York Students Offer Affordable Prom Wear

Why this is here: One in four parents in the UK spend between £250 and £500 on their child’s prom, according to the debt advice charity Money Wellness.

Students at Huntington School in York, England, launched Dress 2 Impress, a social enterprise offering prom attire for hire. The students created the boutique after noticing the high cost of prom dresses and suits, with some gowns originally priced as high as £650. They now rent dresses for £45 and suits for £25, and provide free outfits to students eligible for free school meals.

The boutique operates from a portable cabin on school grounds and relies on donations from closing shops and individuals. Student “prom consultants” assist shoppers, gaining customer service experience, while others manage the website and social media.

Rianne Hughes, a teacher at the school, notes some students arrived at the boutique after being unable to afford options elsewhere, and finding an outfit often provided emotional relief. The project began as a classroom discussion in October 2024, and the team acknowledges the limitations of space with only one changing room. The students continue to develop the program and expand its reach.