WeGo Boutique returns this spring at West Chicago Community High School to help students access affordable formal wear, such as dresses and accessories, for events like prom. The event is tentatively scheduled for April 12.

First created in April 2017, the program has continued to grow in both size and impact over the years.

The WeGo Boutique is a pop-up shop that allows students to shop for formal attire at no cost and, according to organizer Julie Hensley, was created to take that financial pressure off students and their families. The purpose of this program is to give everyone, no matter their financial situation, a chance to experience school dances without worry.

“WEGO Boutique has grown beyond anything we initially imagined, and it truly wouldn’t be possible without the generosity and kindness of others,” Hensley said.

In recent years, the program has expanded significantly, even gaining its own dedicated storage classroom to house donations and organize inventory. Additionally, WeGo Boutique officially became a school club, allowing for greater student involvement in planning and promoting events.

All students are welcome to join the club by emailing sponsors Janet Hurtado, Jennifer Gawenda, or Hensley. The boutique event includes free dresses, formal wear and accessories, and has also offered raffles for free dance tickets in the past.

“Club members are responsible for helping plan and advertise the two WeGo Boutique events,” Hensley said. “Members also help sort through donations to ensure dresses, formal wear and accessories are kept up-to-date.”

Over the years, WeGo Boutique has expanded from offering only prom dresses to including menswear and a wider range of styles, making it easier for more students to find outfits that match their preferences and feel confident at school events.

“Not only is the club just something fun you can do to get involved, but I also think it’s so important for WEGO,” club member and junior Michelle Gallegos said. “Things are so expensive everywhere—especially for prom. Dress shopping can easily be $500 or more, and clothing for guys can also be pricey.”

Gallegos said her involvement began after attending the boutique as a freshman, when she was encouraged by a teacher to join the following year. Since then, she has helped set up for both homecoming and prom events while meeting new people through the club.

“The boutique has helped out with many people’s tickets in the past,” Gallegos said. “It allows students not to worry so much about the money and to focus on having a memorable experience with friends.”