School Formal Dresses

Q: What should I wear to a school formal?

Whatever makes you feel amazing, within the dress code. Most school formals lean formal or black-tie, so think a floor-length maxi, a midi , or a dressy mini if that’s more your thing. Satin, lace, sequins and corset styles are all classic formal territory. Check whether your formal has a theme or a colour everyone’s steering clear of (looking at you, white), then pick something that fits the brief but still feels like your taste. When in doubt, a little more glam is never the wrong call.

Q: How formal is a school formal, exactly?

That comes down to the dress code on the invite. ‘Formal’ or ‘black tie’ means go all out, floor-length or a seriously dressy shorter style. ‘Semi-formal’ is a step down, so a cocktail-length dress or a smart mini works. A ‘winter formal’ is the same idea, just with cosier fabrics and maybe a jacket for the cold. If your invite doesn’t say, ask around, your year group will usually land on the same vibe. And when you’re unsure, slightly overdressed beats underdressed every time.

Q: Can you wear a short dress to a formal?

For sure, a short dress can absolutely be formal, it’s all in the fabric and the styling. A mini in satin, sequins or lace with heels reads just as dressy as a floor-length gown, and it’s a lot easier to dance in. Maxis bring the classic drama, midis sit somewhere in between. Go with whatever suits you and how you want to move on the night. Short and glam is a very valid formal choice.

Q: Where can I buy a school formal dress?

Online, and it’s a lot easier than trekking around shops. Showpo has school formal dresses in every style, length and colour, ready to ship, so no hire fees and no handing it back the next day, it’s yours to keep. Sizes 4 to 20 including plus size , with the Size Guide to nail your fit and easy Returns if it’s not right. Order early so you’ve got time to try it on (and change your mind twice), and with same-day dispatch across Australia, even a last-minute panic is fixable.

787 Products

Judith Maxi Dress

Boat Neck Backless Tie Front Long Sleeve Jersey Dress in Wine

129.95

4.9(7)

More Than This Maxi Dress

Ruffle Strap Thigh Split Dress in Light Blue

72.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 40%

4.9(137)

Aidia Midi Dress

Off Shoulder Draped Corset Dress in Black

91.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 30%

4.7(28)

Enya Maxi Dress

One Shoulder Neck Tie Ruched High Split Dress in Black

139.95

4.6(5)

Ayla Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Flared Sleeve Bodycon Dress in Chocolate

99.95

4.9(21)

Sienna Midi Dress

Strapless Floral Embroidered Bodycon Dress in Pink

129.95

5.0(8)

Louisa Maxi Dress

Boned Bodice Lace Up Back Dress in Black

159.95

5.0(1)

Hathaway Maxi Dress

U Shaped Neck Pleated Dress in Ivory

85.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 35%

4.7(3)

New

Joni Maxi Dress

Off The Shoulder Draped Dress in Wine

189.95

Bree Maxi Dress

Cape Tie Off Shoulder Fit And Flare Dress in Chocolate

139.95

5.0(4)

Veronnie Midi Dress

Tucked High Neck Sleeveless Fitted Leg Split Skirt Dress in Pink

119.95

5.0(2)

New

Cassienne Midi Dress

High Neck Keyhole Cut Out Bodycon Midi Dress in Red

129.95

5.0(1)

Felt So Happy Midi Dress

One Shoulder Drape Dress in Navy

52.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 60%

4.7(36)

Khalani Midi Dress

Deep V Neck Satin Slip Dress in Dark Olive

90.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 18%

4.8(80)

Benita Midi Dress

Scoop Neck Ruched Fitted Dress in Chocolate

129.95

4.7(23)

Ayla Maxi Dress

High Neckline Contrast Georgette Skirt Dress in Blue

113.00

$~~149.95~~

You save 25%

Genie Maxi Dress

Off The Shoulder Dress in Sage

119.95

4.9(310)

Dune Maxi Dress

Backless Plunge Neckline Draped Bodice Halter Dress in Olive

119.95

New

Raven Maxi Dress

Deep V Neck Tie Front Satin Dress in Wine

179.95

Visenta Midi Dress

Asymmetrical Sleeve Dress in Brown

149.95

4.8(34)

Hillary Maxi Dress

Draped V Neck Low Back Dress in Rose

50.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 55%

Phoebe Maxi Dress

Strapless Structured Bodice Drape Skirt Dress in Pink

139.95

5.0(7)

Almarie Midi Dress

Halter Neck Mesh Dress in Blue

60.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 45%

4.9(22)

Opal Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Gathered Bodice Fit And Flare Dress in Pink

98.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 25%

Judee Midi Dress

One Shoulder High Side Split Dress in Black

97.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 25%

4.9(19)

Barbara Maxi Dress

Halter Scoop Neck Contrast Georgette Dress in Lemon

119.95

4.9(9)

Tabitha Maxi Dress

Cowl Neck High Split Dress in Ivory

249.95

4.8(21)

Tessa Maxi Dress

Square Neck Ruched Side Bodycon Dress in Lemon

64.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 51%

4.8(17)

Nicolette Maxi Dress

Cape Sleeve Off Shoulder Dress in Cream

139.95

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Bijou Maxi Dress

Embroidery Deep V Halter Ruched Dress in Ice Blue

45.00

$~~149.95~~

You save 70%

5.0(1)

Showing 361 - 390 of 787 Products

School Formal Dresses

Judith Maxi Dress

More Than This Maxi Dress

Aidia Midi Dress

Enya Maxi Dress

Ayla Maxi Dress

Sienna Midi Dress

Louisa Maxi Dress

Hathaway Maxi Dress

Joni Maxi Dress

Bree Maxi Dress

Veronnie Midi Dress

Cassienne Midi Dress

Felt So Happy Midi Dress

Khalani Midi Dress

Benita Midi Dress

Ayla Maxi Dress

Genie Maxi Dress

Dune Maxi Dress

Raven Maxi Dress

Visenta Midi Dress

Hillary Maxi Dress

Phoebe Maxi Dress

Almarie Midi Dress

Opal Maxi Dress

Judee Midi Dress

Barbara Maxi Dress

Tabitha Maxi Dress

Tessa Maxi Dress

Nicolette Maxi Dress

Bijou Maxi Dress

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear to a school formal?

How formal is a school formal, exactly?

Can you wear a short dress to a formal?

Where can I buy a school formal dress?