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.

636 Products

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)

Alma Maxi Dress

Halter Corset Bodice Side Split Dress in Black

121.00

$~~169.95~~

You save 29%

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)

Rholie Midi Dress

Plunge Neck Fringe Hem Fixed Wrap Dress in Pink

30.00

$~~149.95~~

You save 80%

5.0(4)

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)

Donna Maxi Dress

Cowl Neck Column High Split Dress in Sage

113.00

$~~149.95~~

You save 25%

4.9(78)

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)

Crisanta Maxi Dress

Long Sleeve Contrast Lace Bodycon Dress in Ivory

169.95

4.9(14)

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%

Eira Maxi Dress

High Neck Cap Sleeve Maxi Dress in Chocolate

119.95

5.0(1)

Violeta Maxi Dress

Corset Front Burnout Dress in Wine

179.95

4.7(10)

Maeve Maxi Dress

V Neck Ruffle Tier Slip Dress in Chilli

90.00

$~~199.95~~

You save 55%

4.5(8)

Sonya Maxi Dress

Cowl Neck Asymmetric Fit And Flare Dress in Sage

93.00

$~~179.95~~

You save 48%

4.5(10)

Almarie Midi Dress

Halter Neck Mesh Dress in Sage

90.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 36%

4.9(21)

Sylvana Maxi Dress

Cowl Halter Neck Bodycon Dress in Baby Pink

98.00

$~~149.95~~

You save 35%

5.0(16)

Marlette Midi Dress

Pleated Open Back Halter Dress in Chocolate

69.00

$~~139.95~~

You save 51%

4.8(80)

Ellen Midi Dress

Asymmetric Mesh Ruched Bodycon Dress in Brown

139.95

4.8(4)

Francis Maxi Dress

Halter Ruched Backless Dress in Pink

98.00

$~~169.95~~

You save 42%

4.8(20)

Amorette Maxi Dress

One Shoulder Detail Gown Dress in Black

169.95

5.0(17)

Khalani Midi Dress

Deep V Neck Satin Slip Dress in Sage

65.00

$~~149.95~~

You save 57%

4.8(79)

Restocking late September

Aurelia Maxi Dress

Plisse Halter Neck Dress in Pink

189.95

Restocking Soon

Lara Maxi Dress

Strapless Ruched Mesh High Leg Split Dress in Wine

139.95

Showing 601 - 630 of 636 Products

School Formal Dresses

Bethanie Maxi Dress

Coraline Maxi Dress

Alma Maxi Dress

Maeve Maxi Dress

Opal Maxi Dress

Bethanie Maxi Dress

Alanna Maxi Dress

Isabel Midi Dress

Rholie Midi Dress

Heath Maxi Dress

Donna Maxi Dress

Shantelle Midi Dress

Demetria Maxi Dress

Crisanta Maxi Dress

Mina Midi Dress

Tiffy Midi Dress

Cristle Midi Dress

Eira Maxi Dress

Violeta Maxi Dress

Maeve Maxi Dress

Sonya Maxi Dress

Almarie Midi Dress

Sylvana Maxi Dress

Marlette Midi Dress

Ellen Midi Dress

Francis Maxi Dress

Amorette Maxi Dress

Khalani Midi Dress

Aurelia Maxi 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?