Night Dresses - Where can I find formal/semi formal dresses that are not very expensive and are not tacky?

Where can I find formal/semi formal dresses that are not very expensive and are not tacky?

I live in Tennessee and am on a fixed budget. I am looking for a short dress (knee-lenght or shorter) that is is somewhat revealing but not too revealing. I would prefer that it not have to be ordered online. If you know of any websites that help you find dresses that match your body type it would be greatly appreciated. If you have any fashion advise it would also be greatly appreciated.

Public Comments

Try JCpenny's I know it might not sound fancy but at the JCpenny that is near where i live they had cute formal dresses on sale for 30 dollars.They had black and gold one's, red sparkly, baby blue silk,red plad,peachy silk well lets just say they had alot of cute ones.
www.jessicamcclintock.com they have cheap dresses but i dont know if they have a store near you, you can check under the store locater...
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=25991&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=10&iSubCat=15&iProductID=25991 this dress is gorgeous in red. I don't knw what your body type is, but even if you are thicker, it will still look great. If you want to enhance the look of the short dress, wear super high heels with it to make your legs look longer. Cute dress, cute shoes, your good to go =]
i always have good luck with dillards. im a big girl that doesnt want to dress like she's the "mother of the bride" if you know what i mean. try there or at JC penny's.
I've always found great dresses that are in style and very cheap in consignment shops. Also try Craigs List under women's clothing. There are always formal/semi formal items in that catagory. Or try the newspaper. If you still can't find what you're looking for after that, then go to JCPenny's they have a nice selection there.
If you are going to be wearing that dress once, just pick the one you like then return it 30 days or so. Because the brand-name company triple there value just for the benefit. Excluding the payroll of staff, labor, and merchandise. Then the dress will be mark down price and someone else can have it for good. If they don't mind used cloth. For what I call recycle.
TJ Max and Ross. Sometimes you have to dig at Ross, but I have found some really great dresses from there for like $15.00- $20.00