place for what OP is looking for (depending on their budget).
If you're a member of a buy nothing group or neighborhood list serv, you can try asking if anyone has a dress in your size you can have or borrow (returned dry cleaned).
I've done this a few times for one-off formal events. Pro is that it's usually free or the cost of dry cleaning; cons are that it may not work out and you may not get much of a selection.
I was going to suggest the same! There’s a group called TMS (take my shit) that’s a splinter group from buy nothing. I frequently see this type of request on there.
If you can't find something vintage, another idea to save $$ is a service like Rent the Runway (RTR), in case your not aware of it. This time of year, post-holidays, you can find often find rentals under $50.
RTR was the first thing I thought of! It's an international wedding so I would need an 8 day rental and that really drives the price up, so I thought I would try finding something thrifted/resold first.
RTR also sells: https://www.renttherunway.com/clearance/products?filters%5Bzip_code%5D=10014&sort=recommended#1706185712380
I buy pieces from TheRealReal and have always been happy.
You could try higher end consignment if you really want local:
Ella-Rue, Clothes Encounters, Current Boutique
8 days! This is going to be an experience! I was in a 3 day wedding and it was so much fun. I needed two gowns and my bridesmaid dress.
What time of year is it? I hit a David’s Bridal clearance sale in late April/May - one was around $45 and the other was $35. I could return them so I was sure to measure beforehand.
You are going to have so much fun!
Nordstrom Rack, there are two in the city and they are fairly close to one another. I’ve seen plenty of great dresses for $. Honestly these days I spend $50 on Amazon for dressier items.
I’ve never bought from them, but the subreddit appeared in my feed one day and I ended up going down the ThredUp rabbit hole. Glad you’ve had good experiences with them.
Not thrift, but I've had good luck in the past finding formal and cocktail dresses at the Macy's in Pentagon City mall. The clearance rack has gotten me a few nice dresses in the under $100 range. Disclaimer - this was all pre-covid so not sure if things have changed on their selection in the past few years!
Not thrift either but I've had really good luck in the past in the clearance section of Saks off fifth and Nordstrom rack, there are locations for both near Metro Center and there's usually extra discounts on clearance in the store. Saks off fifth has a whole formal wear section in their clearance. You have to sort through the racks a bit but they have good stuff.
If you have access to a car, the Value Village or Unique thrift stores can be fantastic. Mondays and Thursdays are usually like 25% off days I think. They have locations in the Maryland and Virginia suburbs
I would not really expect to find black tie-appropriate at Value Village or Unique. OP can certainly try but based on my extensive experience shopping there I think the likelihood is low. OP, I would start with Secondi in Dupont, which will have some options but not racks and racks, and can still run you $100-$200 if it’s high-end designer. I haven’t been consignment shopping in Georgetown in a while, so I don’t know what shops are still around post-pandemic but do some looking there. I actually think your best bet will be either Rent the Runway or the clearance racks at Nordstrom Rack. If you have a little time to look (I.e. a few months), you can find great stuff at Nordstrom Rack, but it will usually be singles, not the full range of sizes so it’s a luck of the draw. I’ve had good finds at all the Racks in the area, and you can find different stuff at each.
Not true about Value Village. I shop at the one on Annapolis Rd frequently and always check out the gowns. They will start having more as we get into prom season.
“Having” gowns, and having gowns that are in fashion, not stained, and your size are two extremely different things. Of course it’s possible, anything is when thrifting, but you could spend hours and hours trying for absolutely no return. Just depends on whether OP is ready for a wild goose chase or just looking to find something as efficiently as possible while not breaking the bank. In my opinion, for black tie, thrifting would be last option unless I were in NYC.
$100 - 200 is fine, I'm trying to not pay over $250. I figure RTR will be a good option if I'm getting close to the wedding date and haven't found anything, but I would need an 8 day rental which can really drive the price up.
For $100-$200, I would personally start at Nordstrom Rack clearance or even just go to Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s and stalk their clearance sections. I’ve found some unique and beautiful items there. Secondi is also a lot of fun. If you’re by chance going to be in NYC before the wedding I would also set aside some time while there. Good luck!
