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

Tiffy Midi Dress

Square Neck Ruched Bodycon Dress in Chocolate

NZ$

139.95

4.9(39)

Shay Maxi Dress

Sweetheart Cut Out Pleated Dress in Pink

NZ$

169.95

5.0(19)

Genie Maxi Dress

Off The Shoulder Dress in Red

NZ$

149.95

4.9(310)

Sharley Midi Dress

Diamante Detail Pencil Dress in Black

NZ$

105.00

NZ$~~149.95~~

You save 30%

4.9(63)

Grittah Maxi Dress

One Shoulder Bishop Sleeve High Split Ruched Dress in Emerald

NZ$

179.95

4.9(39)

Monette Midi Dress

One Shoulder Straight Dress in Orange

NZ$

119.95

4.9(78)

Pietra Maxi Dress

Knit Off Shoulder Dress in Cream

NZ$

149.95

4.8(22)

Violeta Maxi Dress

Corset Front Burnout Dress in Wine

NZ$

179.95

4.8(9)

Avery Midi Dress

Strapless Draped Side Split Dress in Chocolate

NZ$

169.95

4.9(135)

Brailey Midi Dress

Thigh Split Strapless Dress in White Jacquard

NZ$

98.00

NZ$~~129.95~~

You save 25%

4.8(44)

Avery Midi Dress

Strapless Draped Side Split Dress in Orange

NZ$

169.95

4.9(135)

Jessell Midi Dress

High Split Strapless Dress in Black Floral

NZ$

73.00

NZ$~~169.95~~

You save 57%

4.8(35)

Harmony Maxi Dress

Floral Detail Cup Bust Satin Dress in Black

NZ$

169.95

4.8(43)

Dangerous Woman Maxi Dress

Plunge Thigh Split Dress in Black

NZ$

53.00

NZ$~~179.95~~

You save 71%

4.8(98)

Rani Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Long Sleeve Bodycon Dress in Wine

NZ$

149.95

4.9(47)

Bernie Midi Dress

Square Neck Strapped Full Circle Skirt Dress in White

NZ$

169.95

5.0(33)

Rhyanna Maxi Dress

Twist Front Strapless Dress in Emerald

NZ$

41.00

NZ$~~139.95~~

You save 71%

4.7(11)

Lyanna Midi Dress

Cut Out Dress in Neon Pink

NZ$

29.00

NZ$~~119.95~~

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Karlene Midi Dress

Ruched Corset Burnout Dress in Black and Brown

NZ$

169.95

4.8(40)

Darcy Maxi Dress

One Shoulder Side Cut Out Gathered Dress in Black

NZ$

169.95

4.9(26)

Bethanie Maxi Dress

Off The Shoulder Mesh Dress in Chocolate

NZ$

149.95

4.8(80)

Jiraye Midi Dress

Flutter Sleeve Tuelle Plunge Dress in Lilac

NZ$

179.95

4.8(69)

Andrina Midi Dress

High Low Wrap Corset Dress in Navy

NZ$

149.95

4.9(267)

Isabel Midi Dress

Twist Off Shoulder Bodycon Dress in Chocolate

NZ$

139.95

5.0(22)

Della Midi Dress

Plunge Neck Short Sleeve Pleated Dress in Champagne

NZ$

83.00

NZ$~~129.95~~

You save 36%

4.8(48)

Marlette Midi Dress

Pleated Open Back Halter Dress in Grape

NZ$

69.00

NZ$~~139.95~~

You save 51%

4.8(80)

Indi Maxi Dress

Boat Neck Bodycon Dress in White

NZ$

149.95

4.9(190)

Shantelle Midi Dress

Strapless Bodycon Back Split Dress in Bouquet Di Fiori Print

NZ$

68.00

NZ$~~149.95~~

You save 55%

4.9(9)

Lara Midi Dress

Asymmetrical Ruched Mesh Dress in Chocolate

NZ$

68.00

NZ$~~139.95~~

You save 51%

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Paige Maxi Dress

Side Cut Out Balloon Sleeve Dress in Black

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139.95

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Showing 361 - 390 of 787 Products

School Formal Dresses

Tiffy Midi Dress

Shay Maxi Dress

Genie Maxi Dress

Sharley Midi Dress

Grittah Maxi Dress

Monette Midi Dress

Pietra Maxi Dress

Violeta Maxi Dress

Avery Midi Dress

Brailey Midi Dress

Avery Midi Dress

Jessell Midi Dress

Harmony Maxi Dress

Dangerous Woman Maxi Dress

Rani Maxi Dress

Bernie Midi Dress

Rhyanna Maxi Dress

Lyanna Midi Dress

Karlene Midi Dress

Darcy Maxi Dress

Bethanie Maxi Dress

Jiraye Midi Dress

Andrina Midi Dress

Isabel Midi Dress

Della Midi Dress

Marlette Midi Dress

Indi Maxi Dress

Shantelle Midi Dress

Lara Midi Dress

Paige 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?