UK – DIMS SCORE^® Calculator – Formal Wear

Even if you are picking this up in person, you might have petrol, bus, or other transportation costs.

Special occasion clothes typically have the highest cost per wear of any item we buy, which is why borrowing or lending them makes so much sense.

Terrific. We've seen some amazing transformations from one wearer to the other, with just a little tailoring.

OK. Perhaps you'll be able to sell or donate it.

Won't it feel great to know that someone else will have a chance to enjoy this outfit after you're finished with it?

And if you re-sell it to a secondhand shop, you can get back some of the money you originally spent on it.

Great. If you're researching local vintage or secondhand shops, take note of what they have to sell. You might find a great deal on the perfect special occasion outfit!

Perhaps you can donate it?

Many communities have non-profit organisations or charities who provide formal wear to teens who might not otherwise be able to attend their Prom. Search for "donate formal wear near me" to find a donations program in your area.

Donating your gently used formal outfit to a local charity is a great way to pay it forward!

Well, you never know, you might have occasion to wear this outfit again in the future - so take good care of it.

If you have to buy appropriate shoes to wear with this outfit, that adds to overall cost.

Good to know.

One way to keep shoe costs down is to visit your local vintage or secondhand shop to look for previously owned footwear. You may find hidden treasures at bargain prices because special occasion shoes hardly get worn!

Anything you need to complete the outfit needs to be considered as part of its total cost. Those phantom costs can really add up!

Good to know. Make sure you discuss these phantom costs with your parents/ guardians. You may also be able to save some money by borrowing accessories from close friends or family members.

An outfit you already have the shoes and accessories for can make a lot of sense.

Supporting local manufacturers helps your community, when you can.

It may also reduce the carbon footprint of your purchase: it takes less energy to deliver an item from close to home.

Supporting local shops helps your community, when you can. Your money helps to pay the people who work in that shop, and if they spend their money locally, it helps the community again!

Great! You're supporting your community by shopping local and reducing the carbon footprint of your purchase!

OK. It's not always possible to shop local, but it's definitely something to keep in mind.

Parents are often more interested in helping you buy something when you are willing to spend some of your own money.

This can be a great way to show your parents/ guardians how much this purchase means to you.

Amazing! Parents are usually more interested in helping you buy something when you are contributing to its cost.

This might be something to reconsider. Being willing to spend some of your own money shows how important this outfit is to you.

What happens if you decide you don't like the look or fit of this item and it is still tagged and unworn?

Some shops will refund your money while others will only offer exchanges or shop credit.

Style is a way to tell people about yourself without saying a word.

Does the styling (icons and sayings used, colour, design, length) of this item tell people what you want them to know about you? Is it age-appropriate and aligned with your values? If you don't like green, why buy a green dress?

Great!

What is it about this outfit that doesn't tell people what you want them to know? No one purchase can tell us "all about a person." But if this purchase isn't aligned with your family's values, you'll want to discuss it with your parents first.