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

Belle Maxi Dress

Tie Shoulder Detail Dress in Black

€109.95

4.8(6)

Mandy Midi Dress

Knot Detail Cut Out Mesh Dress in Lemon

€99.95

Florence Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Sheer Skirt Dress in White

€119.95

4.0(1)

Florence Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Sheer Skirt Dress in Chocolate

€70.00

~~€119.95~~

You save 42%

4.5(2)

Ferguson Maxi Dress

One Shoulder Draped Jersey and Lace Dress in Chocolate

€71.00

~~€109.95~~

You save 35%

5.0(4)

Rachel Maxi Dress

Sweetheart Neckline Jacquard Front Split Dress in Ice Blue

€109.95

4.3(3)

Penny Maxi Dress

Strapless Corset Bodice Floral Embellished Dress in Soft Pink

€119.95

5.0(1)

Lacey Maxi Dress

Lace Corset Style Bodice Halter Dress in White

€99.95

4.7(3)

Penny Maxi Dress

Draped Cowl Neck 3D Flower Dress in Cream

€61.00

~~€99.95~~

You save 39%

5.0(1)

Kyra Maxi Dress

Lace Bust And Tie Back Satin Dress in Lemon

€77.00

~~€109.95~~

You save 30%

5.0(1)

Caterina Maxi

Ruched Off Shoulder Mesh Dress in Pale Blue

€99.95

5.0(28)

Alanna Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Ruched Mesh Dress in Cream

€42.00

~~€99.95~~

You save 58%

4.8(37)

Helen Maxi Dress

One Shoulder Draped Fitted Dress in Wine

€109.95

4.8(4)

Donna Maxi Dress

Cowl Neck Column High Split Dress in Chocolate

€99.95

4.9(78)

Karina Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Corset Bodice Lace Up Back Dress in Black

€56.00

~~€99.95~~

You save 44%

5.0(1)

Kenna Midi Dress

Gathered Bust Tucked Waist Dress in Chocolate

€109.95

4.7(10)

Karina Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Corset Bodice Lace Up Back Dress in Pink

€28.00

~~€99.95~~

You save 72%

5.0(1)

Pearce Maxi Dress

Gathered One Sleeve Bodycon Dress in Brown

€109.95

5.0(1)

Judee Midi Dress

One Shoulder High Side Split Dress in Chocolate

€109.95

4.9(18)

Tara Maxi Dress

Strapless Corset Drape Skirt Dress in Wine

€109.95

5.0(7)

Tara Maxi Dress

Strapless Corset Drape Skirt Dress in Chocolate

€109.95

5.0(7)

Genie Maxi Dress

Off The Shoulder Dress in Chocolate

€99.95

4.9(293)

Bethanie Maxi Dress

Off The Shoulder Mesh Dress in Red

€51.00

~~€99.95~~

You save 49%

4.8(75)

Out Till Dawn Maxi Dress

Thigh Split Dress in Navy Sequin

€54.00

~~€109.95~~

You save 51%

4.8(75)

Ruby Maxi Dress

Halter Scoop Neck Low Back Bodycon Dress in Wine

€99.95

4.8(44)

Rani Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Long Sleeve Bodycon Dress in Black

€99.95

4.9(45)

Jiraye Midi Dress

Flutter Sleeve Tuelle Plunge Dress in White

€60.00

~~€109.95~~

You save 45%

4.8(63)

Cariela Maxi Dress

Plunge Neck Satin Dress in Navy

€56.00

~~€99.95~~

You save 44%

5.0(1)

Khalani Midi Dress

Deep V Neck Satin Slip Dress in Butter Yellow

€89.95

4.9(76)

Rhyanna Maxi Dress

Twist Front Strapless Dress in Emerald

€26.00

~~€89.95~~

You save 71%

4.7(11)

Showing 181 - 210 of 317 Products

School Formal Dresses

Belle Maxi Dress

Mandy Midi Dress

Florence Maxi Dress

Florence Maxi Dress

Ferguson Maxi Dress

Rachel Maxi Dress

Penny Maxi Dress

Lacey Maxi Dress

Penny Maxi Dress

Kyra Maxi Dress

Caterina Maxi

Alanna Maxi Dress

Helen Maxi Dress

Donna Maxi Dress

Karina Maxi Dress

Kenna Midi Dress

Karina Maxi Dress

Pearce Maxi Dress

Judee Midi Dress

Tara Maxi Dress

Tara Maxi Dress

Genie Maxi Dress

Bethanie Maxi Dress

Out Till Dawn Maxi Dress

Ruby Maxi Dress

Rani Maxi Dress

Jiraye Midi Dress

Cariela Maxi Dress

Khalani Midi Dress

Rhyanna 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?