The evening gown has been a mainstay in women's formal wear for centuries. Even as fashions have become more casual for both sexes, the 'little black dress' and its multi-colored counterparts have remained a major part of the American fashion industry. As with all clothes purchases, it can be difficult to find an evening gown that fits perfectly, but if you are willing to spend a little time to find the true measurements of a dress or make alterations on your own, you should be able to find what you are looking for.

There are a number of available designs that were created specifically for prom that represent the latest trends and offer a variety of different looks. Indulge in floor-length crepe-back satin, or go short and flirty with fringe and tiered skirts. If your prom days are in the past, you can find cocktail dresses that are cut a bit shorter than traditional evening dresses, as well as brand new beaded dresses.

Evening gowns can also double as bridemaid's dresses. Most distributors offer several matching gowns to outfit an entire bridal party. Others sell bridal dresses that can be dyed fairly easily in order to match the color scheme of the wedding. Some brides are letting their attendants choose their own gowns, as long as the color scheme and/or design has a unifying feature (i.e., all strapless or all a similar hue of purple).

Whether you want a slit-to-here Versace or a demure Laura Ashley, cheap evening gowns are easy to find on eBay. Take your measurements carefully, using a tape measure. Measure around the fullest part of your bust, the natural waist, and the fullest part of the hip. It may be helpful to try on a dress from a particular designer at a store near you, to get an idea of how their sizing applies to you.