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.

622 Products

How Will I Know Midi Dress

Wrap Waist Tie Tulip Hem Dress in Champagne

35.00

$~~179.95~~

You save 81%

4.8(54)

Laurie Midi Dress

Plunge Frill Detail Slip Dress in Red

55.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 61%

Cleo Maxi Dress

Halter Neck Floral Trim Cut Out Fitted Dress in Ivory

90.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 36%

5.0(4)

Rosha Midi Dress

Ruffle Strap Dress in Chocolate

139.95

4.8(31)

Arichie Maxi Dress

Cowl Back Diamante Strap Satin Dress in Black

25.00

$~~129.95~~

You save 81%

Bianca Midi Dress

Twist Front Cut Out Ruched Dress in Baby Blue

119.95

4.9(42)

Rhea Maxi Dress

Long Sleeve Ruched Ruffle Hem Dress in Blush

86.00

$~~179.95~~

You save 52%

Rosha Midi Dress

Ruffle Strap Dress in Red

68.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 51%

4.8(31)

Dangerous Woman Maxi Dress

Plunge Thigh Split Dress in Black

53.00

$~~179.95~~

You save 71%

4.8(98)

Tatum Midi Dress

Lace Off Shoulder Side Split Dress in Pink

68.00

$~~149.95~~

You save 55%

4.9(26)

Almarie Midi Dress

Halter Neck Mesh Dress in Chocolate

103.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 26%

5.0(1)

Frances Maxi Dress

Contrast U Neck Godet A Line Dress in Black

189.95

4.8(17)

Almarie Midi Dress

Halter Neck Mesh Dress in Pink

83.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 41%

Calvin Maxi Dress

Linen Look Contrast Georgette Skirt with Neck Scarf in White

90.00

$~~169.95~~

You save 47%

4.7(3)

Bethanie Maxi Dress

Off The Shoulder Mesh Dress in Wine

98.00

$~~169.95~~

You save 42%

4.8(79)

Coraline Maxi Dress

Plunge Neckline Double Waist Sash Halter Dress in Black

169.95

5.0(1)

Maeve Maxi Dress

V Neck Ruffle Tier Slip Dress in Pink

105.00

$~~199.95~~

You save 47%

4.5(8)

Opal Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Gathered Bodice Fit And Flare Dress in Dark Chocolate

169.95

5.0(1)

Bethanie Maxi Dress

Off The Shoulder Mesh Dress in Red

81.00

$~~169.95~~

You save 52%

4.8(79)

Alanna Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Ruched Mesh Dress in Black

149.95

4.8(36)

Isabel Midi Dress

Twist Off Shoulder Bodycon Dress in Sage

139.95

5.0(21)

Heath Maxi Dress

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

98.00

$~~149.95~~

You save 35%

4.9(12)

Rholie Midi Dress

Plunge Neck Fringe Hem Fixed Wrap Dress in Pink

30.00

$~~149.95~~

You save 80%

5.0(4)

Donna Maxi Dress

Cowl Neck Column High Split Dress in Sage

113.00

$~~149.95~~

You save 25%

4.9(76)

Crisanta Maxi Dress

Long Sleeve Contrast Lace Bodycon Dress in Ivory

169.95

4.9(14)

Shantelle Midi Dress

Strapless Bodycon Back Split Dress in Bouquet Di Fiori Print

68.00

$~~149.95~~

You save 55%

5.0(8)

Demetria Maxi Dress

Mesh Bodycon Dress in Burgundy Rose

169.95

4.7(10)

Mina Midi Dress

Embroidered Mesh Dress in Black

149.95

4.9(11)

Tiffy Midi Dress

Square Neck Ruched Bodycon Dress in Chocolate

139.95

4.9(34)

Cristle Midi Dress

One Shoulder Side Cut Out Thigh Split Dress in Steel Blue

45.00

$~~149.95~~

You save 70%

Showing 571 - 600 of 622 Products

School Formal Dresses

How Will I Know Midi Dress

Laurie Midi Dress

Cleo Maxi Dress

Rosha Midi Dress

Arichie Maxi Dress

Bianca Midi Dress

Rhea Maxi Dress

Rosha Midi Dress

Dangerous Woman Maxi Dress

Tatum Midi Dress

Almarie Midi Dress

Frances Maxi Dress

Almarie Midi Dress

Calvin Maxi Dress

Bethanie Maxi Dress

Coraline Maxi Dress

Maeve Maxi Dress

Opal Maxi Dress

Bethanie Maxi Dress

Alanna Maxi Dress

Isabel Midi Dress

Heath Maxi Dress

Rholie Midi Dress

Donna Maxi Dress

Crisanta Maxi Dress

Shantelle Midi Dress

Demetria Maxi Dress

Mina Midi Dress

Tiffy Midi Dress

Cristle Midi 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?