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

Belle Maxi Dress

Tie Shoulder Detail Dress in Black

NZ$

179.95

4.9(7)

Florence Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Sheer Skirt Dress in Chocolate

NZ$

113.00

NZ$~~189.95~~

You save 41%

4.5(2)

Florence Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Sheer Skirt Dress in White

NZ$

189.95

4.0(1)

Ferguson Maxi Dress

One Shoulder Draped Jersey and Lace Dress in Chocolate

NZ$

114.00

NZ$~~179.95~~

You save 37%

5.0(4)

Celeste Maxi Dress

Gathered Bodice Dropped Waist Halter Dress in Chocolate

NZ$

98.00

NZ$~~149.95~~

You save 35%

Heath Maxi Dress

Scoop Halter Neck With Drape Front Skirt Back Split Dress in Off White

NZ$

98.00

NZ$~~149.95~~

You save 35%

4.9(12)

Connie Midi Dress

Ruffle Detail Dress in Pink

NZ$

149.95

4.9(59)

Jamie Maxi Dress

Strapless Ruched Fitted Column Dress in Navy

NZ$

149.95

4.8(21)

Flynn Maxi Dress

Satin Halter Sweetheart Neck Dress in Wine

NZ$

179.95

4.6(16)

Nicolette Maxi Dress

Cape Sleeve Off Shoulder Dress in Black

NZ$

179.95

4.9(53)

Louisa Maxi Dress

Boned Bodice Lace Up Back Dress in Black

NZ$

199.95

5.0(1)

Louisa Midi Dress

Strapless Side Ruched Dropped Waist Fit And Flare Dress in Pink

NZ$

169.95

5.0(5)

Lacey Maxi Dress

Lace Corset Style Bodice Halter Dress in White

NZ$

149.95

4.7(3)

Penny Maxi Dress

Draped Cowl Neck 3D Flower Dress in Cream

NZ$

98.00

NZ$~~149.95~~

You save 35%

5.0(1)

Idris Midi Dress

Cowl Neck Draped Sash Godet Dress in Soft Pink

NZ$

169.95

5.0(1)

Kyra Maxi Dress

Lace Bust And Tie Back Satin Dress in Lemon

NZ$

123.00

NZ$~~169.95~~

You save 28%

5.0(1)

Calix Midi Dress

One Shoulder Slip Dress in Black

NZ$

149.95

5.0(1)

Calix Midi Dress

One Shoulder Slip Dress in Chocolate

NZ$

149.95

5.0(1)

Karina Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Corset Bodice Lace Up Back Dress in Black

NZ$

90.00

NZ$~~149.95~~

You save 40%

5.0(1)

Melville Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Long Sleeve Lace Dress in White

NZ$

169.95

4.8(6)

Rachel Maxi Dress

Cowl Neck Jacquard Front Split Dress in Black

NZ$

80.00

NZ$~~169.95~~

You save 53%

5.0(1)

Phoebe Maxi Dress

Strapless Structured Bodice Drape Skirt Dress in Black

NZ$

179.95

5.0(7)

Phoebe Maxi Dress

Strapless Structured Bodice Drape Skirt Dress in Soft Blue

NZ$

179.95

5.0(7)

Sylvana Maxi Dress

Cowl Halter Neck Bodycon Dress in Baby Pink

NZ$

98.00

NZ$~~149.95~~

You save 35%

5.0(16)

Thelma Maxi Dress

Square Neck Bodycon Dress in Black

NZ$

169.95

4.9(41)

Opal Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Gathered Bodice Fit And Flare Dress in Blue

NZ$

123.00

NZ$~~169.95~~

You save 28%

5.0(1)

Adilah Maxi Dress

Cowl Neck Satin Dress in Black

NZ$

149.95

4.9(8)

Poppy Maxi Dress

Contrast Skirt Deep Plunge Halter Dress in Blue

NZ$

179.95

4.9(15)

Tara Maxi Dress

Strapless Corset Drape Skirt Dress in Chocolate

NZ$

179.95

5.0(7)

Lioness - Original Sin Dress

In Chocolate

NZ$

59.00

NZ$~~99.95~~

You save 41%

4.7(3)

Showing 421 - 450 of 787 Products

School Formal Dresses

Belle Maxi Dress

Florence Maxi Dress

Florence Maxi Dress

Ferguson Maxi Dress

Celeste Maxi Dress

Heath Maxi Dress

Connie Midi Dress

Jamie Maxi Dress

Flynn Maxi Dress

Nicolette Maxi Dress

Louisa Maxi Dress

Louisa Midi Dress

Lacey Maxi Dress

Penny Maxi Dress

Idris Midi Dress

Kyra Maxi Dress

Calix Midi Dress

Calix Midi Dress

Karina Maxi Dress

Melville Maxi Dress

Rachel Maxi Dress

Phoebe Maxi Dress

Phoebe Maxi Dress

Sylvana Maxi Dress

Thelma Maxi Dress

Opal Maxi Dress

Adilah Maxi Dress

Poppy Maxi Dress

Tara Maxi Dress

Lioness - Original Sin 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?