If a deal seams to good to be true, it probably is. It’s a horrible fact of life, and a lesson some online shoppers have had to learn the hard way.
These days there are dozens of online retailers selling apparel and accessories that look like designer quality but cost a fraction of the price. While this should raise some red flags from buyers who may want to exercise caution, many don’t think twice before checking out — and they face the consequences.
Some of those teen shoppers have taken to social media to share their regrettable prom dress purchases, posting photos comparing their expectations and the reality.
While they think they bought some glamorous frock or gown with intricately embroidered and beaded netting, a flattering cut, fancy lace, or luxe-looking embellishments, what they actually get is far from it.
Here FEMAIL shares some of the worst prom dress fails posted online by teens, from the ones with awkward lining and sloppy beading to the oddly-measured disasters that couldn’t possibly be flattering on anyone.
Yikes! Teens have shared pictures of their regrettable prom dress purchases
Whoops: Many have expressed disappointment that the dress they received in the mail looked nothing like the picture
Hmm… This teen seemed to know she was getting a knockoff, as the picture was of Blake Lively at Cannes — however, she was clearly disappointed that it didn’t look designer
Oh no! This lopsided pink dress looks like a bulky misshapen mess
Buyer beware: Many teens buy from foreign knockoff websites thinking they’re scoring a deal
Sad sack: Even on someone with the right curves, this straight dress could never fit in such a sultry way
Who was your model? With many of the dresses, the proportions are just totally off
No amount of steaming would turn the dress on the right into the one on the left
So many things wrong with this one! The tulle is floppy, the satin is wrinkled, the bodice isn’t beaded — and of course, the awkward breast-shaped lining is bizarre
Remember: Many of the knockoff websites advertise dresses using pictures of the original item being knocked off, not the knockoff itself
Too good to be true: Hundreds of teens have taken to social media to warn others
Nope! This teen doesn’t need a romantic sea backdrop behind her to make it obvious that what she got doesn’t match up to what she thought she was buying
Cheap: Whereas the dress on the left looks hand-decorated with beading, the one on the right has a more Bedazzled feel
Major shift: The teens are both upset and amused by the differences between expectation and reality
When you save… One of the features that most frequently looks awkward in a knockoff is sheer netting
Not the same man power: Cheap embroidery is also very easy to spot
Not the same! Sometimes, it’s not just a cheaply-made version that arrives, but a totally different design (see the different neckline and darker sleeves)
Borrowing: Many of the sites steal photos and inspirations from legitimate retailers
Across the globe: Quite a few teens warn specifically not to order dresses from China
Infamous: There are several Chinese sites that are known for selling inexpensive knockoffs
While customers may luck out with some simpler designs, it can be very hit or miss
Can’t wear this out! This dress fits this girl like a glove, but the circular breast cover-ups are very funny-looking
Maybe rip ’em out? Those circles places under netting for modesty are a common awkward feature
No! The straight cut of this dress totally ignores the waist – and there are sleeves!
So off! This dress isn’t even the right length (never mind color, cut, or design)
Send it back: This dress went from sexy to matronly in the mail