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.

378 Products

Tara Maxi Dress

Strapless Corset Drape Skirt Dress in Chocolate

£99.95

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Ginny Maxi Dress

Asymmetric Neck Waist Tie Dress in Black

£89.95

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Amorette Maxi Dress

One Shoulder Detail Gown Dress in Black

£89.95

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Debina Midi Dress

Sweetheart Neckline Short Sleeve Dress in Yellow

£89.95

4.8(8)

Indi Maxi Dress

Boat Neck Bodycon Dress in Sage

£89.95

4.9(186)

Harmony Maxi Dress

Floral Detail Cup Bust Satin Dress in Black

£89.95

4.8(39)

Braelyn Maxi Dress

Ruffle Low Back Dress in Blue

£28.00

~~£99.95~~

You save 72%

Celestine Midi Dress

Lace Up Back Cowl Neck Dress in Pale Blue

£26.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 71%

4.7(6)

Deborah Midi Dress

Strappy Sweetheart Neck Corset Lace Dress in White

£16.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 82%

Evelynn Midi Dress

Sweetheart Corset Bodice Fit & Flare Tiered in Black

£30.00

~~£109.95~~

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Inez Maxi Dress

Boat Neck Long Sleeve Ruched Dress in Blue

£22.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 72%

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Romy Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Long Sleeve Cut Out Gold Trim Fitted Dress in Ivory

£22.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 72%

25% OFF

Carmella Midi Dress

One Shoulder Twist Detail Dress in Fuchsia

£24.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 73%

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Maura Maxi Dress

Scoop Neckline Ruffle High Low Dress in Red

£24.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 73%

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Theadore Maxi Dress

One Shoulder Asymmetric Hem Dress in Black

£26.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 71%

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25% OFF

Maura Maxi Dress

Scoop Neckline Ruffle High Low Dress in Navy

£24.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 73%

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Tiffy Midi Dress

Square Neck Ruched Bodycon Dress in Black

£79.95

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Lioness - Field Of Dreams Maxi Dress

In Oatmeal

£30.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 62%

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Millie Midi Dress

Front Twist Cut Out Thigh Split Dress in Wine

£36.00

~~£69.95~~

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Lara Midi Dress

Asymmetrical Ruched Mesh Dress in Chocolate

£37.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 54%

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Francis Maxi Dress

Halter Ruched Backless Dress in Red

£22.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 76%

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Tatum Midi Dress

Lace Off Shoulder Side Split Dress in Pink

£37.00

~~£89.95~~

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Helaina Midi Dress

Line Satin Dress in Red

£19.00

~~£99.95~~

You save 81%

Almarie Midi Dress

Halter Neck Mesh Dress in Pink

£45.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 44%

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Lainie Maxi Dress

Straight Neck Thigh Split Cross Back in Black

£26.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 71%

4.9(7)

Aiyana Midi Dress

Halter Neck Satin Dress in Black

£43.00

~~£89.95~~

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Oriella Maxi Dress

Panelled Thigh Split Strapless Dress in Black

£26.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 71%

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Dorothea Maxi Dress

Georgette Scarf Fit and Flare Dress in Lemon

£43.00

~~£89.95~~

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Dangerous Woman Maxi Dress

Plunge Thigh Split Dress in Black

£28.00

~~£99.95~~

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Marlette Midi Dress

Pleated Open Back Halter Dress in Chocolate

£37.00

~~£79.95~~

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Showing 301 - 330 of 378 Products

School Formal Dresses

Tara Maxi Dress

Ginny Maxi Dress

Amorette Maxi Dress

Debina Midi Dress

Indi Maxi Dress

Harmony Maxi Dress

Braelyn Maxi Dress

Celestine Midi Dress

Deborah Midi Dress

Evelynn Midi Dress

Inez Maxi Dress

Romy Maxi Dress

Carmella Midi Dress

Maura Maxi Dress

Theadore Maxi Dress

Maura Maxi Dress

Tiffy Midi Dress

Lioness - Field Of Dreams Maxi Dress

Millie Midi Dress

Lara Midi Dress

Francis Maxi Dress

Tatum Midi Dress

Helaina Midi Dress

Almarie Midi Dress

Lainie Maxi Dress

Aiyana Midi Dress

Oriella Maxi Dress

Dorothea Maxi Dress

Dangerous Woman Maxi Dress

Marlette 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?