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

Zaya Midi Dress

Strapless Satin Slip Dress in Pale Blue

NZ$

113.00

NZ$~~149.95~~

You save 25%

Zaya Midi Dress

Strapless Satin Slip Dress in Navy

NZ$

149.95

Fergie Maxi Dress

Strapless Side Ruched Cut Out Fitted Dress in chestnut brown

NZ$

105.00

NZ$~~149.95~~

You save 30%

4.9(7)

Hathaway Maxi Dress

U Shaped Neck Pleated Dress in Ivory

NZ$

106.00

NZ$~~169.95~~

You save 38%

4.7(3)

Juliet Midi Dress

One Shoulder Lace Contrast Bodycon Dress in Ivory

NZ$

169.95

5.0(1)

Marguerite Maxi Dress

Strapless Ruched Mesh High Leg Split Dress in Black

NZ$

139.95

4.9(12)

Lila Midi Dress

V Neck Corset Top Bodycon Dress in Red

NZ$

139.95

Finn Midi Dress

Folded Cowl Halter With Front Leg Split in Sage

NZ$

105.00

NZ$~~149.95~~

You save 30%

4.8(4)

Almarie Midi Dress

Halter Neck Mesh Dress in Pink

NZ$

83.00

NZ$~~139.95~~

You save 41%

Khalani Midi Dress

Deep V Neck Satin Slip Dress in Black

NZ$

149.95

4.5(4)

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%

Jamie Maxi Dress

Strapless Ruched Fitted Column Dress in Navy

NZ$

149.95

4.8(21)

Louisa Maxi Dress

Boned Bodice Lace Up Back Dress in Black

NZ$

199.95

5.0(1)

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)

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)

Rachel Maxi Dress

Cowl Neck Jacquard Front Split Dress in Black

NZ$

80.00

NZ$~~169.95~~

You save 53%

5.0(1)

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)

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)

Lara Maxi Dress

Strapless Ruched Mesh High Leg Split Dress in Black

NZ$

98.00

NZ$~~139.95~~

You save 30%

Showing 571 - 600 of 787 Products

School Formal Dresses

Zaya Midi Dress

Zaya Midi Dress

Fergie Maxi Dress

Hathaway Maxi Dress

Juliet Midi Dress

Marguerite Maxi Dress

Lila Midi Dress

Finn Midi Dress

Almarie Midi Dress

Khalani Midi Dress

Belle Maxi Dress

Florence Maxi Dress

Florence Maxi Dress

Ferguson Maxi Dress

Celeste Maxi Dress

Jamie Maxi Dress

Louisa Maxi Dress

Lacey Maxi Dress

Penny Maxi Dress

Kyra Maxi Dress

Calix Midi Dress

Calix Midi Dress

Karina Maxi Dress

Rachel Maxi Dress

Thelma Maxi Dress

Opal Maxi Dress

Adilah Maxi Dress

Tara Maxi Dress

Lioness - Original Sin Dress

Lara 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?