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

Larson Maxi Dress

Asymmetric Tie Neck Column Dress in Wine

£43.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 52%

4.8(27)

Judith Maxi Dress

Boat Neck Backless Tie Front Long Sleeve Jersey Dress in Black

£89.95

4.8(6)

Fergie Maxi Dress

Strapless Side Ruched Cut Out Fitted Dress in chestnut brown

£57.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 37%

4.8(6)

Out Till Dawn Maxi Dress

Thigh Split Dress in Navy Sequin

£47.00

~~£99.95~~

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4.8(73)

Riley Maxi Dress

Asymmetric Ruffle Detail Maxi Dress in Mariache Rose

£56.00

~~£109.95~~

You save 49%

4.9(37)

Out Till Dawn Maxi Dress

Thigh Split Dress in Wine Sequin

£47.00

~~£99.95~~

You save 53%

4.8(73)

Tonya Maxi Dress

High Neck Cross Back Bodycon Dress in Black

£66.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 27%

5.0(7)

Alfreda Midi Dress

One Shoulder Ruffle Detail Brailey Jacquard Dress in Orange Jacquard

£99.95

4.8(79)

Leticia Maxi Dress

Mesh Off Shoulder Ruched High Split Dress in Red

£39.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 57%

4.9(15)

Tessa Maxi Dress

Square Neck Ruched Side Bodycon Dress in Lemon

£43.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 52%

4.9(16)

Miyah Maxi Dress

Sequin Plunge Short Sleeve Dress in Emerald

£99.95

4.9(52)

Dixie Maxi Dress

One Sleeve Cut Out Bodycon Dress in Black

£24.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 73%

Jocelyn Maxi Dress

Strapless Ruched Fit And Flare Dress in Black

£89.95

4.8(25)

Magnolia Midi Dress

Scoop Neck Bodycon Dress in Black

£89.95

4.9(28)

Ricki Maxi Dress

Plunge Halter Low Back Bodycon Dress in Rose Red

£20.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 78%

5.0(3)

Della Midi Dress

Plunge Neck Short Sleeve Pleated Dress in Black

£89.95

4.8(41)

Hathaway Maxi Dress

Strapless Straight Neck Twist Front Split in Emerald

£53.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 41%

Charlita Maxi Dress

Strapless Cowl Back Satin Dress in Pale Pink

£45.00

~~£89.95~~

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Sylvana Maxi Dress

Cowl Halter Neck Bodycon Dress in Black

£89.95

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Kali Maxi Dress

Sweetheart Fit And Flare High Split Dress in Black

£49.00

~~£109.95~~

You save 55%

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Reeves Maxi Dress

Contrast Lace High Neck Fitted Satin Dress in Wine

£47.00

~~£99.95~~

You save 53%

4.9(11)

Sandra Midi Dress

Off The Shoulder Sash Bodycon Dress in Pink

£89.95

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Tiffy Midi Dress

Square Neck Ruched Bodycon Dress in Black

£79.95

4.9(33)

Isabel Midi Dress

Twist Off Shoulder Bodycon Dress in Chocolate

£79.95

5.0(21)

Elara Maxi Dress

Lace Ruched Side Split Dress in Soft Blue

£37.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 59%

30% OFF AT CHECKOUT

Veronica Midi Dress

Sweetheart Strapless Bow Detail High Split Dress in Red

£57.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 37%

5.0(12)

Ferguson Maxi Dress

One Shoulder Draped Jersey and Lace Dress in Black

£47.00

~~£99.95~~

You save 53%

5.0(4)

Georgina Maxi Dress

Sequin Strapless Front Split Dress in Blue

£44.00

~~£89.95~~

You save 51%

Cardi Maxi Dress

Ruched Mesh High Leg Split Dress in Blue

£43.00

~~£89.95~~

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4.7(26)

Crisanta Maxi Dress

Long Sleeve Contrast Lace Bodycon Dress in Chocolate

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Showing 241 - 270 of 382 Products

School Formal Dresses

Larson Maxi Dress

Judith Maxi Dress

Fergie Maxi Dress

Out Till Dawn Maxi Dress

Riley Maxi Dress

Out Till Dawn Maxi Dress

Tonya Maxi Dress

Alfreda Midi Dress

Leticia Maxi Dress

Tessa Maxi Dress

Miyah Maxi Dress

Dixie Maxi Dress

Jocelyn Maxi Dress

Magnolia Midi Dress

Ricki Maxi Dress

Della Midi Dress

Hathaway Maxi Dress

Charlita Maxi Dress

Sylvana Maxi Dress

Kali Maxi Dress

Reeves Maxi Dress

Sandra Midi Dress

Tiffy Midi Dress

Isabel Midi Dress

Elara Maxi Dress

Veronica Midi Dress

Ferguson Maxi Dress

Georgina Maxi Dress

Cardi Maxi Dress

Crisanta 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?