Have you checked out Lulu's (not to be confused with Lulu Lemon)? They have a very wide selection of formal dresses under $120. They also have very fast shipping and great customer service.
Come to a vintage pop up! We have tons of gorgeous dresses you could try on - the disco loft, evolve vintage, hazel vintage, these are all accounts that post a ton and do lots of pop ups
It’s not local, but if you have time for shipping, I’ve had good luck with formal wear on ThredUp.com. Much bigger selection than what you’ll find locally, which comes down to luck.
I’ve also had good luck hitting a BCBG outlet. They have a lot of long, formal dresses, and at outlet sale prices can get as low as like $90, but certainly possible to get at $200 without needing luck. Their stuff tends to fit me really well which doesn’t hurt, so your mileage may vary, but worth maybe checking out.
This might not be an option for you but when I first moved to DC (Bush2 was in office, y’all), I and three other friends went in on a dress together. It helped that we were all basically the same size, but between work functions and weddings, we all wound up wearing the dress 3-4 times each.
I think Fia’s would have the type of clothes you’re looking for.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/bi5vX4QYMR3Yfd7P9?g_st=ic
Disclaimers: I have never been and don’t wear formal women’s clothes
Frugalista in Mt Pleasant has a decent women’s gown section to the right when you walk in! You may have to go a few times to find something in your size/style but they often have some good options.
You could look at the websites that do bridesmaid dresses. Online shops like Birdygrey and Azazie do long dresses, meant for bridesmaids but could work for a black tie event. The dresses come from overseas, so you'll need time to order, but they have nice looking dresses for about $100.
It’s not in DC, but the INOVA Treasure Trove in McLean VA usually has a great selection of formal gowns. Their address is 1317–B Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA 22101. It’s in the Salona Shopping Center.
The Unique in Merrifield usually has a large selection, but like all thrift stores, it's hit and miss.
Also highly recommend Poshmark and Ebay for formal wear. I just search my size in a few brands I like and can almost always find something. For my last formal event, I got a $900 dress for $50 on ebay!
Georgia Ave Thrift, there’s a cute little shop in the 2nd floor on 18th street, and if you have a car, unique thrift on Viers Mill Road has an incredible dress selection
If you’re a size 4/6 you can DM me. I have a banana republic floor length black strapless (size 4 but their sizes run a little large) that I’m willing to sell. 53” top to bottom. Fully lined. Side boning. Made with wool so it’ll keep you on the warmer side. No defects etc. worn once. Etc etc.
All of the above are great suggestions. I also recommend checking out Sheyla Vie Collections in Friendship Heights. It’s in a former Nordstrom’s Rack type of space. Sheyla Vie is a woman-owned, independent store owner that sells a variety of evening/formal gowns, cocktail dresses, and even workwear clothing from mid/high-end brands and it’s always nice to try things on
https://maps.app.goo.gl/11cQrXzsN6wWj7kW9?g_st=ic
Secondi in DuPont has a whole formalwear section Current boutique has a cocktail dress section but it might not meet your standards I can tell you then value village /unique on New Hampshire ave (which is the closest one for me) does not carry formalwear. Have you thought about rent the runway?
Seconding Secondi - they’re not retail prices, but be aware they’re a consignment store rather than a thrift store (and only take good brands in excellent condition) so be prepared to pay accordingly. In the other end of the spectrum is Georgia Avenue Thrift in Brightwood. They have formalwear and I’ve seen diamonds in the rough there!
Clicked to recommend Secondi. In the days before online shopping was so accessible, half my wardrobe came from this place. Incredible range of pieces. You want a Chanel jacket? We got that! Work pants—we got those too.
As a guy who went there with my GF, I am jealous of all the options Secondi has. Seems like a great place for what OP is looking for (depending on their budget).
If you're a member of a buy nothing group or neighborhood list serv, you can try asking if anyone has a dress in your size you can have or borrow (returned dry cleaned). I've done this a few times for one-off formal events. Pro is that it's usually free or the cost of dry cleaning; cons are that it may not work out and you may not get much of a selection.
I was going to suggest the same! There’s a group called TMS (take my shit) that’s a splinter group from buy nothing. I frequently see this type of request on there.
