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

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%

Hillary Maxi Dress

Draped V Neck Low Back Dress in Lemon

NZ$

41.00

NZ$~~139.95~~

You save 71%

Frances Maxi Dress

Contrast U Neck Godet A Line Dress in Ivory

NZ$

169.95

4.8(18)

Jocelyn Maxi Dress

Strapless Ruched Fit And Flare Dress in Pink

NZ$

149.95

4.8(27)

Joanne Maxi Dress

Scoop Neck Fringe Dress in Ivory

NZ$

189.95

4.9(10)

Ruby Maxi Dress

Halter Scoop Neck Low Back Bodycon Dress in Lemon

NZ$

149.95

4.8(45)

Maeve Maxi Dress

V Neck Ruffle Tier Slip Dress in Chilli

NZ$

90.00

NZ$~~199.95~~

You save 55%

4.5(8)

Riley Maxi Dress

Gathered Over Bust Dress in Chocolate

NZ$

110.00

NZ$~~139.95~~

You save 21%

4.3(3)

Kayrene Midi Dress

Strapless Bodycon Dress in Butter Yellow

NZ$

113.00

NZ$~~149.95~~

You save 25%

5.0(1)

Veronnie Midi Dress

Tucked High Neck Sleeveless Fitted Leg Split Skirt Dress in Pink

NZ$

149.95

5.0(2)

Salome Midi Dress

Halter Neck Column Dress in Dark Chocolate

NZ$

169.95

4.9(111)

Lucie Maxi Dress

Sweetheart Neck Column Dress in Red

NZ$

179.95

5.0(1)

Dakota Maxi Dress

Long Sleeve V Neck Bodycon Dress in Cream

NZ$

74.00

NZ$~~149.95~~

You save 51%

5.0(11)

Ari Mini Dress

Fringe Beaded Dress in Light Pink

NZ$

50.00

NZ$~~199.95~~

You save 75%

Almarie Midi Dress

Halter Neck Mesh Dress in Blue

NZ$

75.00

NZ$~~139.95~~

You save 46%

4.9(22)

Benita Midi Dress

Scoop Neck Ruched Fitted Dress in Lemon

NZ$

169.95

4.7(23)

Bijou Maxi Dress

Embroidery Deep V Halter Ruched Dress in Ice Blue

NZ$

56.00

NZ$~~189.95~~

You save 71%

5.0(1)

Berri Maxi Dress

Strapless Jacquard High Split Dress in Blue

NZ$

123.00

NZ$~~169.95~~

You save 28%

4.8(30)

Elara Maxi Dress

Lace Ruched Side Split Dress in Soft Blue

NZ$

68.00

NZ$~~149.95~~

You save 55%

Eva Maxi Dress

Plunge Halter Wrap Dress in Abstract Adeana Print

NZ$

86.00

NZ$~~179.95~~

You save 52%

Judee Midi Dress

One Shoulder High Side Split Dress in Pink

NZ$

106.00

NZ$~~169.95~~

You save 38%

4.9(19)

Jamie Maxi Dress

Strapless Ruched Fitted Column Dress in Pink

NZ$

149.95

4.8(21)

Benita Midi Dress

Scoop Neck Ruched Fitted Dress in Pink

NZ$

123.00

NZ$~~169.95~~

You save 28%

4.7(23)

Harrison Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Ruche Wide Waistband Long Skirt Mesh Dress in Pink

NZ$

103.00

NZ$~~139.95~~

You save 26%

Veronika Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Plunge High Split Dress in Blue

NZ$

169.95

4.9(27)

Rhea Maxi Dress

Long Sleeve Ruched Ruffle Hem Dress in Blush

NZ$

86.00

NZ$~~179.95~~

You save 52%

Marcel Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Corset High Split Dress in Sage

NZ$

199.95

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Showing 511 - 540 of 787 Products

School Formal Dresses

Hudgens Maxi Dress

Larson Maxi Dress

Ginny Maxi Dress

Hudgens Maxi Dress

Hillary Maxi Dress

Frances Maxi Dress

Jocelyn Maxi Dress

Joanne Maxi Dress

Ruby Maxi Dress

Maeve Maxi Dress

Riley Maxi Dress

Kayrene Midi Dress

Veronnie Midi Dress

Salome Midi Dress

Lucie Maxi Dress

Dakota Maxi Dress

Ari Mini Dress

Almarie Midi Dress

Benita Midi Dress

Bijou Maxi Dress

Berri Maxi Dress

Elara Maxi Dress

Eva Maxi Dress

Judee Midi Dress

Jamie Maxi Dress

Benita Midi Dress

Harrison Maxi Dress

Veronika Maxi Dress

Rhea Maxi Dress

Marcel 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?