20 Mar 2022 | 3 mins
Overview
  • From dresses to suits, here's what you should consider before going formal outfit hunting!

Us Aussies don't have as many "boujee" events as our American mates. Homecoming, proms, winter formals - they really froth dressing up.

All we really have is a Year 12 (and a Year 10 if you're lucky) formal. That's a lot of pressure! One event, one chance to look bangin'. From where to look for formal dresses to choosing the right suit colour, here's your ultimate guide to dressin' to impress.

Be prepared 

Step one. Look for your suit, dress or anything in between WAY 👏🏼 BEFORE👏🏼 the formal! I'm talking weeks, months even. If you get it out of the way, you won't be frazzled the day before thinking "what the heck am I gonna wear?"

Now, I get it, formal attire can cost the price of Jesus' tears, but never underestimate the power of ✨rental services✨. Most people won't wear their formal attire again (or for a long while at least until a uni ball or wedding comes up). So suss out rental services online and IRL! 

Second hand is also a red hot shout. On Depop and Facebook Marketplace you can find a tonne of big, boujee brands for cheap cheap cheap! 

Not to mention, you can borrow!!! If your mate from another school wore a bangin' outfit, why not ask to borrow it??

 Dresses 'n jumpsuits n' two pieces - oh my

Just keep in mind that your outfit doesn't have to scream 'FORMAL' straight off the bat. As long as you feel comfortable and yourself, accessories, shoes, hair and makeup can elevate any outfit. Maybe this is your fave dress:

 

Bang on some makeup, heels, and jewelry, and Bob's your uncle. You don't have to look like a VOGUE model:

 

You just have to feel fresh and funky in ya'self!

When thinking of dresses, jumpsuits and two pieces, consider:

  • Colours and patterns: What colour suits you? What colour do you love? What patterns do you vibe with? 
  • Dress styles: Pinterest is a fab place to find and save boards of your fave styles. 
  • Budget: You don't wanna end up paying an arm and a leg for a frock you might just wear once. 😉
  • Comfortability: Sure, that dress might seem funky as frick, but if you put it on and feel a little off... maybe you're feeling a bit exposed, or you don't think it suits you... it's time to find another dress. You don't wanna be awkwardly adjusting the dress all night! You wanna be able to boogie and take nice pics!
  • The add ons: Like we said before, shoes, accessories, hair and makeup can make or break an outfit. So go shopping, find a mate who can do your makeup or a salon that can do your hair and send it. 

🤵 Suits

When people think of a school formal tux, this is what they picture: a black collar jacket, slim-fit white dress shirt, black shoes, black pants and a black belt. Either a collar or a tie. There's not a lot of bells and whistles here, but you'll look as shmick as James Bond. 

 

Other classic colours for suits are: 

  • Navy Blue
  • Charcoal Grey
  • Bright Blue (Look up Timothe Chalamet blue suit -- that's powerful!) 
  • Maroon
  • Olive green

And for beachier vibes go for:

  • Dark Brown 
  • Tan

But if you're feeling baller, add some hardcore colour or patterns. Maybe to your jacket, your tie or your pants. Whatever floats your dingy. 

 

So there you have it, all the goss you need to know when pondering what to wear to your high school formal. Get shopping!