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

Opal Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Gathered Bodice Fit And Flare Dress in Pink

NZ$

123.00

NZ$~~169.95~~

You save 28%

Hillary Maxi Dress

Draped V Neck Low Back Dress in Rose

NZ$

63.00

NZ$~~139.95~~

You save 55%

Brielle Maxi Dress

Strapless Gathered Fit & Flare Lace Dress in Champagne

NZ$

141.00

NZ$~~189.95~~

You save 26%

New

Zella Maxi Dress

Contrast Corset Bodice Draped Dress in Wine

NZ$

199.95

New

Maud Maxi Dress

Long Sleeve Open Back Dress With Hip Ruching Detail in Black

NZ$

179.95

New

Beryl Midi Dress

Deep V Neck Sleeveless Layered Dress in Pink

NZ$

149.95

4.8(38)

New

Lizzy Maxi Dress

Backless Ruched Bodycon Dress in Pink

NZ$

123.00

NZ$~~169.95~~

You save 28%

4.8(12)

New

Nicolette Maxi Dress

Cape Sleeve Off Shoulder Dress in Sage

NZ$

179.95

4.9(53)

New

Anastasia Maxi Dress

Contrast Sequin Bodice Fit And Flare Dress in Black

NZ$

239.95

New

Alma Maxi Dress

Plunge Halter Neck Gathered Bodice Dress in Off White

NZ$

149.95

New

Kenna Midi Dress

Gathered Bust Tucked Waist Dress in Wine

NZ$

179.95

4.7(10)

Calla Maxi Dress

Halter Neck Asymmetric Dropped Waist Dress in Sage

NZ$

189.95

5.0(6)

New

Eden Maxi Dress

Plunge Halter Neck Cut Out Bodycon Dress in Burnt Orange

NZ$

149.95

New

Visenta Midi Dress

Asymmetrical Sleeve Dress in Fuchsia

NZ$

189.95

4.8(34)

New

Grace Maxi Dress

Cap Sleeve Asymmetric Split Dress in Chocolate

NZ$

139.95

5.0(1)

New

Valencia Midi Dress

Strapless Blouson Top Dropped Waist Dress in Mint Green

NZ$

149.95

Melville Maxi Dress

Lace Bodice Draped Front Halter Dress in Blue

NZ$

149.95

Liana Maxi Dress

Strapless Pearl Fringe Dress in White

NZ$

141.00

NZ$~~189.95~~

You save 26%

Barbara Maxi Dress

Halter Scoop Neck Contrast Georgette Dress in Sage

NZ$

113.00

NZ$~~149.95~~

You save 25%

4.9(9)

New

Joanne Maxi Dress

Scoop Neck Fringe Dress in Wine

NZ$

189.95

4.9(10)

New

Cassienne Midi Dress

High Neck Keyhole Cut Out Bodycon Midi Dress in White

NZ$

169.95

5.0(1)

New

Cassienne Midi Dress

High Neck Keyhole Cut Out Bodycon Midi Dress in Red

NZ$

169.95

5.0(1)

New

Everly Maxi Dress

Asymmetrical Draped Dress in Plum

NZ$

199.95

Baya Maxi Dress

Gathered Plunge Neckline Halter Dress in Pale Blue

NZ$

90.00

NZ$~~149.95~~

You save 40%

Lucienne Maxi Dress

Asymmetric Neckline Gathered Draped Sash Dress in Aurora Print

NZ$

139.95

5.0(1)

Calix Midi Dress

One Shoulder Slip Dress in Pink

NZ$

149.95

New

Sunny Maxi Dress

Cowl Neck Asymmetric Hem Dress in Pink

NZ$

94.00

NZ$~~129.95~~

You save 28%

Adilah Maxi Dress

Cowl Neck Satin Dress in Light Pink

NZ$

113.00

NZ$~~149.95~~

You save 25%

4.9(8)

Sophie Maxi Dress

Plunge Neckline Ruched Waist Racer Back Dress in Chocolate

NZ$

149.95

Khalani Midi Dress

Deep V Neck Satin Slip Dress in Light Pink

NZ$

149.95

4.5(4)

Showing 691 - 720 of 787 Products

School Formal Dresses

Opal Maxi Dress

Hillary Maxi Dress

Brielle Maxi Dress

Zella Maxi Dress

Maud Maxi Dress

Beryl Midi Dress

Lizzy Maxi Dress

Nicolette Maxi Dress

Anastasia Maxi Dress

Alma Maxi Dress

Kenna Midi Dress

Calla Maxi Dress

Eden Maxi Dress

Visenta Midi Dress

Grace Maxi Dress

Valencia Midi Dress

Melville Maxi Dress

Liana Maxi Dress

Barbara Maxi Dress

Joanne Maxi Dress

Cassienne Midi Dress

Cassienne Midi Dress

Everly Maxi Dress

Baya Maxi Dress

Lucienne Maxi Dress

Calix Midi Dress

Sunny Maxi Dress

Adilah Maxi Dress

Sophie Maxi Dress

Khalani 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?