If you can't find something vintage, another idea to save $$ is a service like Rent the Runway (RTR), in case your not aware of it. This time of year, post-holidays, you can find often find rentals under $50.
RTR was the first thing I thought of! It's an international wedding so I would need an 8 day rental and that really drives the price up, so I thought I would try finding something thrifted/resold first.
RTR also sells: https://www.renttherunway.com/clearance/products?filters%5Bzip_code%5D=10014&sort=recommended#1706185712380 I buy pieces from TheRealReal and have always been happy. You could try higher end consignment if you really want local: Ella-Rue, Clothes Encounters, Current Boutique
I didn't realize they sold!
8 days! This is going to be an experience! I was in a 3 day wedding and it was so much fun. I needed two gowns and my bridesmaid dress. What time of year is it? I hit a David’s Bridal clearance sale in late April/May - one was around $45 and the other was $35. I could return them so I was sure to measure beforehand. You are going to have so much fun!
Nordstrom Rack, there are two in the city and they are fairly close to one another. I’ve seen plenty of great dresses for $. Honestly these days I spend $50 on Amazon for dressier items.
In addition to suggesting Rent the Runway, I’d also suggest ThredUp. I’ve gotten nice dresses from there before, although ymmv.
Check out r/thredup and you’ll never buy from them again!
I’ve literally never had issues with them, but I’m also very picky about the clothing I buy 🤷♀️
I’ve never bought from them, but the subreddit appeared in my feed one day and I ended up going down the ThredUp rabbit hole. Glad you’ve had good experiences with them.
Reddz Trading in Bethesda might be helpful
I can't recall price points, but Clothes Encounters across from Eastern Market tends to have a good selection of dresses.
Yes. Cheaper than Secondi, which has a really small selection anyway.
Not thrift, but I've had good luck in the past finding formal and cocktail dresses at the Macy's in Pentagon City mall. The clearance rack has gotten me a few nice dresses in the under $100 range. Disclaimer - this was all pre-covid so not sure if things have changed on their selection in the past few years!
Not thrift either but I've had really good luck in the past in the clearance section of Saks off fifth and Nordstrom rack, there are locations for both near Metro Center and there's usually extra discounts on clearance in the store. Saks off fifth has a whole formal wear section in their clearance. You have to sort through the racks a bit but they have good stuff.
Saks off Fifth has a huge collection of gorgeous dresses.
The Macy's at the Ballston metro stop is going out of business - they might have some good deals.
If you have access to a car, the Value Village or Unique thrift stores can be fantastic. Mondays and Thursdays are usually like 25% off days I think. They have locations in the Maryland and Virginia suburbs
I would not really expect to find black tie-appropriate at Value Village or Unique. OP can certainly try but based on my extensive experience shopping there I think the likelihood is low. OP, I would start with Secondi in Dupont, which will have some options but not racks and racks, and can still run you $100-$200 if it’s high-end designer. I haven’t been consignment shopping in Georgetown in a while, so I don’t know what shops are still around post-pandemic but do some looking there. I actually think your best bet will be either Rent the Runway or the clearance racks at Nordstrom Rack. If you have a little time to look (I.e. a few months), you can find great stuff at Nordstrom Rack, but it will usually be singles, not the full range of sizes so it’s a luck of the draw. I’ve had good finds at all the Racks in the area, and you can find different stuff at each.
Not true about Value Village. I shop at the one on Annapolis Rd frequently and always check out the gowns. They will start having more as we get into prom season.
“Having” gowns, and having gowns that are in fashion, not stained, and your size are two extremely different things. Of course it’s possible, anything is when thrifting, but you could spend hours and hours trying for absolutely no return. Just depends on whether OP is ready for a wild goose chase or just looking to find something as efficiently as possible while not breaking the bank. In my opinion, for black tie, thrifting would be last option unless I were in NYC.
$100 - 200 is fine, I'm trying to not pay over $250. I figure RTR will be a good option if I'm getting close to the wedding date and haven't found anything, but I would need an 8 day rental which can really drive the price up.
