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.

589 Products

Sandra Midi Dress

Off The Shoulder Sash Bodycon Dress in Pink

169.95

5.0(3)

Laurie Maxi Dress

One Shoulder Ruched Dress in Chocolate

169.95

4.8(4)

Kaia Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Long Sleeve Ruffle Hem Lace Dress in Black

106.00

$~~169.95~~

You save 38%

5.0(1)

Aria Midi Dress

One Shoulder Twist Detail Satin Bias Cut Dress in Espresso

129.95

4.9(9)

Calvin Maxi Dress

Linen Look Contrast Georgette Skirt with Neck Scarf in Chocolate

169.95

4.7(3)

Judee Midi Dress

One Shoulder High Side Split Dress in Pink

106.00

$~~169.95~~

You save 38%

4.9(18)

Brailey Midi Dress

Thigh Split Strapless Dress in Pink Jacquard

149.95

4.8(44)

Harrison Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Ruche Wide Waistband Long Skirt Mesh Dress in Pink

103.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 26%

Pietra Midi Dress

Strapless Side Seam Tucks Fitted Dress in Red

169.95

4.9(12)

Jamie Maxi Dress

Strapless Ruched Fitted Column Dress in Blue

149.95

4.8(18)

Barbara Maxi Dress

Halter Scoop Neck Contrast Georgette Dress in Cornflower Blue

149.95

4.9(8)

Adilah Maxi Dress

Cowl Neck Satin Dress in Butter Yellow

113.00

$~~149.95~~

You save 25%

4.9(8)

Blaze Maxi Dress

Backless Sequin Dress in Wine

169.95

5.0(2)

Barbara Maxi Dress

Halter Scoop Neck Contrast Georgette Dress in Ivory

149.95

4.9(8)

Philine Midi Dress

Jacquard Plunge Fit and Flare Dress in White

169.95

4.9(42)

Jamie Maxi Dress

Strapless Ruched Fitted Column Dress in Chocolate

98.00

$~~149.95~~

You save 35%

4.8(18)

Reeves Maxi Dress

Contrast Lace High Neck Fitted Satin Dress in Wine

86.00

$~~179.95~~

You save 52%

4.9(14)

Sienna Midi Dress

Strapless Floral Embroidered Bodycon Dress in White

169.95

5.0(5)

Candice Maxi Dress

Lace Contrast Georgette Dress in Black

179.95

5.0(1)

Janezkie Maxi Dress

Femme Tiered Jacquard Formal Dress in Light Blue

114.00

$~~169.95~~

You save 33%

Barbara Maxi Dress

Halter Scoop Neck Contrast Georgette Dress in Sage

149.95

4.9(8)

Alma Maxi Dress

Halter Corset Bodice Side Split Dress in Black

121.00

$~~169.95~~

You save 29%

5.0(1)

Rachel Maxi Dress

Sweetheart Neckline Jacquard Front Split Dress in Ice Blue

169.95

4.5(2)

Sonya Maxi Dress

Cowl Neck Asymmetric Fit And Flare Dress in Chocolate

79.00

$~~179.95~~

You save 56%

4.5(10)

Mabel Maxi Dress

Georgette Frill Sleeve Sweetheart Bias Cut Dress in Antique Florals

149.95

4.8(13)

New

Evelina Maxi Dress

Strapless Corset Dress With Contrast Gathered Skirt in White/Black

239.95

Benita Midi Dress

Scoop Neck Ruched Fitted Dress in Pink

169.95

4.7(22)

Aria Midi Dress

Strapless Tie Waist Dress in Orange

149.95

4.8(19)

Veronika Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Plunge High Split Dress in Blue

169.95

4.8(25)

New

Poppy Maxi Dress

Contrast Skirt Deep Plunge Halter Dress in Sage

179.95

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Showing 421 - 450 of 589 Products

School Formal Dresses

Sandra Midi Dress

Laurie Maxi Dress

Kaia Maxi Dress

Aria Midi Dress

Calvin Maxi Dress

Judee Midi Dress

Brailey Midi Dress

Harrison Maxi Dress

Pietra Midi Dress

Jamie Maxi Dress

Barbara Maxi Dress

Adilah Maxi Dress

Blaze Maxi Dress

Barbara Maxi Dress

Philine Midi Dress

Jamie Maxi Dress

Reeves Maxi Dress

Sienna Midi Dress

Candice Maxi Dress

Janezkie Maxi Dress

Barbara Maxi Dress

Alma Maxi Dress

Rachel Maxi Dress

Sonya Maxi Dress

Mabel Maxi Dress

Evelina Maxi Dress

Benita Midi Dress

Aria Midi Dress

Veronika Maxi Dress

Poppy 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?