School Formal Dresses

Q: What should I wear to a school formal?

Whatever makes you feel amazing, within the dress code. School formals usually 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 there’s 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 leavers’ ball is usually the dressier end, closer to black-tie. If the invite doesn’t say, ask around, your year 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 formal dresses in every style, length and colour, ready to ship, so it’s yours to keep, no hire fees, no handing it back the next day. 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 free delivery over £100 plus express shipping across the UK, even a last-minute panic is fixable.

382 Products

Juliet Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Long Sleeve Ruched Overlay Lace Dress in Wine

£35.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 61%

Helen Maxi Dress

One Shoulder Draped Fitted Dress in Lemon

£28.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 69%

4.8(4)

How Will I Know Midi Dress

Wrap Waist Tie Tulip Hem Dress in Copper

£19.00

~~£99.95~~

You save 81%

Mandy Midi Dress

Knot Detail Cut Out Mesh Dress in Lemon

£89.95

Belle Maxi Dress

Tie Shoulder Detail Dress in Wine

£71.00

~~£99.95~~

You save 29%

4.8(5)

Rani Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Long Sleeve Bodycon Dress in Chocolate

£89.95

4.9(45)

Connie Midi Dress

Ruffle Detail Dress in Lilac

£45.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 50%

4.9(52)

Ebby Maxi Dress

Strapless Rosette Thigh Split Dress in Red

£26.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 71%

5.0(3)

25% OFF

Maura Maxi Dress

Scoop Neckline Ruffle High Low Dress in Navy

£24.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 73%

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Heath Maxi Dress

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

£53.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 41%

4.9(8)

Caterina Maxi

Ruched Off Shoulder Mesh Dress in Black

£18.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 80%

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How Will I Know Midi Dress

Wrap Waist Tie Tulip Hem Dress in Champagne

£19.00

~~£99.95~~

You save 81%

Dangerous Woman Maxi Dress

Plunge Thigh Split Dress in Black

£28.00

~~£99.95~~

You save 72%

4.8(85)

Nicholla Midi Dress

Ruched Front Angel Sleeve Slip Dress in Copper

£22.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 72%

4.9(78)

Ginny Maxi Dress

Asymmetric Neck Waist Tie Dress in Black

£89.95

5.0(2)

Dangerous Woman Maxi Dress

Plunge Thigh Split Dress in Emerald

£19.00

~~£99.95~~

You save 81%

4.8(85)

More Than This Maxi Dress

Ruffle Strap Thigh Split Dress in Navy

£16.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 82%

4.8(126)

Nicholla Midi Dress

Ruched Front Angel Sleeve Slip Dress in Black

£15.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 81%

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Alessia Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Ruched Bodycon Dress in Chocolate

£35.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 61%

4.8(4)

Angelique Maxi Dress

Lace Trim Dress in Black

£15.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 81%

Aiyana Midi Dress

Halter Neck Satin Dress in Black

£43.00

~~£89.95~~

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4.9(8)

Lioness - Field Of Dreams Maxi Dress

In Oatmeal

£30.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 62%

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Violeta Maxi Dress

Corset Front Burnout Dress in Wine

£99.95

4.8(9)

FURTHER 30% OFF

Helaina Midi Dress

Line Satin Dress in Red

£19.00

~~£99.95~~

You save 81%

Alanna Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Ruched Mesh Dress in Cream

£37.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 59%

4.9(35)

Alma Maxi Dress

Halter Corset Bodice Side Split Dress in Black

£66.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 27%

5.0(1)

Rhyanna Maxi Dress

Twist Front Strapless Dress in Emerald

£22.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 72%

4.7(11)

Belle Maxi Dress

Tie Shoulder Detail Dress in Black

£99.95

4.8(6)

Edelyn Midi Dress

Cut Out Balloon Sleeve Tiered Dress in Emerald

£26.00

~~£89.95~~

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Dangerous Woman Maxi Dress

Plunge Thigh Split Dress in Rust

£38.00

~~£99.95~~

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Showing 301 - 330 of 382 Products

School Formal Dresses

Juliet Maxi Dress

Helen Maxi Dress

How Will I Know Midi Dress

Mandy Midi Dress

Belle Maxi Dress

Rani Maxi Dress

Connie Midi Dress

Ebby Maxi Dress

Maura Maxi Dress

Heath Maxi Dress

Caterina Maxi

How Will I Know Midi Dress

Dangerous Woman Maxi Dress

Nicholla Midi Dress

Ginny Maxi Dress

Dangerous Woman Maxi Dress

More Than This Maxi Dress

Nicholla Midi Dress

Alessia Maxi Dress

Angelique Maxi Dress

Aiyana Midi Dress

Lioness - Field Of Dreams Maxi Dress

Violeta Maxi Dress

Helaina Midi Dress

Alanna Maxi Dress

Alma Maxi Dress

Rhyanna Maxi Dress

Belle Maxi Dress

Edelyn Midi Dress

Dangerous Woman 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?