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

Liliane Maxi Dress

Bias Cut Dress in Lemon

£89.95

Blake Maxi Dress

Boat Neck Bow Bodycon Dress in White

£35.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 61%

Avery Midi Dress

Strapless Draped Side Split Dress in Black

£89.95

4.9(124)

Lacey Maxi Dress

Lace Corset Style Bodice Halter Dress in White

£89.95

Harmony Maxi Dress

Floral Detail Cup Bust Satin Dress in Black

£89.95

4.8(39)

Rania Maxi Dress

Contrast Lace Bodice Bias Cowl Drop Waist Dress in Pink

£89.95

4.9(101)

Georgine Midi Dress

One Shoulder Ruched Tiered Dress in Peony Blossom

£89.95

4.8(22)

Evelynn Midi Dress

Sweetheart Corset Bodice Fit & Flare Tiered in Black

£30.00

~~£109.95~~

You save 73%

4.8(22)

More Than This Maxi Dress

Ruffle Strap Thigh Split Dress in Light Blue

£61.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 32%

4.8(126)

Kitsune Maxi Dress

One Shoulder Cut Out Dress in Emerald Green

£62.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 31%

4.8(22)

Reeves Maxi Dress

Contrast Lace High Neck Fitted Satin Dress in Black

£99.95

4.9(11)

Della Midi Dress

Plunge Neck Short Sleeve Pleated Dress in Champagne

£45.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 50%

4.8(41)

Rhianne Midi Dress

Twist Halter Neck Open Back Satin Dress in Olive

£89.95

Jocelyn Maxi Dress

Strapless Ruched Fit And Flare Dress in Ivory

£89.95

4.8(25)

Sabine Maxi Dress

3D Sequin Floral Strapless in Sky Blue

£81.00

~~£139.95~~

You save 42%

Lohan Midi Dress

Off Shoulder Puff Sleeve in Berry

£53.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 41%

4.9(53)

Rani Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Long Sleeve Bodycon Dress in Wine

£89.95

4.9(45)

Mandy Midi Dress

Knot Detail Cut Out Mesh Dress in Chocolate

£89.95

Artola Midi Dress

Front Cut Out Long Sleeve Dress in Blurred Dreams

£79.95

4.9(109)

Zahra Maxi Dress

One Shoulder Tie Back Dress in Black

£66.00

~~£99.95~~

You save 34%

4.8(11)

Sonya Maxi Dress

Cowl Neck Asymmetric Fit And Flare Dress in Red

£47.00

~~£99.95~~

You save 53%

4.5(10)

Mandy Midi Dress

Knot Detail Cut Out Mesh Dress in Sage

£49.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 39%

4.9(10)

Jessell Midi Dress

High Split Strapless Dress in Black Floral

£39.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 57%

4.8(32)

Tatum Midi Dress

Lace Off Shoulder Side Split Dress in Black

£61.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 32%

4.9(25)

Rhea Maxi Dress

Long Sleeve Ruched Ruffle Hem Dress in Blush

£47.00

~~£99.95~~

You save 53%

Theadore Maxi Dress

One Shoulder Asymmetric Hem Dress in Black

£26.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 71%

5.0(4)

Harrison Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Ruche Wide Waistband Long Skirt Mesh Dress in Pink

£56.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 30%

Nicolette Maxi Dress

One Shoulder Faux Wrap Bodycon Dress in Blush

£19.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 76%

Barbara Maxi Dress

Halter Scoop Neck Contrast Georgette Dress in Black

£89.95

4.9(8)

Ginny Maxi Dress

Jersey Ruched V Waist Dress in Blue

£89.95

Showing 181 - 210 of 382 Products

School Formal Dresses

Liliane Maxi Dress

Blake Maxi Dress

Avery Midi Dress

Lacey Maxi Dress

Harmony Maxi Dress

Rania Maxi Dress

Georgine Midi Dress

Evelynn Midi Dress

More Than This Maxi Dress

Kitsune Maxi Dress

Reeves Maxi Dress

Della Midi Dress

Rhianne Midi Dress

Jocelyn Maxi Dress

Sabine Maxi Dress

Lohan Midi Dress

Rani Maxi Dress

Mandy Midi Dress

Artola Midi Dress

Zahra Maxi Dress

Sonya Maxi Dress

Mandy Midi Dress

Jessell Midi Dress

Tatum Midi Dress

Rhea Maxi Dress

Theadore Maxi Dress

Harrison Maxi Dress

Nicolette Maxi Dress

Barbara Maxi Dress

Ginny 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?