Teens in Orange Unified School District Deterred by the Cost of Prom Night Can Discreetly Rent an Outfit From the ‘Formal Closet’

While some county teens are gearing up for the prom with thoughts of limos and designer clothes, other teens are deciding to discreetly skip the event. They simply can’t afford to buy a formal outfit, much less rent wheels.

But if Sheila Harel and Sarah Alevizon of Anaheim Hills have their way, any girl with $10 will be able to attend her prom in style.

Last year, the duo received 50 formal dresses while collecting everyday clothing to distribute to the needy. With those dresses, they created a “formal closet” at Esplanade Elementary School in Orange, and word about the “loaner” dresses quickly spread throughout the Orange Unified School District.

Today, the closet has grown to include 180 new and gently worn gowns.

Individuals as far north as Los Angeles and as far south as Balboa Island have donated cocktail, prom and bridesmaid gowns. Marry Me Bridal in Anaheim Hills donated 40 new dresses.

Dress styles range from a long sequined sheath a la Ginger from “Gilligan’s Island” to a flirty red and white polka dot knee-grazing number. There are off-the-shoulder and strapless styles and more youthful dresses rounding out the selection.

“Some of the girls go for a lot of pizazz, but others want something more demure,” says Alevizon.

The closet also offers shoes, furs and some rhinestone jewelry.

Girls who want to try on dresses make an appointment with Harel or Alevizon. Dresses may be reserved as early as three weeks in advance, or as late as the last minute.

A student obtains approval to rent a dress from a sponsor and a teacher or counselor and promises to return the dress promptly, either fresh from the dry cleaner or with a $10 payment that goes toward the cost of cleaning.

Though the anonymity of the girls is strictly protected, Harel and Alevizon record the dress, the date it was worn and the school where the event took place to prevent dress “repeats.”

In addition to proms, the dresses are also available for school dances, eighth-grade graduations and scholarship competitions or beauty pageants.

“The last thing we want is for these dresses to just sit here,” says Alevizon.

In the future, they hope to offer free manicures and hair styling, as well as tuxedos and suits for boys.

“The prom is a rite of passage; these kids just have to go,” says Harel. “So many of these kids are just on their own. They don’t have anywhere to turn. We really want to help them out.”

For information, contact Harel through Canyon High School, (714) 532-8000.