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.

383 Products

Minnie Midi Dress

Drape Neck Satin Slip Dress in Copper

£27.00

~~£69.95~~

You save 61%

5.0(45)

Rania Maxi Dress

Contrast Lace Bodice Bias Cowl Drop Waist Dress in Dark Pink

£33.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 63%

4.9(101)

Deborah Midi Dress

Strappy Sweetheart Neck Corset Lace Dress in White

£16.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 82%

Minnie Midi Dress

Drape Neck Satin Slip Dress in Midnight Blue

£20.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 78%

4.9(72)

Variel Midi Dress

Strapless Fringe Sequin Dress in Champagne

£38.00

~~£99.95~~

You save 62%

5.0(7)

Alanna Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Ruched Mesh Dress in Black

£89.95

4.8(37)

Julien Maxi Dress

Backless Cowl Plunge Neck High Split Sequin Dress in Pink

£18.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 80%

4.7(3)

Carmela Midi Dress

Gather Bust and Shoulder Strap With Front Leg Split Dress in Off White

£89.95

5.0(1)

Inez Maxi Dress

Boat Neck Long Sleeve Ruched Dress in Blue

£22.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 72%

5.0(3)

Riley Maxi Dress

Gathered Over Bust Dress in Black

£22.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 72%

4.5(2)

Francis Maxi Dress

Halter Ruched Backless Dress in Red

£22.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 76%

4.8(19)

Camila Maxi Dress

Corset Panel Drape Matte Satin Dress in Blue

£16.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 82%

Brigitte Maxi Dress

Halter Off Shoulder Georgette Ruffle Tiered Dress in Red

£16.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 82%

4.3(3)

Braelyn Maxi Dress

Ruffle Low Back Dress in Blue

£28.00

~~£99.95~~

You save 72%

Alberta Midi Dress

Strapless bust detail textured dress in Black

£22.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 72%

4.8(9)

25% OFF

Kody Midi Dress

Bodycon Ruched Mesh Cut Out Dress in Black

£24.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 73%

Evelyn Midi Dress

Long Sleeve Shirred Tulle Dress in Black Polka

£24.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 73%

4.8(13)

Santana Maxi Dress

Contrast Strapless Fit And Flare Dress in Black/White

£30.00

~~£109.95~~

You save 73%

Silvana Midi Dress

Halter Ruched Side Split Dress in Citrus

£30.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 62%

4.9(10)

Lainie Maxi Dress

Straight Neck Thigh Split Cross Back in Black

£26.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 71%

4.9(7)

Emilla Midi Dress

Ruched Bodice Dress in Vanilla

£36.00

~~£69.95~~

You save 49%

Cohen Midi Dress

Jacquard Satin Midi Dress in Pink

£39.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 51%

Arosa Maxi Dress

One Shoulder Long Sleeve in Black

£35.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 61%

4.9(14)

Dorothea Maxi Dress

Georgette Scarf Fit and Flare Dress in Lemon

£43.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 52%

4.5(2)

Millie Midi Dress

Front Twist Cut Out Thigh Split Dress in Wine

£36.00

~~£69.95~~

You save 49%

4.9(10)

Oriella Maxi Dress

Panelled Thigh Split Strapless Dress in Black

£26.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 71%

5.0(39)

Sahara Maxi Dress

Long Sleeve Cut Out Gold Trim Dress in Chocolate

£53.00

~~£109.95~~

You save 52%

Salome Midi Dress

Halter Neck Column Dress in Pink

£52.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 42%

4.9(103)

Lara Midi Dress

Asymmetrical Ruched Mesh Dress in Chocolate

£37.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 54%

4.9(12)

Debina Midi Dress

Sweetheart Neckline Short Sleeve Dress in Yellow

£89.95

4.8(8)

Showing 331 - 360 of 383 Products

School Formal Dresses

Minnie Midi Dress

Rania Maxi Dress

Deborah Midi Dress

Minnie Midi Dress

Variel Midi Dress

Alanna Maxi Dress

Julien Maxi Dress

Carmela Midi Dress

Inez Maxi Dress

Riley Maxi Dress

Francis Maxi Dress

Camila Maxi Dress

Brigitte Maxi Dress

Braelyn Maxi Dress

Alberta Midi Dress

Kody Midi Dress

Evelyn Midi Dress

Santana Maxi Dress

Silvana Midi Dress

Lainie Maxi Dress

Emilla Midi Dress

Cohen Midi Dress

Arosa Maxi Dress

Dorothea Maxi Dress

Millie Midi Dress

Oriella Maxi Dress

Sahara Maxi Dress

Salome Midi Dress

Lara Midi Dress

Debina 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?