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

Aluna Midi Dress

High Neck Cross Back Satin Slip Dress in Lemon

£49.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 46%

4.9(12)

Philine Midi Dress

Jacquard Plunge Fit and Flare Dress in White

£89.95

4.9(43)

Almarie Midi Dress

Halter Neck Mesh Dress in Blue

£41.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 49%

4.9(21)

Tatum Midi Dress

Lace Off Shoulder Side Split Dress in Black

£61.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 32%

4.9(25)

Alfreda Midi Dress

One Shoulder Ruffle Detail Brailey Jacquard Dress in Orange Jacquard

£71.00

~~£99.95~~

You save 29%

4.8(81)

Jocelyn Maxi Dress

Strapless Ruched Fit And Flare Dress in Black

£89.95

4.8(25)

Larson Maxi Dress

Asymmetric Tie Neck Column Dress in Red

£89.95

4.8(28)

Aidia Midi Dress

Off Shoulder Draped Corset Dress in Black

£62.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 31%

4.7(24)

Jessell Midi Dress

High Split Strapless Dress in Black Floral

£39.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 57%

4.8(33)

Lucie Maxi Dress

Sweetheart Neck Column Dress in Red

£99.95

Lacey Maxi Dress

Lace Corset Style Bodice Halter Dress in White

£89.95

4.7(3)

Nicolette Maxi Dress

One Shoulder Faux Wrap Bodycon Dress in Blush

£19.00

~~£79.95~~

You save 76%

5.0(1)

Tonya Maxi Dress

High Neck Cross Back Bodycon Dress in Black

£53.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 41%

5.0(7)

Lizzy Maxi Dress

Backless Ruched Bodycon Dress in Black

£89.95

4.8(11)

Denise Maxi Dress

Halter U Ruched Neck Cut Out Jersey Dress in White

£45.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 50%

5.0(4)

Tatum Midi Dress

Lace Off Shoulder Side Split Dress in Off White

£45.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 50%

4.9(25)

Sylvana Maxi Dress

Cowl Halter Neck Bodycon Dress in Black

£89.95

5.0(15)

Crisanta Maxi Dress

Long Sleeve Contrast Lace Bodycon Dress in Chocolate

£89.95

4.9(15)

Magnolia Midi Dress

Scoop Neck Bodycon Dress in Black

£66.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 27%

4.9(28)

Sabine Maxi Dress

3D Sequin Floral Strapless in Sky Blue

£81.00

~~£139.95~~

You save 42%

Fergie Maxi Dress

Strapless Side Ruched Cut Out Fitted Dress in chestnut brown

£57.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 37%

4.9(7)

Dixie Maxi Dress

One Sleeve Cut Out Bodycon Dress in Black

£24.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 73%

5.0(1)

Loretta Midi Dress

Lace Up Back Bustier Pleated Dress in Cream

£89.95

4.9(36)

Cardi Maxi Dress

Ruched Mesh High Leg Split Dress in Blue

£43.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 52%

4.7(26)

Georgina Maxi Dress

Sequin Strapless Front Split Dress in Blue

£44.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 51%

5.0(2)

Lauren Maxi Dress

Plunge Halterneck High Split Dress in Black

£35.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 61%

5.0(1)

Larson Maxi Dress

Asymmetric Tie Neck Column Dress in Wine

£43.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 52%

4.8(28)

Caterina Maxi

Ruched Off Shoulder Mesh Dress in Chocolate

£89.95

5.0(28)

Rosalez Midi Dress

Strappy Ruched Bodycon Dress in Ember Floral

£79.95

Courtney Midi Dress

Corset Panel Low Back Dress in Black

£56.00

~~£109.95~~

You save 49%

4.7(27)

Showing 211 - 240 of 378 Products

School Formal Dresses

Aluna Midi Dress

Philine Midi Dress

Almarie Midi Dress

Tatum Midi Dress

Alfreda Midi Dress

Jocelyn Maxi Dress

Larson Maxi Dress

Aidia Midi Dress

Jessell Midi Dress

Lucie Maxi Dress

Lacey Maxi Dress

Nicolette Maxi Dress

Tonya Maxi Dress

Lizzy Maxi Dress

Denise Maxi Dress

Tatum Midi Dress

Sylvana Maxi Dress

Crisanta Maxi Dress

Magnolia Midi Dress

Sabine Maxi Dress

Fergie Maxi Dress

Dixie Maxi Dress

Loretta Midi Dress

Cardi Maxi Dress

Georgina Maxi Dress

Lauren Maxi Dress

Larson Maxi Dress

Caterina Maxi

Rosalez Midi Dress

Courtney 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?