Nothing beats the magical moment that is slipping into your formal dress with a perfectly toned tan and full glam preparation underway.
With black tie events, school formals, spring weddings and the rest of the works upon us, filling your wardrobe with a gown or two is never a bad idea.
From floral gowns, to silky slips, and diamante long line dresses, these gowns appear as camera-ready as they are prepped for a night spent on the DF.
To make it simple, we have curated a comprehensive list of THE dresses that we hope to see taking over our Instagram feeds this year.
Read on to find the formal dresses best suited to your budget and upcoming special occasion.
2024’s TOP FORMAL DRESSES
- Shona Joy Lino Asymmetrical Cowl Tie Maxi Dress in Mahogany, $295, The Iconic (here’s why)
- Adilah Maxi Dress in Butter Yellow, $119.95, Showpo. (here’s why)
- By Johnny Skylar Sequin Long Line Dress, $315 (usually $420), The Iconic (here’s why)
The best formal dresses 2024
01
Shona Joy Lino Asymmetrical Cowl Tie Maxi Dress in Mahogany
$295 at The Iconic
Starting off with a whole lot of asymmetrical elegance, this Shona Joy maxi dress in Mahogany catches the eye at all the right angles.
Key features:
- Silk touch fabric
- Asymmetrical cowl neckline
- Adjustable cross tie back
- Invisible back zip
- Maxi length skirt
02
Adilah Maxi Dress in Butter Yellow
$119.95 at Showpo
Think ‘How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days’ meets the formal scene. This zesty number is on lockdown for your up-and-coming summer soirée.
Key features:
- Cowl neck design
- Silky satin fabrication
- Available in three colours
03
By Johnny Skylar Sequin Long Line Dress
$315 (usually $420) at The Iconic
Glitz meets glam like never before thanks to the team at By Johnny. Plus, the internal bustier with boning means you can dance the night away without a fret of slippage.
Key features:
- Halterneck style
- Back criss cross adjustable straps
- Internal bustier with boning
- Slim fit design
- Unlined
04
Liquid Asset Slip Dress in Black
$399 at Manning Cartell
You can’t go wrong with a silky slip in black, especially when it’s from Manning Cartell. Whether dressing for a black tie or a sit-down under five stars, this one will have you dressed to the nines in a moments notice.
Key features:
- Made from 100 per cent polyester
- Adjustable back straps
- Gold tone hardware
05
Jayde Lace Slip Dress in Vanilla
$399 at Saba
Black lace over a silky slip, say no more! Take a moment for this monochromatic midi, timeless and oh-so sophisticated, the Jayde Lace Slip will become a fast wardrobe staple.
Key features:
- 100 per cent recycled polyester
- Contrast lace detailing
- V-neckline design
- Midi length
- Key hole and button closure
06
Gia Maxi Dress in Icy Blue
$159 at Petal & pup
We can’t get enough of the off-the-shoulder silhouette, and thankfully neither can Petal and Pup. Releasing the Gia Maxi Dress in Icy Blue, you are invited to step into the world where elegance meets modern-day sophistication.
Key features:
- Made from polyester
- Asymmetrical neckline
- Side invisible zip
- Satin sheen finish
- Lined inner
07
Opulent Gown in Wine
$299.95 at City Chic
Opulence does not go a miss in the design of this gown. Designed for plus size women, the line at City Chic embraces feminine elegance with craftsmanship that is big on support and comfort.
Key features:
- Also available in Ivory and Midnight
- Invisible back zip closure
- Fully satin lined
- Frill hemline
08
Fallon Metallic Maxi Dress
$269.99 at Forever New
If we could do our formal over, you can bet you’d see us strutting it around the room in this metallic maxi. We mean, does it get any more elegant?
Key features:
- High boat neckline
- Metallic plisse fabrication
- Ruching at waist and back
- Draped maxi skirt with side slit
- Semi-sheer overlay with slip lining
09
Charlie Midi Dress in Watercolour Floral
$99.95 at Showpo
It just wouldn’t be right to curate a list of the best formal dresses without a floral moment. We are obsessed with this watercolour inspired midi design.
Key features:
- V-neck sleeveless maxi dress
- Made from polyester fabric
- Low to no stretch material
10
TFNC Crepe One Shoulder Maxi Dress in Red
$122 at ASOS
A racy red is never a bad idea, especially in a design as fashion-forward as the halter neck is. For a matchy-matchy moment, why not pair with a red lip?
Key features:
- Made from polyester
- Halter neck design
- Zip-back opening
- Front slip
11
Maddi Shiny Slip Dress in Wisteria
$39.20 (usually $180) at JAG
Partial to a pop of purple? Then the Maddi Shiny Slip Dress in Wisteria is your girl. Break up the blacks and beige taking over your formal photos with this iridescent lilac hue.
Key features:
- Made from 100 per cent recycled polyester
- Also available in Shell and Latte
- Slip maxi dress
- Semi fitted fit
- Back darts
What Is The Most Formal Style Of Dress?
When it comes to dressing to the nines for your next soirée, there are various dress styles which will ensure you look the part. Possibly the most formal of them all is what’s known as the “full evening dress”. Commonly, the evening dress is floor length and crafted with quality materials. Recently, we have been loving the cowl neckline designs.
Related articles:
- 7 Party Perfect Formal Dresses For Your Next Soirée
- Raise A Glass To These Cocktail Dresses
- Get On The Dance Floor With These Amazing Dresses
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