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.

326 Products

Candice Maxi Dress

Lace Contrast Georgette Dress in Black

€109.95

Janezkie Maxi Dress

Femme Tiered Jacquard Formal Dress in Light Blue

€71.00

~~€109.95~~

You save 35%

Alberta Maxi Dress

Spliced Sheer Lace Column Dress in Mocha

€66.00

~~€109.95~~

You save 40%

4.9(19)

Karina Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Corset Bodice Lace Up Back Dress in Pink

€28.00

~~€99.95~~

You save 72%

5.0(1)

Marguerite Maxi Dress

Strapless Ruched Mesh High Leg Split Dress in Black

€89.95

4.9(10)

Violeta Maxi Dress

Corset Front Burnout Dress in Wine

€109.95

4.8(9)

Alma Maxi Dress

Halter Corset Bodice Side Split Dress in Black

€76.00

~~€109.95~~

You save 31%

5.0(1)

Felt So Happy Midi Dress

One Shoulder Drape Dress in Navy

€41.00

~~€109.95~~

You save 63%

4.7(35)

Aria Midi Dress

Strapless Tie Waist Dress in Sage

€99.95

4.8(17)

Blake Maxi Dress

Boat Neck Bow Bodycon Dress in White

€41.00

~~€109.95~~

You save 63%

Elara Maxi Dress

Lace Ruched Side Split Dress in Soft Blue

€42.00

~~€99.95~~

You save 58%

Leticia Maxi Dress

Mesh Off Shoulder Ruched High Split Dress in Red

€45.00

~~€99.95~~

You save 55%

4.9(15)

Pearce Maxi Dress

Gathered One Sleeve Bodycon Dress in Black

€109.95

5.0(1)

Riley Maxi Dress

Asymmetric Ruffle Detail Maxi Dress in Mariache Rose

€64.00

~~€119.95~~

You save 47%

4.9(37)

Tatum Midi Dress

Lace Off Shoulder Side Split Dress in Pink

€42.00

~~€99.95~~

You save 58%

4.9(25)

Namaari Midi Dress

Faux Wrap One Shoulder Dress in Navy

€99.95

4.8(43)

Thelma Maxi Dress

Square Neck Bodycon Dress in Light Blue

€61.00

~~€109.95~~

You save 45%

4.9(36)

Rania Maxi Dress

Contrast Lace Bodice Bias Cowl Drop Waist Dress in Dark Pink

€37.00

~~€99.95~~

You save 63%

4.9(101)

Dara Midi Dress

Low Neck Sleeveless Slip Dress in Amber Floral Print

€99.95

4.9(61)

Lizzy Maxi Dress

Backless Ruched Bodycon Dress in Black

€109.95

4.9(10)

Kitsune Maxi Dress

One Shoulder Cut Out Dress in Emerald Green

€71.00

~~€109.95~~

You save 35%

4.8(22)

Courtney Midi Dress

Corset Panel Low Back Dress in Black

€82.00

~~€119.95~~

You save 32%

4.7(27)

Andrina Midi Dress

High Low Wrap Corset Dress in Forest Green

€47.00

~~€99.95~~

You save 53%

4.9(251)

Ginny Maxi Dress

Jersey Ruched V Waist Dress in Chocolate

€99.95

5.0(1)

Penny Maxi Dress

Draped Cowl Neck 3D Flower Dress in Cream

€61.00

~~€99.95~~

You save 39%

5.0(1)

Andrina Midi Dress

High Low Wrap Corset Dress in Navy

€99.95

4.9(251)

Rosha Midi Dress

Ruffle Strap Dress in Red

€42.00

~~€89.95~~

You save 53%

4.9(29)

Isabel Midi Dress

Twist Off Shoulder Bodycon Dress in Cream

€52.00

~~€89.95~~

You save 42%

5.0(21)

Tonya Maxi Dress

High Neck Cross Back Bodycon Dress in Black

€77.00

~~€109.95~~

You save 30%

5.0(7)

Philine Midi Dress

Jacquard Plunge Fit and Flare Dress in White

€109.95

4.9(42)

Showing 181 - 210 of 326 Products

School Formal Dresses

Candice Maxi Dress

Janezkie Maxi Dress

Alberta Maxi Dress

Karina Maxi Dress

Marguerite Maxi Dress

Violeta Maxi Dress

Alma Maxi Dress

Felt So Happy Midi Dress

Aria Midi Dress

Blake Maxi Dress

Elara Maxi Dress

Leticia Maxi Dress

Pearce Maxi Dress

Riley Maxi Dress

Tatum Midi Dress

Namaari Midi Dress

Thelma Maxi Dress

Rania Maxi Dress

Dara Midi Dress

Lizzy Maxi Dress

Kitsune Maxi Dress

Courtney Midi Dress

Andrina Midi Dress

Ginny Maxi Dress

Penny Maxi Dress

Andrina Midi Dress

Rosha Midi Dress

Isabel Midi Dress

Tonya Maxi Dress

Philine 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?