School captains Nathan, Daniel and Iyaad are helping get the 2025 Kingsford Smith Formalwear Op Shop. Photo: Supplied.
For many young Canberrans, the op shop has been where they go to pick up their first suit or dress for school formals, job interviews and plays. But it’s no secret that op shopping has become a bit pricier in recent years as the cost-of-living crisis hits even the hallowed grounds of cheap second-hand clothing.
That’s where the Kingsford Smith Formalwear Op Shop comes in. Now in its third year, the op shop provides all the finery that students in years 10 to 12 could need for $5 or less.
This Saturday (23 August), the shop will sell suits, ties, shoes, dresses, and everything else a student might need to express themselves at a formal.
The project was started in 2023 by teacher Marina Leko and youth worker Bec Thompson to make formalwear more accessible for students.
Ms Thompson said that when they first organised it, it was beautiful to see the ways the kids hyped themselves up.
“It’s been really nice having students come, and we’re able to help them shop around and have that really special moment. Maybe they can’t do that outside of school,” she said.
“And so we help them try on things and show them different options and create a really special outfit.”
Initially open to the school’s 100 year 10 students, it spread to years 11 and 12 and then to all the schools on the northside.
This year, the shop will sell all of its clothes for between $3 and $5.
Kingsford Smith school captain Iyaad Khan said there was a definite need for something like this in the community.
“Going to a formal can be very expensive, but the dresses here can make it a cheaper option for people who are struggling to fit within a budget,” he said.
“I think formal is just such an important part of school culture, and having really good access and easy access to good-looking formalwear has just been very important.”
Kingsford Smith School formalwear sale. School captains Ella and Daniel. Photo: Supplied.
The school is not going at the project alone, they’re partnering with Vinnies, which is helping out by supplying some of their formalwear stocks to the sale.
Funds from the sale are donated to the St Vincent De Paul Society.
The school collects donated items from anyone in the community and is still looking for donations. At the moment, the school is especially looking for men’s suits, ties, and shoes.
According to Iyaad, they’ve had some good donations this year.
“I think the suits are very good, but I’d say the collection of dresses is absolutely insane.”
The deadline for donations is Friday, 22 August, at 3 pm. The sale will be held at the Kingsford Smith School in Holt on Saturday from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
