Formal dresses
Formal dresses for the nights with a dress code, from the school formal or prom to a black tie wedding, gathered from shops that ship to you. What is the formal dress code?
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Choosing a formal dress
Formal usually means floor length or close to it. A maxi or gown in satin, crepe or chiffon is the safe reading, and a polished midi works when the invitation says formal but stops short of black tie. For a school formal or prom, check the venue rules on splits and low backs before you fall for one. Choose the fabric for the season and the shoes for the floor. You will be standing longer than you think.
What is the formal dress code?What counts as a formal dress?
A formal dress is floor length or tea length, in a dressy fabric such as satin, crepe, chiffon or velvet. Short casual styles and anything you would wear to brunch sit outside the dress code.
Is a formal dress the same as a prom dress?
Nearly. In Australia a formal is the end of school dance, which Americans call prom, so the dresses overlap. Formal as a dress code is wider and also covers weddings, balls and galas.