South Australian Year 12s including St Peter’s Girls School are using designers to create muck up day outfits
Year 12 students are hiring tailors to turn their old school uniforms into runway ready outfits, with one designer creating 100 elite school looks this year.
South Aussie school leavers are farewelling their school days in style with custom alterations transforming plain uniforms into one-of-a-kind designs for muck up day celebrations.
Over the past decade, it’s become a rite of passage for graduating girls to have their uniforms altered for their final day.
Year 12s at St Peter’s Girls School went all out with their custom uniforms this year, turning dresses into two-piece sets and adding ribbons and ruffles.
Last Friday, the school “proudly farewelled” the Class of 2025 with a Facebook post showing off this year’s outfits.
“In true Saints tradition, the girls redesigned their summer dresses and made their final run down the path, followed by a beautiful Chapel Service and a joyful Celebration Assembly,” the post read.
“The highlight, of course, was the much-loved Staff Dance and Play! It was a day full of laughter, reflection and heartfelt moments, as our students, staff and families came together to honour this special group.
“We wish our Year 12s all the very best as they take their next steps beyond Saints!”
While some students tackle the alterations themselves, many turn to professional designers like Jacky Ayres, 58, to bring their vision to life.
The Port Elliot designer has become the go-to for alterations and created many of the Saints girls’ outfits this year.
Ms Ayres has been altering uniforms for over a decade and started the tradition after her eldest daughter Lacey graduated from high school.
Each year, she alters up to 100 uniforms with each creation taking anywhere between three to five hours once the design is finalised.
“It’s an endurance test, but it’s worth it,” she said.
“I love meeting them, it’s such an exciting time in their life and the mothers get really into it.
“Seeing them get excited about the design when we’re drawing it up and then seeing them try it on and not want to take it off to go home is wonderful.”
She starts advertising uniform alterations at the start of the year and finds most of her clients through Instagram where she shares her designs.
Outside of her local area, most of her clients are from Westminster School, Wilderness School and Saints which is her “biggest one”.
She even has girls order alterations from interstate and altered a male student’s uniform for the first time last year, transforming a rugby top into a vest.
While styles vary each year, she said this year was all about lower waist lines, bodices and corset-style tops.
Some graduates return years later when they need wedding dresses designed which she says is “extra special.”
“I get quite a bit of (returning clients) so it’s lovely seeing them again,” she said.
