Trunk Sales

a trunk show is exactly that. Its not an actual show, it just means that you get the discount if you buy that designers dress that day. I think the show thing always throws ppl off, but if you say trunk show or trunk sale if you want its the exact same thing. Show is as in showcasing their stuff in the store, just means they might bring new stuff of their collection and they will be out on the racks. But as far as what your experience is, its the same as you would normally go. If you want to try on that designers dresses you can, the designer is usually there and they'll come over and talk to you and if you buy it you get a discount of anywhere from 10-15% off the dress.

Check stores websites. For example Kleinfelds has a trunk show every weekend almost at their store. If you go to kleinfelds site, they have a calendar of every trunk show coming up.

During a trunk show the designer will bring their new line and you are able to try on those dresses and purchase them at a discounted rate. Usually the discounted rate extends to any dress that designer makes so if you are interested in a certain designer its a good idea to find a trunk sale so that you can get a good deal on the dress. Sometimes they'll even extend the discount to any dress in the store, but that is less common.

I guess if you are looking for out of season dresses marked down you could buy a sample? They are really discounted but you have to buy them as-is.