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Formal Dresses Under $100
Formal Dresses Under $100
Pink Formal Dresses
Pink Formal Dresses
Blue Formal Dresses
Blue Formal Dresses
Yellow Formal Dresses
Yellow Formal Dresses
Red Formal Dresses
Red Formal Dresses
White Formal Dresses
White Formal Dresses
Black Formal Dresses
Black Formal Dresses
Green Formal Dresses
Green Formal Dresses
Purple Formal Dresses
Purple Formal Dresses
Sequin & Glitter Formal Dresses
Sequin & Glitter Formal Dresses

Formal Dresses

Shop Australia's latest trends in formal dresses, gowns, and cocktail styles! Find your perfect formal...
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Formal Dresses Australia - Beginning Boutique

Find the perfect formal dresses for your formal! Get dressed up for your formal night with one of our stunning formal dresses from Beginning Boutique. Take your pick from our exclusive range of formal wear so hot you’ll have everyone asking where you got your dress from!

Explore our large range of formal dress designs available

At Beginning Boutique, we bring you the latest trends, styles, and fits, so new arrivals are dropping weekly! In fact, we've got so many styles to choose from, you'll be spoilt for choice!

What colour to wear to formal?

Choose a colour that highlights your personality! Go bold with a red formal dress, radiate elegance in a strapless black formal dress, or opt for glam in yellow or pink. We have a rainbow of choices, each designed to make you feel confident and stylish.

Recommended formal dresses for your next wedding and black tie event

 Beginning Boutique has you sorted for all your special occasions from formals, weddings, cocktail parties to black tie events. We know you’ll love our ruched maxi dresses, perfect if you're a wedding guest for that summer wedding. Or slip into one of our flowy wrap dress, absolutely perfect for a bridesmaid. You'll stand out from the crowd at any wedding or event, guaranteed! As for that all important black tie event, we have the classic off the shoulder black maxi dress or a long sleeved bodycon. Or choose a statement red formal dress dress for that head turning factor!

Slip, draped or belted - the choice is yours

We’ve got the hottest looks for you and your bestie! Whether it's the sexy slip style with a thigh-high leg slit or hot long-sleeve dresses, our formal dresses are made from the best range of luxury fabrics, that are silky soft and hug your curves perfectly. Or create the perfect silhouette with a belted dress.

Sizes and styles to suit every occasion

We have a range of styles from so many great brands, specifically chosen for you. And with sizes for everyone, ranging from 4 to 22 you'll be sure to find the right fit and perfect dress for any occasion! Popular styles include the slip midi dress, formal maxi dresses, and the classic wrap dress.

What to Wear to a Formal event?

Your dress at special events should reflect your unique style! Opt for a sophisticated evening gown, a sleek black formal dress, or a playful pink formal dress. Our collection ranges from timeless maxi dresses to trendy slip or wrap styles, perfect for any mood or theme.

Choose from our top 3 most popular dress styles:

  • The slip midi dress. A best seller that’s so chic and you will look great as you dance the night away.

  • The slip formal dress. Really dress up in this full-length formal dress comes with a thigh-high leg slit for that added glam!

  • The maxi dress. A flawless flowing piece that never goes out of fashion. A perfect choice for the ball.

From flowy formal dresses and one-shoulder dresses to modern A-line and midi dresses. 

You’ll feel like a princess in our flowy formal dresses or a trend-setting one-shoulder dress available in a wide selection of colours and fabrics. Or steal the show dressed in our best-selling midi dress or a cute as A-line. With so many effortless options to choose from we have dresses to complement every confident babe.

Browse our range of luxe fabrics available

When only the best will do! Our formal dresses and cocktail dresses gowns are specially designed in luxury fabrics. Soft and smooth to the touch our luxe fabrics have a natural sheen and luster which adds a sophisticated touch to our formal wear. Look no further for formal wear with the ultimate wow factor. Match one of our stylish formal dresses to the perfect set of heels.

Once you've got your formal dress sorted, we've got an array of heels to choose from. Complement your midi dress with a pair of classic black strappy heels or stilettos. They go with everything! If you're feeling summery, there's nothing quite like a pair of wedges for that cool-girl look.

Tips for accessorising your new dress 

When it comes to accessories, we have a gorgeous assortment of fine jewellery. Pair your stunning cocktail or formal dress with a little something from our massive range of accessories including gold rings, zirconia stones, and gems to elevate your look!

Finding the Right Design and Size for You

At Beginning Boutique, we offer formal dresses and ball gowns in a full range of sizes, from 4 to 22, ensuring every style preference and silhouette is beautifully catered for.

Formal Dresses Brisbane - Come visit our Showroom For all our Brisbane girls, come into our showroom located in Lytton. The perfect place to come try on a Brisbane formal dress. Book in an appointment now here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "formal" mean as a dress code?

Formal attire means a full-length or midi-length dress in an elevated fabric — think satin, chiffon, lace or velvet. It's the dress code for events like galas, awards nights, black-tie dinners and school or university formals. The expectation is polished and put-together — not just dressed up. As a general rule, formal means floor-length or midi in a refined silhouette, paired with heels and minimal but considered accessories. Jeans, casual fabrics and short dresses typically fall outside what formal events expect.

What's the difference between black tie and formal attire?

Black tie is the strictest level of formal dress code. For women, it traditionally means a floor-length gown, though a sophisticated midi in an elevated fabric is now widely accepted. Formal attire is slightly more flexible — a midi or tea-length dress works alongside floor-length options, and the fabric and silhouette requirements are a little less rigid. If the invitation says black tie, err on the side of floor-length and elevated fabrics. If it says formal, you have more room to work with length and style.

Can you wear a short dress to a formal event?

It depends on the event. For strictly formal or black-tie occasions, a short dress generally falls outside the dress code and risks looking underdressed. For a school formal, semi-formal dinner or a less traditional event, a knee-length dress in a dressy fabric can work. If you're unsure, check the invitation for specific dress code guidance. When in doubt, a midi is almost always the safest middle ground — it reads as formal without committing to a full floor-length gown.

What fabric is best for a formal dress?

Satin is the most popular choice for formal wear — it photographs beautifully, drapes well and looks expensive without needing much embellishment. Chiffon and georgette are strong options for more flowy or layered silhouettes and tend to be more comfortable over a long event. Lace adds texture and detail and works well for evening events. Velvet is a strong choice for winter formal events. As a general rule, avoid very casual fabrics like jersey, cotton or linen for formal occasions — the fabric is a significant part of what makes an outfit read as formal.

What's the difference between formal and semi-formal?

Semi-formal sits between smart casual and full formal. For semi-formal events, a knee-length to midi dress in an elevated fabric is appropriate — you don't need a full gown. Formal requires a higher level of dressing — typically a floor-length or structured midi in a more refined fabric, with accessories and shoes to match. If the invitation says semi-formal, a cocktail-length dress or a polished midi is the right call. If it says formal, treat it like a step up from that and go longer and more considered with the fabric and silhouette.