Sydney Miller, 17, grew up hearing her mum discuss her year 12 formal. So when her own came around, she wanted to go all out. Add social media influence to the mix – especially from the US, where proms are a significant rite of passage – and the stage was set for a big night.
“It’s pretty big on TikTok. So when you see them doing the big ball gowns and everything, it kind of makes us Australians excited,” the Sydney private school student says. Sydney Miller in her formal dress, and with friends for their big night.
Credit: Miller started researching dresses in March this year, spending “many hours” on US prom dress websites such as Sherri Hill. She set out looking for a big, colourful gown but ended up choosing the opposite – a simple, black one-shoulder dress. Cost played a part, as did “the nature of what the trends are right now in Australia”, which tend to the more pared back.
She also chose to rent her dress – something that more budget- and sustainability-conscious teenagers are doing. Her gown from Lexi Clothing cost $150 to hire but would have cost at least twice that much to buy. All up, she estimates she spent about $850, including on hair, make-up, shoes, a spray tan and limo rental among 10 friends.
In 2024, the school formal remains a big deal to most teenagers. Last month, Australian music duo Peking Duck appeared at a formal in Victoria, going viral on social media. And while more teens rent their apparel and feel less pressure to take a .