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

Marcelina Midi Dress

Sweetheart Neck Bodycon Dress in Off White

£37.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 54%

5.0(2)

Rani Maxi Dress

Off Shoulder Long Sleeve Bodycon Dress in Black

£89.95

4.9(45)

Tatum Midi Dress

Lace Off Shoulder Side Split Dress in Off White

£57.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 37%

4.9(25)

Marlette Midi Dress

Pleated Open Back Halter Dress in Aubergine

£52.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 35%

4.8(78)

Lauren Maxi Dress

Plunge Halterneck High Split Dress in Black

£44.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 51%

5.0(1)

Aluna Midi Dress

High Neck Cross Back Satin Slip Dress in Lemon

£49.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 46%

4.9(12)

Sonya Maxi Dress

Cowl Neck Asymmetric Fit And Flare Dress in Chocolate

£43.00

~~£99.95~~

You save 57%

4.5(10)

Shari Maxi Dress

Strappy Scoop Neck Column Fitted Sequin Mesh Dress in Pink

£53.00

~~£109.95~~

You save 52%

4.7(3)

Alberta Maxi Dress

Spliced Sheer Lace Column Dress in Mocha

£57.00

~~£99.95~~

You save 43%

4.9(19)

Monette Midi Dress

One Shoulder Straight Dress in Grape

£69.95

4.9(78)

Brailey Midi Dress

Thigh Split Strapless Dress in Pink Jacquard

£89.95

4.8(41)

Denise Maxi Dress

Halter U Ruched Neck Cut Out Jersey Dress in White

£57.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 37%

5.0(4)

Janezkie Maxi Dress

Femme Tiered Jacquard Formal Dress in Light Blue

£62.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 31%

Lara Maxi Dress

Strapless Ruched Mesh High Leg Split Dress in Wine

£79.95

Marguerite Maxi Dress

Strapless Ruched Mesh High Leg Split Dress in Black

£79.95

4.9(10)

More Than This Maxi Dress

Ruffle Strap Thigh Split Dress in Emerald

£61.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 32%

4.8(126)

Rosalez Midi Dress

Strappy Ruched Bodycon Dress in Ember Floral

£79.95

Larson Maxi Dress

Asymmetric Tie Neck Column Dress in Red

£89.95

4.8(27)

Calvin Maxi Dress

Linen Look Contrast Georgette Skirt with Neck Scarf in Chocolate

£89.95

4.7(3)

Jonas Midi Dress

Strapless Corset Bodice Draped Waist Skirt Dress in Chocolate

£26.00

~~£109.95~~

You save 76%

5.0(1)

Thelma Maxi Dress

Square Neck Bodycon Dress in Light Blue

£53.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 41%

4.9(36)

Lizzy Maxi Dress

Backless Ruched Bodycon Dress in Black

£89.95

4.9(10)

Sharley Midi Dress

Diamante Detail Pencil Dress in Black

£57.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 37%

4.9(74)

Felt So Happy Midi Dress

One Shoulder Drape Dress in Navy

£35.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 61%

4.7(35)

Isabel Midi Dress

Twist Off Shoulder Bodycon Dress in Cream

£45.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 44%

5.0(21)

Courtney Midi Dress

Corset Panel Low Back Dress in Black

£71.00

~~£109.95~~

You save 35%

4.7(27)

Berri Maxi Dress

Strapless Jacquard High Split Dress in Blue

£66.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 27%

4.7(23)

Brailey Midi Dress

Aline Corset Detail Dress in Light Pink

£66.00

~~£99.95~~

You save 34%

4.9(46)

Sonya Maxi Dress

Cowl Neck Asymmetric Fit And Flare Dress in Lemon

£47.00

~~£99.95~~

You save 53%

4.5(10)

Philine Midi Dress

Jacquard Plunge Fit and Flare Dress in White

£89.95

4.9(42)

Showing 211 - 240 of 382 Products

School Formal Dresses

Marcelina Midi Dress

Rani Maxi Dress

Tatum Midi Dress

Marlette Midi Dress

Lauren Maxi Dress

Aluna Midi Dress

Sonya Maxi Dress

Shari Maxi Dress

Alberta Maxi Dress

Monette Midi Dress

Brailey Midi Dress

Denise Maxi Dress

Janezkie Maxi Dress

Lara Maxi Dress

Marguerite Maxi Dress

More Than This Maxi Dress

Rosalez Midi Dress

Larson Maxi Dress

Calvin Maxi Dress

Jonas Midi Dress

Thelma Maxi Dress

Lizzy Maxi Dress

Sharley Midi Dress

Felt So Happy Midi Dress

Isabel Midi Dress

Courtney Midi Dress

Berri Maxi Dress

Brailey Midi Dress

Sonya Maxi Dress

Philine 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?