School Formal Dresses

Q: What should I wear to a school formal?

Whatever makes you feel amazing, within the dress code. School formals usually 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 there’s 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 leavers’ ball is usually the dressier end, closer to black-tie. If the invite doesn’t say, ask around, your year 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 formal dresses in every style, length and colour, ready to ship, so it’s yours to keep, no hire fees, no handing it back the next day. 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 free delivery over £100 plus express shipping across the UK, even a last-minute panic is fixable.

317 Products

Georgine Midi Dress

One Shoulder Ruched Tiered Dress in Peony Blossom

€109.95

4.8(22)

Collette Midi Dress

Ruched Bust Wide Strap Detail Lace Midi Dress in Black

€109.95

4.9(48)

Alessia Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Ruched Bodycon Dress in Chocolate

€41.00

~~€109.95~~

You save 63%

4.8(4)

Minnie Midi Dress

Drape Neck Satin Slip Dress in Midnight Blue

€23.00

~~€99.95~~

You save 77%

4.9(72)

Indi Maxi Dress

Boat Neck Bodycon Dress in Black

€99.95

4.9(186)

Sophie Maxi Dress

Cowl Neck Cross Back Dress in Blue

€77.00

~~€109.95~~

You save 30%

5.0(37)

Lara Midi Dress

Asymmetrical Ruched Mesh Dress in Chocolate

€42.00

~~€89.95~~

You save 53%

4.9(12)

Sharley Midi Dress

Diamante Detail Pencil Dress in Black

€66.00

~~€99.95~~

You save 34%

4.9(74)

Andrina Midi Dress

High Low Wrap Corset Dress in Navy

€99.95

4.9(252)

Monette Midi Dress

One Shoulder Straight Dress in Grape

€79.95

4.9(78)

Khalani Midi Dress

Deep V Neck Satin Slip Dress in Dark Olive

€70.00

~~€89.95~~

You save 22%

4.9(76)

Tatum Midi Dress

Lace Off Shoulder Side Split Dress in Off White

€52.00

~~€99.95~~

You save 48%

4.9(25)

Jiraye Midi Dress

Flutter Sleeve Tuelle Plunge Dress in Lilac

€109.95

4.8(63)

Aluna Midi Dress

High Neck Cross Back Satin Slip Dress in Lemon

€56.00

~~€99.95~~

You save 44%

4.9(12)

Violeta Maxi Dress

Corset Front Burnout Dress in Wine

€109.95

4.8(9)

Maria Midi Dress

One Shoulder High Slip Leg in Red Floral

€23.00

~~€79.95~~

You save 71%

Harmony Maxi Dress

Floral Detail Cup Bust Satin Dress in Black

€109.95

4.8(39)

Jocelyn Maxi Dress

Strapless Ruched Fit And Flare Dress in Ivory

€99.95

4.8(25)

Nala Maxi Dress

Sequin Cowl Neck High Split Dress in Gold

€44.00

~~€109.95~~

You save 60%

4.9(7)

Miyah Maxi Dress

Sequin Plunge Short Sleeve Dress in Emerald

€109.95

4.9(52)

Marlette Midi Dress

Pleated Open Back Halter Dress in Aubergine

€47.00

~~€89.95~~

You save 48%

4.8(78)

Tiffy Midi Dress

Square Neck Ruched Bodycon Dress in Chocolate

€89.95

4.9(38)

Sienna Maxi Dress

3D Floral Strapless Column Dress in Black

€179.95

4.8(26)

Dangerous Woman Maxi Dress

Plunge Thigh Split Dress in Rust

€44.00

~~€109.95~~

You save 60%

4.8(85)

Della Midi Dress

Plunge Neck Short Sleeve Pleated Dress in Champagne

€52.00

~~€79.95~~

You save 35%

4.8(41)

Leianna Midi Dress

Tulle Flutter Sleeve Tiered Ruffle Dress in Sunset Floral

€109.95

5.0(13)

Laurie Midi Dress

Plunge Frill Detail Slip Dress in Red

€34.00

~~€89.95~~

You save 62%

5.0(1)

Out Till Dawn Maxi Dress

Thigh Split Dress in Wine Sequin

€54.00

~~€109.95~~

You save 51%

4.8(75)

Caterina Maxi

Ruched Off Shoulder Mesh Dress in Chocolate

€99.95

5.0(28)

Lizzy Maxi Dress

Backless Ruched Bodycon Dress in Black

€109.95

4.8(11)

Showing 271 - 300 of 317 Products

School Formal Dresses

Georgine Midi Dress

Collette Midi Dress

Alessia Maxi Dress

Minnie Midi Dress

Indi Maxi Dress

Sophie Maxi Dress

Lara Midi Dress

Sharley Midi Dress

Andrina Midi Dress

Monette Midi Dress

Khalani Midi Dress

Tatum Midi Dress

Jiraye Midi Dress

Aluna Midi Dress

Violeta Maxi Dress

Maria Midi Dress

Harmony Maxi Dress

Jocelyn Maxi Dress

Nala Maxi Dress

Miyah Maxi Dress

Marlette Midi Dress

Tiffy Midi Dress

Sienna Maxi Dress

Dangerous Woman Maxi Dress

Della Midi Dress

Leianna Midi Dress

Laurie Midi Dress

Out Till Dawn Maxi Dress

Caterina Maxi

Lizzy 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?