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.

325 Products

Brailey Midi Dress

Aline Corset Detail Dress in Yellow

€49.00

~~€109.95~~

You save 55%

4.9(46)

Evelynn Midi Dress

Sweetheart Corset Bodice Fit & Flare Tiered in Black

€35.00

~~€119.95~~

You save 71%

4.8(22)

Judee Midi Dress

One Shoulder High Side Split Dress in Black

€76.00

~~€109.95~~

You save 31%

4.9(18)

Mandy Midi Dress

Knot Detail Cut Out Mesh Dress in Sage

€56.00

~~€89.95~~

You save 38%

4.9(10)

Caterina Maxi

Ruched Off Shoulder Mesh Dress in Chocolate

€99.95

5.0(27)

Quincy Maxi Dress

Satin Slip Dress in Black/Champagne

€109.95

4.9(39)

Cariela Maxi Dress

Plunge Neck Satin Dress in Navy

€70.00

~~€99.95~~

You save 30%

5.0(1)

Almarie Midi Dress

Halter Neck Mesh Dress in Blue

€47.00

~~€89.95~~

You save 48%

4.9(19)

Laurie Midi Dress

Plunge Frill Detail Slip Dress in Red

€34.00

~~€89.95~~

You save 62%

Rani Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Long Sleeve Bodycon Dress in Wine

€99.95

4.9(45)

Out Till Dawn Maxi Dress

Thigh Split Dress in Wine Sequin

€54.00

~~€109.95~~

You save 51%

4.8(73)

Khalani Midi Dress

Deep V Neck Satin Slip Dress in Dark Olive

€70.00

~~€99.95~~

You save 30%

4.9(76)

Sienna Maxi Dress

3D Floral Strapless Column Dress in Blue

€179.95

4.8(23)

Romy Maxi Dress

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

€26.00

~~€89.95~~

You save 71%

Ruby Maxi Dress

Halter Scoop Neck Low Back Bodycon Dress in Black

€99.95

4.8(41)

Rhea Maxi Dress

Long Sleeve Ruched Ruffle Hem Dress in Blush

€54.00

~~€109.95~~

You save 51%

Loretta Midi Dress

Lace Up Back Bustier Pleated Dress in Cream

€109.95

4.9(36)

Louisa Maxi Dress

Boned Bodice Lace Up Back Dress in Black

€129.95

5.0(1)

Lacey Maxi Dress

Lace Corset Style Bodice Halter Dress in White

€99.95

Rania Maxi Dress

Contrast Lace Bodice Bias Cowl Drop Waist Dress in Pink

€99.95

4.9(101)

Aria Midi Dress

One Shoulder Twist Detail Satin Bias Cut Dress in Espresso

€79.95

4.9(8)

Marlette Midi Dress

Pleated Open Back Halter Dress in Aubergine

€60.00

~~€89.95~~

You save 33%

4.8(78)

More Than This Maxi Dress

Ruffle Strap Thigh Split Dress in Light Blue

€70.00

~~€99.95~~

You save 30%

4.8(126)

Reeves Maxi Dress

Contrast Lace High Neck Fitted Satin Dress in Black

€109.95

4.9(11)

Audette Maxi Dress

Boat Neck Ruched Fitted Dress in Chocolate

€60.00

~~€89.95~~

You save 33%

4.8(13)

Nicolette Maxi Dress

One Shoulder Faux Wrap Bodycon Dress in Blush

€22.00

~~€89.95~~

You save 76%

Rania Maxi Dress

Contrast Lace Bodice Bias Cowl Drop Waist Dress in Red

€70.00

~~€99.95~~

You save 30%

4.9(101)

Avery Midi Dress

Strapless Draped Side Split Dress in Black

€109.95

4.9(122)

Sabine Maxi Dress

3D Sequin Floral Strapless in Sky Blue

€94.00

~~€159.95~~

You save 41%

Rosha Midi Dress

Ruffle Strap Dress in Butter

€89.95

4.9(29)

Showing 121 - 150 of 325 Products

School Formal Dresses

Brailey Midi Dress

Evelynn Midi Dress

Judee Midi Dress

Mandy Midi Dress

Caterina Maxi

Quincy Maxi Dress

Cariela Maxi Dress

Almarie Midi Dress

Laurie Midi Dress

Rani Maxi Dress

Out Till Dawn Maxi Dress

Khalani Midi Dress

Sienna Maxi Dress

Romy Maxi Dress

Ruby Maxi Dress

Rhea Maxi Dress

Loretta Midi Dress

Louisa Maxi Dress

Lacey Maxi Dress

Rania Maxi Dress

Aria Midi Dress

Marlette Midi Dress

More Than This Maxi Dress

Reeves Maxi Dress

Audette Maxi Dress

Nicolette Maxi Dress

Rania Maxi Dress

Avery Midi Dress

Sabine Maxi Dress

Rosha Midi 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?