The name gives away the main idea. Coco's Off the Rack, out on Lake Lansing Road in East Lansing, sells prom gowns you can buy straight off the floor, and it will special order a style when the rack does not have your size or color. Walk-ins are welcome, sizes run from 00 to 26, and the shop pitches each sale as a chance at a one-of-a-kind prom dress. The site's own banner bills the place as special occasion wear with a one of a kind experience, and the prom page backs that up with a simple invitation to come in and shop.
The one-of-a-kind pitch is backed by a registry. Coco's records the dresses it sells so that two students heading to the same dance do not end up in the same gown. For a girl from East Lansing High School, Okemos High School or Haslett High School, the registry means one less thing to worry about on prom night.
Designers and sizes
The prom page names Alyce Paris, Ellie Wilde, Colette and Jovani, with more beyond those. The shop's list of favorite designers adds La Femme to the formal side. The 00 to 26 span means most students can try on in their own size rather than imagining a sample that does not fit.
Moms are covered too, with Montage, Cameron Blake, Adrianna Papell and Frank Lyman for semi-formal and black-tie events, but the prom racks are where most of the spring energy goes.
Alterations in the same shop
Coco's runs its own alterations service, and prom and formal gowns are on the list. The services page covers:
- Prom and formal dresses
- Suits
- Mothers' dresses and bridesmaid dresses
- Wedding gowns
- Repairs
Alteration work is by appointment only, and pricing is set at a consultation rather than posted, since every gown and every fix is different. The sensible move is to book the alteration consultation when you buy the dress, so a hem or strap adjustment is finished well before the dance.
Read the return terms on the shop's customer support page before you buy.
Returns
Within seven days, unworn and unwashed, with every tag still attached.
Never returnable
Anything marked final sale, plus earrings, hair accessories and shapewear.
Refunds
Store credit is processed free; a refund to the original card carries a $7.50 handling fee.
Payment
Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and personal checks.
Once a prom gown has been altered, treat it as yours for good.
Students from Williamston and DeWitt make the trip as well, and for shops farther afield, this site's central Michigan listings sort other options by region.
Before you leave with a gown, make sure it goes into the registry under your school's dance. The shop's prom page puts the offer in capital letters.
WE REGISTER YOUR DRESS!
Two prom questions for Coco's in East Lansing
Will Coco's keep track of which dress I bought for my prom?
Yes. The shop registers prom dresses, so tell the staff your school and dance when you buy.
Can I order a dress the store does not have on the rack?
Yes. You can buy off the rack or special order through the shop, and walk-ins are welcome to browse either way.