Budget buy

These days, doing the debs on a budget has never been easier. Renting a dress for the occasion is more popular than ever and high street shops are stocked full of accessories that look the part for half the price. Here are our top picks at bargain prices.

1a White dress with side detail from Lipsy | €105

1b Penneys limited edition holographic courts | €12

1c Dorothy Perkins silver envelope clutch | €20

1d Aura precious stone ring by Accessorize | €19.90

1e Dorothy Perkins drop earrings | €10

1f Chunky chain bracelet from Penneys | €5

Short and sweet

According to a survey by Debenhams, 60% more girls are opting for short, flapper style dresses for their big night. Shorter styles can be a more casual option for attending another school’s debs, plus they can usually be worn again for a different occasion.

2a Beaded dress from Monsoon | €305

2b Penneys fur clutch available September | €10

2c F&F Faux Fur stole in mink | €26

2d Claudio silver sandals from Lipsy at Littlewoods | €79

2e M&Co opaque oversize earrings | €10

For the guys

These days, young men are paying just as much attention to the style stakes as the ladies. Rather than renting a tux, why not invest in a smart suit that you can recycle for college balls, job interviews and weddings. Dark blue is the ‘in’ shade this year.

3a Jeff Banks at Debenhams navy blazer | €186

3b Jeff Banks at Debenhams navy pants | €120

3c White party shirt from Penneys | €10

3d Penneys formal shoes | €15

Insert: Accessorise

Choose a plain suit and dress it up with some quirky accessories for a stylish look

3e Blue velvet bow tie from Debenhams | €21

3f Next braces | €28

3g Brown leather Fossil watch | €109

3h Debenhams pocket square | €21

Curvy

For curvy ‘apple shaped’ figures, the objective is to create a more defined waist and conceal the midsection. This is achieved by adding fullness and curves to the lower body. Avoid natural waistlines, fitted hips, and anything that draws attention to the middle. Look for dresses with empire waists, a-lines, belted styles and wrap dresses. Dressing in darker colours, like navy, can also be more flattering than pastel and pale shades.

4a. Debut at Debenhams teal ruched bodice lace maxi dress €180, sizes 6-22.

4b. Divine Deco earrings from GlitzySecrets.com €22

4c. Pearls of Treasure necklace from GlitzySecrets.com €57

4d. Jenny Packham @ Debenhams €45

4e. Littlewoods Shoe Box Hemingway mid heel jewelled sandals €45

Tall

Very tall girls often find it difficult to get dresses long enough. Flat sandals can provide an option. Tall ladies can make themselves appear shorter by wearing mid length dresses. They should avoid very high waistlines too, and go for dresses with a more natural waistline.

5a.Début @ Debenhams dress €270

5b. Debenhams Mood By Jon Richard earring €22

5c. Penneys cuff €4

5d. Little Mistress @ Littlewoods Ireland gold box clutch €32

5e.Carvela Gyrate @ Littlewoods shoes Ireland €115

5f. McElhinney’s of Donegal boutique beaded flat sandal €29.95

Traditional

Although short dresses and ballerina length are becoming more popular, the vast majority stick with the old-fashioned, floor-length ball gown. Plain dresses can be jazzed up by adding dazzling accessories.

6a. Dress Jenny Packham @ Debenhams €262.50

6b. Earrings Lipsy €16

6c. Bracelet Phase Eight Felicity €20

6d. Clutch French Connection @ Littlewoods Ireland €64

6e. Shoes Dune, Carine €99