I don’t know about you guys, but when it comes to fancy events, I’m either the queen of panic-purchasing a formal dress or being so organised that I have one sorted six months in advance. There’s no in-between — because finding the perfect dress can be hard.
You want it to tick all your boxes — cut, colour, budget, delivery timeframe. The good news is that there are so many gorgeous Australian and international brands to choose from, you just need to know where to look. That’s where I come in.
Think of me as your new personal shopper. I’ve spent hours, literally, combing through the long list of brands and retailers on the internet to help you find the perfect formal dress — no matter what your style, budget or dress code might be.
So, without further ado, here are 29 formal dress brands in Australia worth bookmarking.
- Best affordable formal dress brand: Meshki
- Best designer formal dress brand: Christopher Esber
- Best Australian formal dress brand: Manning Cartell
- Best brand for formal mini dresses: Shona Joy
- Best brand for formal midi dresses: Cult Gaia
- Best brand for linen formal dresses: SIR
- Best brand for silk slip dresses: Silk Laundry
- Best brand for formal maxi dresses: Bec & Bridge
- Best brand for plus-sized formal dresses: Reformation
The Best Formal Dress Brands in Australia
SIR
Sydney-based label SIR launched in 2014 and instantly made it onto every girl’s wishlist. Known for its sleek, simple silhouettes, they make a range of timeless dresses that’ll carry you through formal occasions and beyond.
Average cost: $120 – $850
Natalie Rolt
If you’re looking for a formal dress with a bit of an edge, Natalie Rolt is where you’ll find it. The designs are unique with some cool cut-outs and sleek silhouettes — the kind of dresses that effortlessly turn heads.
Average cost: $110 – $580
Aje
Australian label Aje is where you’ll find voluminous cuts, ruffles, frills, full skirts, and billowing sleeves. A lot of them throw a vintage prom-style look but in the best way possible.
Average cost: $135 – $695
Bec & Bridge
You can spot a Bec & Bridge design from a mile away. The iconic Australian label has a whole range of dresses — minis, midis, maxis — that are elevated, timeless, and perfect for formal occasions.
Average cost: $100 – $550
& Other Stories
You probably heard us audibly squeal when we learned Swedish brand & Other Stories was coming to The Iconic. Owned by the H&M group, the dresses are affordable, elegant and easy to wear.
Average cost: $115 – $245
Cult Gaia
Ooft, LA-brand Cult Gaia designs some of the most beautiful and unique formal dresses that were designed to be owned forever.
Average cost: $385 – $12,500
Staud
If you’re looking for a classic cut formal dress with a little bit of a twist, Staud has a whole range of stunning options.
Average cost: $280 – $2,690
Shona Joy
The words Shona Joy are basically synonymous with formal dresses. The much-loved Australian brand designs a range of mini, midi, and maxi dresses that are perfect for formals.
Average cost: $100 – $1,400
Manning Cartell
Manning Cartell also has some gorgeous dresses for every occasion. You can choose between classic silhouettes and statement mini, midi or maxi formal dresses, that are timeless as they are effortless to wear.
Average cost: $398.99 – $989
Christopher Esber
There’s a reason so many of us are obsessed with Christopher Esber. Fair warning though, there are so many gorgeous, form-fitting designs that it’ll be hard to choose just one.
Average cost: $650 – $1,990
Third Form
If you’re looking for a more affordable, more casual style formal dress, Third Form is where you’ll find it. The majority of the dresses fall under $400, but look like they’re worth at least triple that, so it’s a win-win if you’re working with a budget.
Average cost: $270 – $400
Acler
Acler is known for its quality textiles, pleats and masterful draping techniques. So, it comes as no surprise that they make for gorgeous formal dresses.
Average cost: $295 – $1,200
Isabelle Quinn
If you want a more versatile formal dress, you know, one you can wear again, look no further than Isabelle Quinn. You’ll find a bunch of really cute, affordable formal dresses in a variety of lengths, prints and colourways.
