Enterprising sixth formers at Huntington School in York launched Dress2Impress so that fellow pupils could loan or buy formal attire at low prices to make leavers’ celebrations less of a financial burden and more sustainable.
Companies and individuals have donated to the cause, from big glitzy gowns and more demure dresses in all shapes, styles and sizes to formal three-piece suits and accessories.
Dress2Impress scooped The Press York Community Pride 2025 Best Community Project Award, with Year 13 classmates Matteo Cupaiolo, Esther Edwards and Carlota White Gonzalez collecting the accolade on behalf of the group.
The 40-strong team is now opening its own Dress2Impress shop, boasting pre-loved and brand-new outfits, in an outbuilding at Huntington School.
Teacher of business and economics Rianne Hughes said the students had contacted businesses across the country for donations, attracting support from big names and smaller independent boutiques.
Miss Hughes said: “This is a brilliant social enterprise and the money they make goes straight back into enhancing the service further.
“Stock is coming in all the time from people who own prom boutiques, including brands like Hermione, Sherri Hill and Mascara, as well as suits from Moss Bros, Next and M&S. Students are prom-dress shopping already!”
The students are holding a launch night on September 26 for staff and parents and will then officially start offering appointments from October 2 when people can view and try on outfits.
The Dress2Impress shop will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 3.30pm to 5pm, and on some Saturday mornings after the Christmas break.
Miss Hughes said the shop doubled up as a realistic working environment for the students, several of whom are studying Applied Business at A level or Btech Enterprise Studies.
She added: “The focus has been about breaking down barriers. The students have thought of everything and it is a very professional set up. By making the shop as accessible and professional as possible, every one gets a five-star service. It doesn’t matter who they are or what their budget is.”
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Esther, 17, said: “We want to make prom much more accessible and affordable for students in school. Often it can be quite a challenge for families. We want to be able to support any student of any school in the York area or even further if we can.
“As soon as a student is faced with the idea of prom they’re immediately thinking of the cost of the ticket, the dress, shoes, hair, make-up – it all adds up. At the end of the day you only wear your outfit for a couple of hours. You have to think is it worth the cost?
“Dress2Impress really takes the pressure off someone who might think they can’t go to prom because their family doesn’t have the money. We have a wide range of sizes from 4 to 24 and every size for men. We have full-on glittery and sparkly, layered ‘princess’ dresses, and we also have more modest fitted silky-satin-style dresses as well as a range of fully-covered long-sleeved dresses.
“When they turn up at prom, people won’t know the difference of whether they have got their dress from here or a shop. They are just the same quality and everyone gets to feel amazing.
“You get these big sparkly dresses that are awful for the environment. Dress2Impress gives them another use and means they are not sitting in landfill.”
Carlota, also 17, added: “This is important because everyone needs to feel equal and good. When you pay the big price tag, you are also paying for the experience – but here, you get the experience without the price tag. Everyone also gets a goody bag to get prom ready, with things like a compact mirror and lipstick.”
Families who receive free school meals are able to loan outfits at no cost, otherwise hire prices start from £25 which covers the dry-cleaning fee.
The shop will also offer a pay-as-you-feel pre-loved uniform service for Huntington School pupils.
The students are also planning to transform an overgrown garden next to their shop into a communal area and are hoping to get an outbuilding for another enterprise project.
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