Prom outfit secured entirely at a thrift store.

Prom is right around the corner, and in today’s economy, not every teen–or parent–has the cash to spring for a pricey outfit. That’s where thrift-store shopping comes in–especially if you can find a store in an upscale area. You may be able to secure a high-end, special-occasion dress for a low-end price.

For those who are new to the thrifting scene, here are four tips to enhance your shopping experience this prom season:

1.  Know what you’re looking for. Thrift shopping can be overwhelming and sometimes a challenge to find exactly what you need. However, if you have a good idea of what you want in advance, it can cut down on the time it takes to rummage through the racks, capitalizing on the eyeball method while shopping.

2.  Keep an eye out for the quality brands. They do exist. And best of all, they’re affordable. You may need to take a little extra time to really dig in, but if you’re patient enough, there is plenty of high-class clothing hiding in thrift stores.

3. Talk to the sales associates; they can be a great resource for information. If you’re looking for a specific item, it can’t hurt to ask an employee to keep an eye out for you, especially if you’ve been a regular in the store the past couple weeks. The employees may get busy and forget with all the items that come through their doors, but they may just remember your specific item next time you come in.

4. Shop often. Thrift stores like Savers gets new merchandise on a daily basis and introduces new items to the floor regularly. What isn’t there one day may very well be the next. Persistency can pay off in big ways.