I missed the Giveaway and need a dress for prom. What do you suggest?

At the conclusion of the Giveaway all of our dresses are boxed up and stored for the next year’s event. We suggest you hunt for inexpensive dresses on discount racks at local department stores. Another option would be to visit resale and thrift stores. Oftentimes, you are able to find beautiful dresses at low prices at these types of stores. You might also want to check with your friends to see if they have a gown they would loan you for your prom or if your school has a clothes closet that offers prom dresses.

Is there an organization that provides suits or tuxes for the guys to wear to prom?

We are not aware of a similar organization for guys. But, during prom season, we offer a discount coupon from Mr. Formal.

I cannot come the weekend of the Giveaway. Do you give out dresses at other times during the year?

Unfortunately, we do not. At the end of the event, the remaining dresses are boxed up and put in storage until next year’s event.

Is Abby's Closet welcoming to people of all gender identities?

Abby’s Closet is welcoming to students of all different gender identities, abilities and sizes. The goal of Abby’s Closet is to make every participant feel special, beautiful and confident.

What size dresses do you have?

We have dresses in size 0 to size 26 (or larger).

I cannot attend the Giveaway. Can a friend or relative pick out a dress for me?

No. You need to be a high school student to receive a free dress.

I am a private person, what is the dressing room situation like?

The dressing rooms are screened from the dress selection area, but are not totally private. If you feel uncomfortable undressing in front of others, consider wearing an undergarment you can keep on while trying on dresses. There are a few private dressing rooms, but the wait for them can be long.

Can I take a picture of my dress and send it to my date so they can help me pick it out?

Pictures are not allowed (cameras or camera-phones) in the dressing area due to privacy issues.

Do you accept dress donations year-round?

Yes. We accept donations all year long. Click here for more information on what we accept and how to donate.

I have a dress to donate. Can I bring it to the Giveaway?

Yes, you may. We accept donations at the door.

I do not live in Portland, am I eligible to come?

Yes. Any high school student who would like a prom dress is invited to attend this event. You do not need to live in Portland or Oregon to attend.

Do I need any paperwork or proof of eligibility?

Proof of school attendance is required. That proof can include, but is not limited to, a school ID card, a recent report card, Synergy, Student View, or a note from your school on school letterhead. ID will be checked at the door. Homeschooled high school students are welcome to attend. If you do not have an official ID card from your school, please plan to bring one of the other approved proof of attendance methods listed above. You are not asked to prove financial need.

What if I don’t have a school ID card (because I am home-schooled or lost my ID card)?

You can bring other proof of attendance, ex. something written on a letterhead. If you don’t have anything, please email us and explain the situation, and we can add you to an exception list: info@abbyscloset.org.

Is there any cost?

No, the dresses are FREE. There is no cost to students for the dress. Transportation and parking at or near the Oregon Convention Center is the responsibility of the attendees. We encourage the use of public transportation, i.e. TriMet and the MAX Light Rail.

May my mother or a female friend come with me?

Yes, you may bring one female friend or relative with you.

What if my father or boyfriend is the only person available to bring me?

Men are not allowed in the dress selection area and dressing rooms. They must wait in the hallway. However, students may go out to the hallway to show them a dress.

Do you have anyone who can shorten a dress or do other repairs?

We have volunteer seamstresses who can do quick repairs (a zipper coming unsewn, a seam repair), but they do not have time to hem dresses or make major repairs. A friend who sews or a dry cleaner can do that for you. Our seamstresses will give advice on whether it is possible to hem a dress or do certain alterations. For additional alterations, these alterations sites will provide at least a 10% discount to students with a dress from Abby's Closet. Students must identify that they received the dress from Abby's Closet and must provide plenty of time so it is not a "rush" job. CLICK HERE FOR ALTERATIONS SITES LIST.

What is the best way to get to the Oregon Convention Center (car or public transportation)?

We highly recommend using public transportation, as parking near the Convention Center can be a challenge and there is a cost to use the parking garage. To plan your trip to the Oregon Convention Center via Portland Streetcar or Tri-Met, or for additional information (ex. street parking and pick-up zones, accommodations for people with health conditions or impairments), please visit: https://www.oregoncc.org/en/attend/parking-directions.

English is not my first language. Will you have people there who can translate?

We will have some volunteers onsite who can help with translation. Please come to the Volunteer Registration Desk after you check in to let us know you would like some assistance.