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

Lioness - Field Of Dreams Maxi Dress

In Oatmeal

£30.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 62%

4.9(7)

Reeves Maxi Dress

Contrast Lace High Neck Fitted Satin Dress in Wine

£47.00

~~£99.95~~

You save 53%

4.8(13)

Belle Maxi Dress

Tie Shoulder Detail Dress in Black

£99.95

4.8(6)

Andrina Midi Dress

High Low Wrap Corset Dress in Forest Green

£41.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 54%

4.9(252)

Nala Maxi Dress

Sequin Cowl Neck High Split Dress in Gold

£38.00

~~£99.95~~

You save 62%

4.9(7)

Carmela Midi Dress

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

£89.95

5.0(1)

Connie Midi Dress

Ruffle Detail Dress in Lilac

£45.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 50%

4.9(59)

Melville Maxi Dress

Lace Bodice Draped Front Halter Dress in Black

£89.95

5.0(1)

Silvana Midi Dress

Halter Ruched Side Split Dress in Citrus

£30.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 62%

4.9(10)

Constanzie Midi Dress

Open Tie Back Dress in Peach Floral

£16.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 82%

4.4(7)

Angelique Maxi Dress

Lace Trim Dress in Black

£15.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 81%

Emilla Midi Dress

Ruched Bodice Dress in Vanilla

£36.00

~~£69.95~~

You save 49%

Calanthe Midi Dress

Strapless Tuck Detail Dress in Orchid

£37.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 54%

Lainie Maxi Dress

Straight Neck Thigh Split Cross Back in Black

£26.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 71%

4.9(7)

Santana Maxi Dress

Contrast Strapless Fit And Flare Dress in Black/White

£30.00

~~£109.95~~

You save 73%

Judee Midi Dress

One Shoulder High Side Split Dress in Chocolate

£89.95

4.9(18)

Hathaway Maxi Dress

Strapless Straight Neck Twist Front Split in Emerald

£53.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 41%

Dorothea Maxi Dress

Georgette Scarf Fit and Flare Dress in Lemon

£43.00

~~£89.95~~

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Ferguson Maxi Dress

One Shoulder Draped Jersey and Lace Dress in Black

£47.00

~~£99.95~~

You save 53%

5.0(4)

Cohen Midi Dress

Jacquard Satin Midi Dress in Pink

£39.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 51%

Brionna Maxi Dress

Lace Neck Ruched Ruffle Hem Dress in Strawberry

£56.00

~~£109.95~~

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4.8(4)

Donna Maxi Dress

Cowl Neck Column High Split Dress in Chocolate

£89.95

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Violeta Maxi Dress

Corset Front Burnout Dress in Wine

£99.95

4.8(9)

Klarissa Maxi Dress

Cowl Neck Scarf Dress in Sage

£89.95

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Crisanta Maxi Dress

Long Sleeve Contrast Lace Bodycon Dress in Pale Blue

£49.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 46%

4.9(15)

Nicholla Midi Dress

Ruched Front Angel Sleeve Slip Dress in Black

£15.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 81%

4.9(77)

Nicholla Midi Dress

Ruched Front Angel Sleeve Slip Dress in Copper

£22.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 72%

4.9(78)

More Than This Maxi Dress

Ruffle Strap Thigh Split Dress in Navy

£16.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 82%

4.8(126)

Out Till Dawn Maxi Dress

Thigh Split Dress in Navy Sequin

£47.00

~~£99.95~~

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Stella Midi Dress

Square Neck Cap Sleeve Fitted Dress in Black

£79.95

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Showing 331 - 360 of 378 Products

School Formal Dresses

Lioness - Field Of Dreams Maxi Dress

Reeves Maxi Dress

Belle Maxi Dress

Andrina Midi Dress

Nala Maxi Dress

Carmela Midi Dress

Connie Midi Dress

Melville Maxi Dress

Silvana Midi Dress

Constanzie Midi Dress

Angelique Maxi Dress

Emilla Midi Dress

Calanthe Midi Dress

Lainie Maxi Dress

Santana Maxi Dress

Judee Midi Dress

Hathaway Maxi Dress

Dorothea Maxi Dress

Ferguson Maxi Dress

Cohen Midi Dress

Brionna Maxi Dress

Donna Maxi Dress

Violeta Maxi Dress

Klarissa Maxi Dress

Crisanta Maxi Dress

Nicholla Midi Dress

Nicholla Midi Dress

More Than This Maxi Dress

Out Till Dawn Maxi Dress

Stella 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?