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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 dress by exploring our dedicated Black Formal Dresses and Wedding Guest edits

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Formal Dresses Australia — Beginning Boutique

Get dressed up for your next big occasion 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! New arrivals drop weekly, so you'll always find the latest trends, styles, and fits — with so many styles to choose from, you'll be absolutely 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 full glam in yellow or pink. We have a rainbow of choices, each designed to make you feel confident and completely yourself.

Recommended Formal Dresses for Weddings and Black Tie Events

Beginning Boutique has you sorted for every special occasion — from formals and weddings to cocktail parties and black tie events. Our ruched maxi dresses are perfect for a summer wedding guest look, and our flowy wrap dresses are absolutely stunning for bridesmaids. For black tie, choose a classic off-the-shoulder black maxi or a sleek long-sleeved bodycon. Or make a statement in a head-turning red formal dress — guaranteed to get you noticed!

Slip, Draped, or Belted — The Choice Is Yours

Whether you're drawn to a sexy slip style with a thigh-high leg slit, hot long-sleeve designs, or the perfect silhouette of a belted dress, our formal dresses are made from the best range of luxury fabrics — silky soft, with a natural sheen that hugs your curves perfectly.

What to Wear to a Formal Event

Your dress should reflect your unique style! Opt for a sophisticated evening gown, a sleek LBD, or a playful pink formal. Our collection ranges from timeless maxi dresses to trendy slip and wrap styles, perfect for any mood or theme. Our three most popular styles right now:

  • The Slip Midi Dress. A bestseller that's so chic — you'll look amazing as you dance the night away.
  • The Slip Formal Dress. A full-length style with a thigh-high leg slit for that extra dose of glam.
  • The Maxi Dress. A flawless, flowing piece that never goes out of fashion — a perfect choice for any ball.

From Flowy Gowns to Midi Dresses and Everything In Between

Feel like a princess in our flowy formal dresses, a style icon in a trend-setting one-shoulder design, or steal the show in our best-selling midi or a cute A-line. With so many effortless options in a wide selection of colours and fabrics, we have a dress to complement every confident babe.

Luxe Fabrics with the Ultimate Wow Factor

When only the best will do! Our formal dresses and cocktail gowns are designed in luxury fabrics — soft, smooth, and with a natural sheen and lustre that adds a sophisticated finish to every look. Once your dress is sorted, browse our heels to complete the outfit. Classic black strappy heels or stilettos go with everything, or go for wedges if you're in a summery mood.

Tips for Accessorising Your New Dress

We have a gorgeous assortment of fine jewellery to elevate your formal look. Pair your cocktail or formal dress with pieces from our accessories range — gold rings, zirconia stones, and gems — for a polished, head-to-toe finish.

Finding the Right Design and Size for You

We offer formal dresses and ball gowns in a full range of AU sizes 4 to 22, ensuring every style preference and silhouette is beautifully catered for.

Brisbane Girls — Come Visit Our Showroom! Pop into our Lytton showroom to try on formal dresses in person and get styled by our team. Book an appointment online now.

Buying Your Formal Dress Online at Beginning Boutique

Shop your perfect formal dress online now at Beginning Boutique. We offer express shipping Australia-wide so you'll have your look sorted well before the big night. Your cart prices are in AUD for a smooth shopping experience, and with Afterpay you can wear it now and pay over 8 weeks — interest-free. Set up your account today to add items to your wishlist so you never miss a new drop!

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.