Girls who bought their prom dresses online -- and seriously regretted it

What you see is not always what you get, as some experienced shoppers might tell you.

Just ask these girls who, hoping to save some time and money, chose to shop for their prom dresses online.

Most of these gowns were made in China and failed to meet expectations when they were delivered to their buyers' doorsteps.

Bored Panda has compiled a series of photos comparing reality to expectations, from teenagers who hope that others will not make the same mistake.

These girls had dreamt of looking like a celebrity for that one special night, but instead had their hopes dashed for over-trusting online retailers.