How UT nonprofit helps local high schoolers 'live their princess dreams' at prom
AUSTIN (KXAN) — A student-run nonprofit at The University of Texas at Austin is working to give local girls the proms of their dreams — one makeover at a time.
For more than 20 years, Project Princess has offered cost-free dresses and accessories to area high school girls who might not otherwise be able to afford to attend prom.
On March 1-2, Project Princess will host its annual Boutique Day to take girls on a full prom shopping spree, testing out their hair and makeup and offering them tips on how to recreate the looks on their special nights.
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For more than 20 years, Project Princess has offered cost-free dresses and accessories to area high school girls who might not otherwise be able to afford to attend prom. (Courtesy Project Princess) -
For more than 20 years, Project Princess has offered cost-free dresses and accessories to area high school girls who might not otherwise be able to afford to attend prom. (Courtesy Project Princess) -
For more than 20 years, Project Princess has offered cost-free dresses and accessories to area high school girls who might not otherwise be able to afford to attend prom. (Courtesy Project Princess) -
For more than 20 years, Project Princess has offered cost-free dresses and accessories to area high school girls who might not otherwise be able to afford to attend prom. (Courtesy Project Princess) -
For more than 20 years, Project Princess has offered cost-free dresses and accessories to area high school girls who might not otherwise be able to afford to attend prom. (Courtesy Project Princess) -
For more than 20 years, Project Princess has offered cost-free dresses and accessories to area high school girls who might not otherwise be able to afford to attend prom. (Courtesy Project Princess) -
For more than 20 years, Project Princess has offered cost-free dresses and accessories to area high school girls who might not otherwise be able to afford to attend prom. (Courtesy Project Princess) -
For more than 20 years, Project Princess has offered cost-free dresses and accessories to area high school girls who might not otherwise be able to afford to attend prom. (Courtesy Project Princess) -
For more than 20 years, Project Princess has offered cost-free dresses and accessories to area high school girls who might not otherwise be able to afford to attend prom. (Courtesy Project Princess)
Isabel Baysden, co-director of Project Princess, told KXAN she was drawn to the group over her hope to help as many girls as possible bring their prom visions to life. She said she was able to have the full experience, but knew some friends were unable to enjoy it as fully.
“I knew this was something that I wanted to provide for those who didn’t have those things that I did and give them the opportunity to be able to live their princess dreams — to be able to dress up and go out with their friends and get pretty for a night,” she said. “Prom is maybe not such a big deal that people are like ‘Oh, it’s not that important,’ but it is. It’s not world ending, but when you’re a young teenage girl, it does feel like everything.”
Cost is a substantial barrier for many high schoolers. Fashion design house Amarra’s 2024 estimates found girls will spend an average between $900 and $1,000 on prom night when accounting for dresses, shoes, prom tickets, jewelry, accessories, hair, makeup and nails.
During Project Princess’ Boutique Day, Baysden said attendees will receive “star quality treatment,” with a pink carpet greeting girls before they’re matched with a personal shopper. Once linked, the personal shopper will help attendees find a dress in the color, size and pattern they want, lead them to get their hair and makeup done and show them step-by-step instructions on how to replicate it.
Afterward, girls will be given the opportunity to take photos and enjoy some catering and a special treat, Baysden said. While prepping for Boutique Day, she added Project Princess works to incorporate current trends and a wide variety of sizes so girls can feel chic and in style with their classmates.
“[It’s] just making sure we have these options for everyone, and not just providing old dresses or classic things that are not in style anymore,” she said.
During last year’s Boutique Day, Baysden recounted meeting a girl and her mom who said they’d been scouring thrift stores and different businesses to find an affordable prom dress in the style the high schooler wanted. Arriving at Boutique Day — only a few weeks before the girl’s prom — the mom said this opportunity was their last hope.
“She was looking for a specific colored dress that fit her perfectly, and we were able to find it here,” Baysden said. “After they left, I just felt like sometimes it’s easy to forget what this actually does for people, and that just gave me such a great reminder that this is something that ultimately will stay with someone for probably the rest of their lives.”
Project Princess’ Boutique Day will be held on March 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and March 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Wayside REAL Learning Academy, located at 6405 S. Interstate 35 Frontage Road. Those interested in attending this year’s event can RSVP online by Feb. 26 at midnight.
Those interested in sponsoring Project Princess can sign up online to assist the organization in raising funds. More details on getting involved are outlined online, and those interested in donating unopened makeup, dresses, heels or dress shoes and jewelry in good condition can contact the nonprofit at texaslonestarsppdirector@gmail.com.