Average cost: $160 – $295
Paris Georgia
This label comes courtesy of our friends across the ditch. New Zealand-born Paris Georgia offers a range of formal dresses made from luxurious fabrics with beautiful silhouettes that stand as an ode to the female form.
Average cost: $290 – $1,130
Friend of Audrey
Designed to be timeless, Friend of Audrey does formal dresses that aren’t super formal but still fit the bill.
Average cost: $229.95 – $499.95
Meshki
When it comes to formal dress shopping, you can’t go past Meshki. There are so many beautiful (and affordable) options. Looking for a dress with pearl accents? Meshki. Prefer a body-hugging shimmery dress? Meshki. Maybe a timeless silk slip dress is more your style? They’ve got one. Basically, what we’re trying to say is that you’ll find just about any style you’re looking for at Meshki.
Average cost: $119 – $599
Reformation
Reformation’s probably already on your hit list. One, it’s sustainable. Two, it’s size inclusive. And three, they make some damn good formal dresses. Just ask Ilona Maher.
Average cost: $260 – $865
House of CB
For those of you wanting to wear a mini to your formal, House of CB is where you wanna shop. The London-born brand makes a huge range of fierce and flattering dresses for every occasion.
Average cost: $281 – $2,832
Significant Other
New to our radar but well worth being on it is Australian label Significant Other. The brand designs sleek, modern dresses that are perfect for formals and beyond.
Average cost: $220 – $495
Silk Laundry
Slip-dress girlies, there’s only one place to go — Silk Laundry. Every style, cut and colourway of formal slip dress is on offer, and for a reasonable price too.
Average cost: $275 – $790
Maggie Marilyn
Maggie Marilyn is another New Zealand-born brand that’s worth taking a peek at if you’re looking for a formal dress. The sustainably minded brand knows how to balance a well-cut designs with feminine touches like rose patterns or a peak of ruffle.
Average cost: $395 – $2,000
Rat & Boa
Looking for a formal dress with some spice? We’d recommend Rat & Boa. You can choose from a range of minis, midis, and maxes in a range of sexy cuts.
Average cost: $260 – $1,170
Hansen & Gretel
Hansen & Gretel also has a bunch of formal dress options that are effortlessly cool.
Average cost: $129 – $599
BY JOHNNY
By Johnny is one of those labels that you could buy virtually any dress from and know that you’re going to look amazing.
Average cost: $360 – $460
Forever New
Forever New has some really affordable formal dress options, and even better, they’ve expanded the range to have a more inclusive curve section.
Average cost: $149 – $249
Stolen Stores
We’ve got it on good authority that bubble dresses are going to be a huge trend for summer formals, so bagging yourself one from Stolen Stores before anyone else does should be at the top of your to-do list. Plus, it’s got made-to-order and made-to-measure offerings, so they’re literally made to fit you.
Average cost: $158 – $749
Frankie Lane the Label
A little love for Frankie Lane the Label. Created by TV personality and Miss Universe Australia, Francesca Hung, you’ll find a line of timeless styles, cuts and colourways.
Average cost: $99 – $295
Rebecca Vallance
You can’t make a formal dress list and not include Rebecca Vallance. The Aussie label offers a little bit of everything from flirty mini dresses to gorgeous gowns, there’s plenty to choose from.
Average cost: $171 – $1,599
Dyspnea
One scroll through Dyspnea and it’s hard not to fall in love. The made-to-order fashion house is home to some truly unique and stunning formal dress options. Plus, the fact that it’s made to order means that it will fit literally every body shape and size! How good?!
Average cost: $100 – $599
That’s all we’ve got for the best formal dress brands in Australia for now. But if you’re looking for some jewellery to go with your dress, we’ve got some suggestions right here.
Be sure to bookmark this page, and happy shopping!
Image Credit: Dyspnea / @Rileyj / Stolen Stores / @nongmaiiiiiiiii / Acler / @lapetitejamie
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