Comments on: Help me buy a dress

Question: Help me buy a dress

purplefiber — Fri, 14 Apr 2006 22:37:15 -0800

Help me find dress clothes in San Francisco

Where can I (meaning my roommate) shop for formal clothes in the San Francisco area? Looking for evening-wear (long dresses), preferably stores in the downtown area.

By: junesix

junesix — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 02:18:42 -0800

Price range?

I'm surprised no one else has supplied an answer yet. Well, I shouldn't know these things but /shrug for having a friend who's trying to become a fashion buyer.

In order of ascending groups of price and quality:

Forever 21
H&M

Banana Republic
Club Monaco
ZARA
Macy's

Nordstrom
Sisley
Saks Fifth Avenue
Neiman Marcus
BCBG Max Azria
Emporio Armani
Metier
Marc Jacobs

I'm sure I've missed out a bunch but hopefully some women will chime in with their opinions of the above.

More stores on this yelp.com page.

By: occhiblu

occhiblu — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 11:00:23 -0800

I would certainly start at Macy's and Nordstrom's. And then, if you don't find anything, almost all the stores junesix mentions are right in Union Square.

So, Union Square, basically.

The other neighborhood to check out may be Union Street in Pacific Heights (or is that the Marina?). There's a branch of Ambiance there (also exists on Haight Street, near the Park) that often has really cute formal dresses. It's also generally horrifically crowded, though, so take that into account. And plenty of other boutique-y places along the street.

By: purplefiber

purplefiber — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 13:31:37 -0800

thanks! good suggestions.

By: kcm

kcm — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 15:43:59 -0800

There's tons of neighborhoods besides Union Square, although that sounds like where you want (try for weekdays if at all possible): Hayes, Fillmore, Haight, North Beach/Marina, etc. Most of the ones outside US are boutique-y. The Embarcadero Center and San Francisco Shopping Center are good places to start for all the mall stores.

By: radioamy

radioamy — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 15:54:16 -0800

Jessica McClintock has a boutique off the Square. Pricey but gorgeous. That said, I got both of my prom dresses at Macy's.

By: ilsa

ilsa — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 17:36:10 -0800

I bought a lovely gown in Chinatown (one of the many little boutiquey places, couldn't tell you which one). And I only spent about $40. Now if I can just find an occasion to wear it!