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

Visenta Midi Dress

Asymmetrical Sleeve Dress in Pink

NZ$

189.95

4.8(34)

Metzie Midi Dress

High Neck Gathered Mesh Dress in Burgundy

NZ$

80.00

NZ$~~169.95~~

You save 53%

4.5(6)

Flynn Maxi Dress

Asymmetric Neck Sheer Skirt Dress in Ivory

NZ$

86.00

NZ$~~179.95~~

You save 52%

Ellen Maxi Dress

Plunge Neck Lace Frill Hem Dress in White

NZ$

61.00

NZ$~~139.95~~

You save 56%

4.0(1)

Morgana Maxi Dress

Mesh Square Neck Cap Sleeve Sheer Dress in Black

NZ$

74.00

NZ$~~149.95~~

You save 51%

5.0(1)

Cartia Midi Dress

Velvet Strapless Bodycon Dress in Wine

NZ$

53.00

NZ$~~149.95~~

You save 65%

Angie Maxi Dress

Strapless Bias Column Dress with Scarf in Blue Print

NZ$

179.95

5.0(8)

Ziva Maxi Dress

Jacquard Cowl Neck Dress in White

NZ$

35.00

NZ$~~179.95~~

You save 81%

4.0(1)

Rania Maxi Dress

Contrast Lace Bodice Bias Cowl Drop Waist Dress in Red

NZ$

113.00

NZ$~~149.95~~

You save 25%

4.9(113)

Donna Maxi Dress

Cowl Neck Column High Split Dress in Red

NZ$

149.95

4.9(81)

Indi Maxi Dress

Boat Neck Bodycon Dress in Sage

NZ$

149.95

4.9(190)

Adilah Maxi Dress

Cowl Neck Satin Dress in Butter Yellow

NZ$

90.00

NZ$~~149.95~~

You save 40%

4.9(8)

Freya Midi Dress

Boat Neck Backless Dress in Yellow

NZ$

113.00

NZ$~~149.95~~

You save 25%

Leticia Maxi Dress

Mesh Off Shoulder Ruched High Split Dress in Lemon

NZ$

149.95

4.8(16)

Beckett Midi Dress

Scoop Neck Drop V Waist Gathered Skirt Dress in Pink

NZ$

139.95

4.7(31)

Ramirez Midi Dress

Scoop Neck Low Back Dress in Lemon

NZ$

61.00

NZ$~~129.95~~

You save 53%

4.5(2)

Karlene Midi Dress

Stretch Lace Long Sleeve Ruched Split Hem Dress in Ivory

NZ$

61.00

NZ$~~139.95~~

You save 56%

5.0(2)

Amelita Midi Dress

Long Sleeve Knot Detail Dress in Cream

NZ$

75.00

NZ$~~129.95~~

You save 42%

5.0(2)

Heath Maxi Dress

Scoop Halter Neck With Drape Front Skirt Back Split Dress in Brown

NZ$

149.95

4.9(13)

Bethanie Maxi Dress

Off The Shoulder Mesh Dress in Wine

NZ$

98.00

NZ$~~149.95~~

You save 35%

4.8(80)

Alanna Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Ruched Mesh Dress in Ink

NZ$

149.95

4.8(38)

Calvin Maxi Dress

Linen Look Contrast Georgette Skirt with Neck Scarf in Chocolate

NZ$

169.95

4.7(3)

Cardi Maxi Dress

Ruched Mesh High Leg Split Dress in Lemon

NZ$

169.95

4.7(28)

Leticia Maxi Dress

Mesh Off Shoulder Ruched High Split Dress in Red

NZ$

71.00

NZ$~~149.95~~

You save 53%

4.8(16)

Zahra Maxi Dress

One Shoulder Tie Back Dress in Black

NZ$

123.00

NZ$~~179.95~~

You save 32%

4.8(11)

Blanca Midi Dress

Cowl Neck Bias Cut Dress in Black Polka Dot

NZ$

169.95

5.0(4)

Hudgens Maxi Dress

Georgette Halter Draped Skirt Dress in Lemon

NZ$

44.00

NZ$~~179.95~~

You save 76%

4.0(1)

Larson Maxi Dress

Asymmetric Tie Neck Column Dress in Ink

NZ$

169.95

4.8(28)

Ginny Maxi Dress

Jersey Ruched V Waist Dress in Blue

NZ$

149.95

Hudgens Maxi Dress

Georgette Godet Panel Dress in Mint

NZ$

49.00

NZ$~~169.95~~

You save 71%

Showing 481 - 510 of 787 Products

School Formal Dresses

Visenta Midi Dress

Metzie Midi Dress

Flynn Maxi Dress

Ellen Maxi Dress

Morgana Maxi Dress

Cartia Midi Dress

Angie Maxi Dress

Ziva Maxi Dress

Rania Maxi Dress

Donna Maxi Dress

Indi Maxi Dress

Adilah Maxi Dress

Freya Midi Dress

Leticia Maxi Dress

Beckett Midi Dress

Ramirez Midi Dress

Karlene Midi Dress

Amelita Midi Dress

Heath Maxi Dress

Bethanie Maxi Dress

Alanna Maxi Dress

Calvin Maxi Dress

Cardi Maxi Dress

Leticia Maxi Dress

Zahra Maxi Dress

Blanca Midi Dress

Hudgens Maxi Dress

Larson Maxi Dress

Ginny Maxi Dress

Hudgens 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?