Some schools around the country have been taking a stand around the excess cost and waste followed by Debs season.

But it's not just the schools who’ve been veering away from typical Debs traditions - many young people have been going alternative routes for Debs fashion, from vintage dresses to rented suits.

Dublin Vintage Factory’s Terri Jones said that sustainable Debs fashion has become increasingly popular over the last three or four years.

“This is actually probably one of our busiest times in the year,” he told Moncrieff.

“We got a second shipment of our Debs dresses and the majority of them are gone already, so we got more back in today.

“They’re flying out; people love them because they’re different, you’re not going to walk into a shop and find the same one.”

Friends gather together for their Debs photos. Image: John Crowe. 30 April 2016

Louise Lawlor from Rented Threads said she has also seen an uptick in Debs customers in recent years, and said she believes price plays a part in the trend’s growth.

“A lot of designer brands, people tend to source from not just Ireland, but from the UK, Australia, Europe,” she said.

“Then you have to account for customs fees and import charges along with the cost of the item that you’re purchasing.

“I think people, when they're leaning towards pre-loved and renting within Ireland, then they have the added benefit of not alone just renting something at a fraction of the retail price, but they also have a bit more of an easy time on their pocket.

“Then they just have the opportunity to spend that little bit less on.”

Apart from Debs dresses, Ms Lawlor said she has also had customers ranging from the ages of 15 to their 60s renting dresses for a variety of occasions.

Mr Jones said it is important to remind young people that they don’t need to turn to fast fashion to find affordable clothing.

Main image: Young girls dancing at the debs. Image: picturelibrary / Alamy Stock Photo