AB2B Boutique

Head upstairs. AB2B Boutique, also known as All Brides 2 Be, splits its shop across two floors inside Countryside Mall, next to Dillard's.

For a prom shopper that split is a gift: the formalwear floor is its own space, and you are not waiting behind a bridal party for a fitting room.

Whether your style is glamorous, edgy, romantic, or red carpet, our staff helps you find a dress that feels uniquely you, with new arrivals constantly hitting the floor throughout prom season.

That line from the store's prom page is a fair description of the racks. The prom section leans toward fitted gowns, glitter, corset bodices, feathers, sequins and bold color, the looks that photograph well under gym lights and on a staircase before the limo shows up. Homecoming gets the same treatment each fall, with short sparkly styles, playful feathers and a reminder from the store not to forget the homecoming court dress. And because this is a family business, as the store's FAQ puts it, the pricing is posted openly on the website, including a section of dresses priced at $189 and lower.

Designers and sizes, from the store's own inventory

AB2B lists its inventory online with style numbers, and the designer names that show up most in the prom and homecoming listings include Clarisse and Ava Presley, followed by Alyce Paris, Aleta, Morilee, Jasz Couture, Ellie Wilde, Jessica Angel and Portia and Scarlett. Many of those are in stock to take home the same day, and the store can special order other sizes and colors when the calendar allows.

Size range is where AB2B stands out, and the store's FAQ breaks it down by category.

Prom dresses

000 to 28

Quinceañera dresses

00 to 20, with up to 26 available to order

Bridal gowns

2 to 26

On timing, the store estimates one to two weeks for in-stock prom and formalwear pieces, while special orders vary by designer. Shopping early is the store's standing advice, and it is good advice for any spring dance.

How the visit works

Appointments are highly recommended, but walk-ins are welcome when space and a fitting room are free. One smart touch: you can browse the online inventory first and send screenshots, and the stylists will pre-pull those dresses before you arrive. Bring a few supportive friends or family members, or come alone and let the staff be your second opinion. The staff speaks English and Spanish, and the store notes it has a part-time French-speaking team member at select times.

Settle on the dress you love before the card comes out, and book the seamstress soon after you buy, since spring is busy for every seamstress in the county. Accessories for the dress side run from jewelry and tiaras to boombas and sticky bras.

The tuxedo counter is a real reason couples come together.

The location does a lot of the work, too. Countryside Mall sits on US 19 in Clearwater, and its draw covers students at Countryside High, Clearwater High, Dunedin High, Palm Harbor University High and East Lake High, and the store lists Largo, St. Petersburg and Safety Harbor among the communities it serves. It is an easy meeting point for anyone shopping prom in Pinellas County, Florida, and there is enough mall to keep a younger sibling busy while the try-ons happen.

Answers for an AB2B prom trip

Does AB2B alter prom dresses in the store?

No. The store refers customers to independent local seamstresses who specialize in formalwear, and you can use any tailor you prefer.

Does AB2B offer payment plans on prom dresses?

Yes. The store offers flexible payment plans on many prom dresses and other formalwear, with scheduled payments. Special orders generally require 60 percent before production begins.

Can a date's vest be matched to the gown at AB2B?

Yes. AB2B rents and sells prom tuxedos and suits, and the staff coordinates colors so the vest or tie lines up with the dress.