Where can I find a formal dress at a low cost?

Ross, but it depends on the store. Sometimes the selections are just all over the place.

I would suggest you try the thrift stores...places like Goodwill or Salvation Army. You can buy a very nice dress at a very small fraction of what it would cost new. Just be sure to carefully examine the dress for holes or stains and make sure that it fits you properly (most stores of dressing rooms). Just have it dry cleaned and you will be set.

Another possibility is Ross Stores, TJ Maxx or Marshall's. They usually have some reasonably priced clearance items in the formal women's section.

perhaps if this question was posted in the USA questions it might get a few more answers - this is the UK and Ireland one....although they do get mixed up sometimes

good luck with the dress - if it was UK I would have said TK Maxx....my daughter got her prom dress from there and looked beautiful for £30

Try gojane.com it has really cute, fashionable dresses and clothing depending on what you are looking for.