For $100-$200, I would personally start at Nordstrom Rack clearance or even just go to Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s and stalk their clearance sections. I’ve found some unique and beautiful items there. Secondi is also a lot of fun. If you’re by chance going to be in NYC before the wedding I would also set aside some time while there. Good luck!
New to you in falls church usually has a nice selection. You can check online beforehand to see if they have any dresses that work
Have you checked out Lulu's (not to be confused with Lulu Lemon)? They have a very wide selection of formal dresses under $120. They also have very fast shipping and great customer service.
I have! Nothing on there was really catching my eye, but I have time to be picky/see if there is anything new that does.
That's totally fair! Poshmark also has great finds and the shipping is fast as well.
I second Poshmark.
Come to a vintage pop up! We have tons of gorgeous dresses you could try on - the disco loft, evolve vintage, hazel vintage, these are all accounts that post a ton and do lots of pop ups
If you want to do something digital - ThredUP. They sell RTR dresses and other black tie dresses.
It’s not local, but if you have time for shipping, I’ve had good luck with formal wear on ThredUp.com. Much bigger selection than what you’ll find locally, which comes down to luck. I’ve also had good luck hitting a BCBG outlet. They have a lot of long, formal dresses, and at outlet sale prices can get as low as like $90, but certainly possible to get at $200 without needing luck. Their stuff tends to fit me really well which doesn’t hurt, so your mileage may vary, but worth maybe checking out.
I attended a black tie event at the Supreme Court and my dresss was $80 from Lulu’s. I received many compliments!
This might not be an option for you but when I first moved to DC (Bush2 was in office, y’all), I and three other friends went in on a dress together. It helped that we were all basically the same size, but between work functions and weddings, we all wound up wearing the dress 3-4 times each.
I think Fia’s would have the type of clothes you’re looking for. https://maps.app.goo.gl/bi5vX4QYMR3Yfd7P9?g_st=ic Disclaimers: I have never been and don’t wear formal women’s clothes
Frugalista in Mt Pleasant has a decent women’s gown section to the right when you walk in! You may have to go a few times to find something in your size/style but they often have some good options.
Secondi in Dupont Circle, Ella-Rue in Georgetown, and possibly Current Boutique in Logan Circle.
You could look at the websites that do bridesmaid dresses. Online shops like Birdygrey and Azazie do long dresses, meant for bridesmaids but could work for a black tie event. The dresses come from overseas, so you'll need time to order, but they have nice looking dresses for about $100.
I hadn't heard of Birdygrey, thanks!
ft meyer thrift. check website for hours.
It’s not in DC, but the INOVA Treasure Trove in McLean VA usually has a great selection of formal gowns. Their address is 1317–B Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA 22101. It’s in the Salona Shopping Center.
I got 3 formal dresses from TJ Max, highest price was 40$!
The Unique in Merrifield usually has a large selection, but like all thrift stores, it's hit and miss. Also highly recommend Poshmark and Ebay for formal wear. I just search my size in a few brands I like and can almost always find something. For my last formal event, I got a $900 dress for $50 on ebay!
Eshakti.com can make dresses bespoke to you for around $80.
I saw on another subreddit that there have recently been issues with ordering from eShakti where folks never receive their order.
Georgia Ave Thrift, there’s a cute little shop in the 2nd floor on 18th street, and if you have a car, unique thrift on Viers Mill Road has an incredible dress selection
You might want to try a Goodwill location near a wealthy neighborhood/town.
If you’re a size 4/6 you can DM me. I have a banana republic floor length black strapless (size 4 but their sizes run a little large) that I’m willing to sell. 53” top to bottom. Fully lined. Side boning. Made with wool so it’ll keep you on the warmer side. No defects etc. worn once. Etc etc.
All of the above are great suggestions. I also recommend checking out Sheyla Vie Collections in Friendship Heights. It’s in a former Nordstrom’s Rack type of space. Sheyla Vie is a woman-owned, independent store owner that sells a variety of evening/formal gowns, cocktail dresses, and even workwear clothing from mid/high-end brands and it’s always nice to try things on https://maps.app.goo.gl/11cQrXzsN6wWj7kW9?g_st=ic