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

Hudgens Maxi Dress

Georgette Godet Panel Dress in Mint

39.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 70%

Clarissa Maxi Dress

One Shoulder Pleated Dress in Navy

159.95

5.0(3)

Amelita Midi Dress

Long Sleeve Knot Detail Dress in Black

55.00

$~~99.95~~

You save 45%

5.0(2)

Dangerous Woman Maxi Dress

Plunge Thigh Split Dress in Rust

56.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 60%

4.8(98)

Almarie Midi Dress

Halter Neck Mesh Dress in Pink

66.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 40%

Belle Maxi Dress

Tie Shoulder Detail Dress in Black

139.95

4.9(7)

New

Phoebe Maxi Dress

Strapless Structured Bodice Drape Skirt Dress in Sage

139.95

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Evie Maxi Dress

Crepe Fringed Shift Dress in Black

129.95

5.0(4)

Jacqueline Midi Dress

Linen One Shoulder Dress in Chocolate

50.00

$~~99.95~~

You save 50%

4.8(80)

Maeve Maxi Dress

V Neck Ruffle Tier Slip Dress in Chilli

72.00

$~~159.95~~

You save 55%

4.5(8)

Lizzy Maxi Dress

Backless Ruched Bodycon Dress in Navy

78.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 40%

4.8(12)

Alfiena Maxi Dress

Drop Waist Low Back Dress in Black

119.95

4.9(8)

Marlette Midi Dress

Pleated Open Back Halter Dress in Chocolate

55.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 50%

4.8(80)

Rania Maxi Dress

Contrast Lace Bodice Bias Cowl Drop Waist Dress in Dark Pink

48.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 60%

4.9(113)

Andrina Midi Dress

High Low Wrap Corset Dress in Forest Green

60.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 50%

4.9(267)

Mirabelle Maxi Dress

Scarf Neck Backless High Low Dress in Black

78.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 40%

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Evie Maxi Dress

Crepe Fringed Shift Dress in Chocolate

129.95

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Bianca Midi Dress

Twist Front Cut Out Ruched Dress in Lemon

89.95

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Zena Midi Dress

Cowl Neck Tie Detail Dress in Wine

139.95

Tiffy Midi Dress

Square Neck Ruched Bodycon Dress in White

109.95

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Celeste Maxi Dress

Gathered Bodice Dropped Waist Halter Dress in Chocolate

78.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 35%

Lira Maxi Dress

One Shoulder Satin Dress in Navy

129.95

4.8(5)

Bethanie Maxi Dress

Off The Shoulder Mesh Dress in Wine

78.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 35%

4.8(80)

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)

Almarie Midi Dress

Halter Neck Mesh Dress in Sage

72.00

$~~109.95~~

You save 35%

4.9(22)

Jamie Maxi Dress

Strapless Ruched Fitted Column Dress in Chocolate

78.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 35%

4.8(21)

Cristle Midi Dress

One Shoulder Side Cut Out Thigh Split Dress in Steel Blue

36.00

$~~119.95~~

You save 70%

4.9(25)

Out Till Dawn Maxi Dress

Thigh Split Dress in Navy Sequin

69.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 51%

4.8(81)

Summer Maxi Dress

Cowl Neck Slip Dress in Twilight Orchid Print

129.95

Frances Maxi Dress

Contrast U Neck Godet A Line Dress in Navy

129.95

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Showing 721 - 750 of 787 Products

School Formal Dresses

Hudgens Maxi Dress

Clarissa Maxi Dress

Amelita Midi Dress

Dangerous Woman Maxi Dress

Almarie Midi Dress

Belle Maxi Dress

Phoebe Maxi Dress

Evie Maxi Dress

Jacqueline Midi Dress

Maeve Maxi Dress

Lizzy Maxi Dress

Alfiena Maxi Dress

Marlette Midi Dress

Rania Maxi Dress

Andrina Midi Dress

Mirabelle Maxi Dress

Evie Maxi Dress

Bianca Midi Dress

Zena Midi Dress

Tiffy Midi Dress

Celeste Maxi Dress

Lira Maxi Dress

Bethanie Maxi Dress

Heath Maxi Dress

Almarie Midi Dress

Jamie Maxi Dress

Cristle Midi Dress

Out Till Dawn Maxi Dress

Summer Maxi Dress

Frances 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?