HIGH school students in St George and Sutherland Shire are spending thousands of dollars on their formals.
With formal season now in full swing, hairdressers and clothing retailers are reporting girls are spending up big to look perfect for their end-of-year bash.
And with the majority of students now staying on at school, parents can expect to shell out not once, but twice or more as students attend year 10 and 12 formals, and partner others.
One year 12 student from Sutherland Shire is preparing to attend three events this formal-season alone — her own, her boyfriend's and as the partner of a friend.
Formals are proving to be a boon for the local economy with everyone from hairdressers to spray tanners and dressmakers eagerly looking forward to the season, which runs from September to December.
Cronulla hairdresser Nicole Simpson said girls were going all out to ensure they looked their best.
"Girls are getting a lot more extravagant," she said.
"They are spending a lot more money and it's not just their hair and dress, it's make-up, nails, spray tans, the lot."
She said money was no object for some girls who were beginning their pre-formal preparation weeks in advance.
"We have got girls coming in now for colours, highlights and hair extensions for formals in December," Ms Simpson said.
Ms Simpson said the salon where she worked, Studio B, was offering formal packages of hairstyling, spray tan and make-up for $125 or hairstyling and make-up for $99.
She said leading hair trends were soft, messy, big curls left out or vintage waves and pin-curl up-dos. Highlights or ombre colours (where colour gradually fades to tips) were also on trend.
A popular one-stop shop is Cronulla's Meet That Store, which stocks a limited collection of higher-end labels that come with tidy price tags.
Boutique owner Paige Haywood said many girls began their search for a dress as early as January.
"They are prepared to spend up to $600 for the whole package — a dress, shoes and jewellery," she said.
"But a lot of the girls don't mind spending if they can wear it again.
"The price doesn't become so significant if it saves them the hassle of finding something they like."
When it comes to frocking up, parents are forking out the big bucks.
"Mums and dads are paying," she said. "We're talking an average of up to about $1000 for everything.
"It's usually the case where the girls try to find a dress online but walk away with bad experiences."
She said social media was a big contributor to girls going all out.
"Most of the schools have Facebook pages, so girls love sharing their preparations," she said.
"It's such an exciting time for them, when they are young and just starting to shop for their first social scene experience.
"That's why there's so much emphasis on it."
FORMAL COSTS
Dress: $300-$900
Shoes: $150-$300
Make-up: $50-$90
Hairstyle: $80
Spray tan: $35
Nails: $60
Pedicure: $50
Tickets: $100
Transport: $100
Total: $925-$1715
Do you think spending a lot of money on a school formal is a good idea?
