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

Blake Maxi Dress

Boat Neck Bow Bodycon Dress in White

52.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 60%

5.0(1)

Desiree Midi Dress

V Neck Flutter Short Sleeve Slip Dress in Black

82.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 25%

4.9(20)

Bianca Midi Dress

Twist Front Cut Out Ruched Dress in Baby Blue

89.95

4.9(43)

Metzie Midi Dress

High Neck Gathered Mesh Dress in Burgundy

64.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 51%

4.5(6)

New

Amara Maxi Dress

Corset Bodice Lace Up Dress in Plum

139.95

4.6(5)

Demetria Maxi Dress

Mesh Bodycon Dress in Black

129.95

4.7(10)

Morgana Maxi Dress

Mesh Square Neck Cap Sleeve Sheer Dress in Black

59.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 51%

5.0(1)

Oliver Maxi Dress

Satin Strapless Cut Out Dress in Lilac

22.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 80%

4.5(2)

Janice Midi Dress

Knot Detail Front Split Dress in Positano Print

44.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 60%

4.7(10)

Hillary Maxi Dress

Draped V Neck Low Back Dress in Lemon

33.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 70%

Arichie Maxi Dress

Cowl Back Diamante Strap Satin Dress in Black

20.00

$~~99.95~~

You save 80%

Evangeline Midi Dress

Square Neck Cross Back Bias Dress in Coral

33.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 70%

5.0(2)

Joanne Maxi Dress

Scoop Neck Fringe Dress in Black

149.95

4.9(10)

How Will I Know Midi Dress

Wrap Waist Tie Tulip Hem Dress in Champagne

28.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 80%

4.8(54)

New

Lana Maxi Dress

High Neck Contrast Hip Drape Sash Dress With Crossover Back in Rose

139.95

Roxanne Maxi Dress

Sweetheart Neck Gathered Bodycon Dress in Black

129.95

4.6(11)

Bree Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Draped Sash Dress in Pink

129.95

4.8(4)

Marcel Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Corset High Split Dress in Navy

159.95

4.9(87)

Romy Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Long Sleeve Cut Out Gold Trim Fitted Dress in Ivory

33.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 70%

Rosha Midi Dress

Ruffle Strap Dress in Chocolate

99.95

4.8(32)

New

Lira Maxi Dress

One Shoulder Satin Dress in Emerald

129.95

4.8(5)

More sizes restocking

Nami Maxi Dress

Overlay Off Shoulder Draped Cowl Waist Dress in Chocolate

139.95

4.8(5)

Nicholla Midi Dress

Ruched Front Angel Sleeve Slip Dress in Copper

33.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 70%

4.9(83)

Ari Mini Dress

Fringe Beaded Dress in Light Pink

40.00

$~~159.95~~

You save 75%

Ramirez Midi Dress

Scoop Neck Low Back Dress in Lemon

49.00

$~~99.95~~

You save 51%

4.5(2)

Shantelle Midi Dress

Strapless Bodycon Back Split Dress in Bouquet Di Fiori Print

54.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 55%

4.9(9)

New

Sol Maxi Dress

Scooped Neck Contrast Pleated Dress in Olive

149.95

5.0(1)

More sizes restocking

Arielle Maxi Dress

One Shoulder Sash Detail Cut Out Colour Block Dress in Blue/Chocolate Contrast

149.95

Farrow Midi Dress

Cap Sleeve Ruched Bust Fitted Dress in Off White

36.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 70%

4.7(3)

Ellen Maxi Dress

Plunge Neck Lace Frill Hem Dress in White

49.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 55%

4.0(1)

Showing 691 - 720 of 787 Products

School Formal Dresses

Blake Maxi Dress

Desiree Midi Dress

Bianca Midi Dress

Metzie Midi Dress

Amara Maxi Dress

Demetria Maxi Dress

Morgana Maxi Dress

Oliver Maxi Dress

Janice Midi Dress

Hillary Maxi Dress

Arichie Maxi Dress

Evangeline Midi Dress

Joanne Maxi Dress

How Will I Know Midi Dress

Lana Maxi Dress

Roxanne Maxi Dress

Bree Maxi Dress

Marcel Maxi Dress

Romy Maxi Dress

Rosha Midi Dress

Lira Maxi Dress

Nami Maxi Dress

Nicholla Midi Dress

Ari Mini Dress

Ramirez Midi Dress

Shantelle Midi Dress

Sol Maxi Dress

Arielle Maxi Dress

Farrow Midi Dress

Ellen 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?