Inside an unassuming portable cabin in York, racks of jewel-toned prom dresses line the walls, with one vibrant red gown originally priced at £595. But for students at Huntington School, the price tag is now just £45. A group of business students created the social enterprise Dress 2 Impress, a boutique where pupils can hire a dress for £45 or a suit for £25. Those from low-income families who qualify for free school meals can hire an outfit for free.
"It's just crazy that a prom dress can cost so much," says 18-year-old Carlota White Gonzalez. "There is pressure to get an expensive outfit, but Dress 2 Impress stopped that within the school."
The suits and dresses are all donated – from closing prom shops, local businesses, or people who wore an outfit once. Tags on the gowns show original prices of £200, £300, even £650. Esther Edwards, 18, who works in the boutique, explains: "You get to see people who think this is a limitation to enjoying their final celebration of school, and they're able to come here and not feel that pressure."
Shoppers book private appointments due to limited space, assisted by student "prom consultants" gaining customer service experience. Behind the scenes, another team handles website design and social media.
Business teacher Rianne Hughes, who oversees the project, recalls: "We have had students who cried in here. They'd been to mainstream prom retailers and cost was an issue. It's an emotional release when they find the perfect dress." She says she is "incredibly proud" of how the project grew from a classroom discussion in October 2024 to a fully functioning boutique.
The initiative has eased the financial burden for families while ensuring every student can enjoy prom without breaking the bank.