Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Pedestrian.tv
Pedestrian.tv
Entertainment
Bree Grant

29 Formal Dress Brands That’ll Suit Every Style, Budget & Occasion

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.

The Best Formal Dress Brands in Australia

SIR

formal dresses

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

formal dresses

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

formal dresses

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

formal dresses

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

formal dresses

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

formal dresses

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

formal dresses

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

formal dresses

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

formal dresses

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

formal dresses

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

formal dresses

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

formal dresses

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

formal dresses

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

formal dresses

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

formal dresses

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

The post 29 Formal Dress Brands That’ll Suit Every Style, Budget & Occasion appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.