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.

737 Products

Julien Maxi Dress

Backless Cowl Plunge Neck High Split Sequin Dress in Pink

26.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 80%

4.5(2)

Grace Maxi Dress

Cap Sleeve Asymmetric Split Dress in Black

109.95

5.0(1)

Tatum Midi Dress

Lace Off Shoulder Side Split Dress in Pink

54.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 55%

4.9(26)

Elysia Midi Dress

Sequin Straight Neck Tie Back Dress in Pale Pink

54.00

$~~179.95~~

You save 70%

5.0(2)

Jacqueline Midi Dress

Linen One Shoulder Dress in Chocolate

50.00

$~~99.95~~

You save 50%

4.8(79)

Almarie Midi Dress

Halter Neck Mesh Dress in Chocolate

82.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 25%

5.0(1)

Elia Midi Dress

Cap Sleeve Sweetheart Underwire Fitted Dress in Brown

70.00

$~~99.95~~

You save 30%

5.0(1)

Almarie Midi Dress

Halter Neck Mesh Dress in Pink

66.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 40%

Celeste Maxi Dress

Gathered Bodice Dropped Waist Halter Dress in Chocolate

78.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 35%

Calvin Maxi Dress

Linen Look Contrast Georgette Skirt with Neck Scarf in White

72.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 45%

4.7(3)

Bethanie Maxi Dress

Off The Shoulder Mesh Dress in Wine

78.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 40%

4.8(79)

Coraline Maxi Dress

Plunge Neckline Double Waist Sash Halter Dress in Black

129.95

5.0(1)

Alma Maxi Dress

Halter Corset Bodice Side Split Dress in Black

97.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 25%

5.0(1)

Maeve Maxi Dress

V Neck Ruffle Tier Slip Dress in Pink

84.00

$~~159.95~~

You save 47%

4.5(8)

Lorelei Maxi Dress

V Neck Balloon Sleeve Dress in Indulgent Bloom

54.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 55%

Opal Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Gathered Bodice Fit And Flare Dress in Dark Chocolate

129.95

5.0(1)

Bethanie Maxi Dress

Off The Shoulder Mesh Dress in Red

65.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 50%

4.8(79)

Alanna Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Ruched Mesh Dress in Black

119.95

4.8(36)

Rholie Midi Dress

Plunge Neck Fringe Hem Fixed Wrap Dress in Pink

24.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 80%

5.0(4)

Heath Maxi Dress

Scoop Halter Neck With Drape Front Skirt Back Split Dress in Off White

78.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 35%

4.9(12)

Shantelle Midi Dress

Strapless Bodycon Back Split Dress in Bouquet Di Fiori Print

54.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 55%

5.0(8)

Demetria Maxi Dress

Mesh Bodycon Dress in Burgundy Rose

129.95

4.7(10)

Mina Midi Dress

Embroidered Mesh Dress in Black

119.95

4.9(11)

Cristle Midi Dress

One Shoulder Side Cut Out Thigh Split Dress in Steel Blue

36.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 70%

Tiffy Midi Dress

Square Neck Ruched Bodycon Dress in Chocolate

109.95

4.9(34)

Eira Maxi Dress

High Neck Cap Sleeve Maxi Dress in Chocolate

89.95

5.0(1)

Crisanta Maxi Dress

Long Sleeve Contrast Lace Bodycon Dress in Ivory

129.95

4.9(14)

Violeta Maxi Dress

Corset Front Burnout Dress in Wine

139.95

4.7(10)

Maeve Maxi Dress

V Neck Ruffle Tier Slip Dress in Chilli

72.00

$~~159.95~~

You save 55%

4.5(8)

Amorette Maxi Dress

One Shoulder Detail Gown Dress in Black

129.95

5.0(17)

Showing 691 - 720 of 737 Products

School Formal Dresses

Julien Maxi Dress

Grace Maxi Dress

Tatum Midi Dress

Elysia Midi Dress

Jacqueline Midi Dress

Almarie Midi Dress

Elia Midi Dress

Almarie Midi Dress

Celeste Maxi Dress

Calvin Maxi Dress

Bethanie Maxi Dress

Coraline Maxi Dress

Alma Maxi Dress

Maeve Maxi Dress

Lorelei Maxi Dress

Opal Maxi Dress

Bethanie Maxi Dress

Alanna Maxi Dress

Rholie Midi Dress

Heath Maxi Dress

Shantelle Midi Dress

Demetria Maxi Dress

Mina Midi Dress

Cristle Midi Dress

Tiffy Midi Dress

Eira Maxi Dress

Crisanta Maxi Dress

Violeta Maxi Dress

Maeve Maxi Dress

Amorette 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?