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Cassie Howard / Her Campus
Style > Fashion

The Ultimate Guide To Formal Season Dresses

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Conn chapter.

It’s April, which means formal season is among us. Picking a dress can be surprisingly overwhelming. Mini or maxi? Expensive or affordable? Revealing or modest? Lucky for us, there are options out there for everyone. With that being said, here are a few ideas if you are in need of a formal dress this spring.

Oh polly: Nevali Dress

Oh Polly

This dress ($65) is the epitome of romance and drama. It’s perfect for formals requiring long dresses, but features an asymmetrical hemline so you won’t be too warm in the Spring weather. Along with red, the Nevali dress comes in black, brown, white, and pink. Shop here!

oh polly: iolanda dress

Oh Polly

This elegant dress ($53) features a high neckline and low scoop back, to show just the right amount of skin. It is made of a stretch-mesh fabric and comes in several stunning colors. Shop here!

Mixedgals: carrie maxi dress

Mixedgals

The Carrie Dress ($179) is a beautiful maxi dress made with body contouring fabric. The spaghetti straps and baby pink color create an extremely delicate and refined look. Carrie Bradshaw would most definitely approve. Shop here!

Shop a similar dress, for less, here.

Mistress rocks: cream satin & lace mini dress

Mistress Rocks

For all my girly girls, this one’s for you. This dreamy dress ($105) is lingerie and vintage inspired, with a lined, floral lace bodice and matching lace godets in the skirt. If Daphne Bridgerton were to attend a formal in 2023, this is what I imagine her in. Shop here!

Shop a more affordable alternative from Princess Polly here.

Mistress rocks: black crystal trim mini dress

Mistress Rocks

If you are in need of a little black dress this season, look no further. This mini dress ($105) features a soft mesh bodice with underwired and lined support (so no need for a bra)! The crystal-trimmed straps and satin skirt provide just the right amount of sexiness and glamour. Shop here!

princess polly: Irena strapless mini dress

Princess Polly

This shade of green screams ‘spring’ to me. The Irena Dress ($58) features a silky material and adorable, pleated detailing at the bust. Shop here!

Princess Polly: kesy bow tie mini dress

Princess Polly

This dress ($70) is sure to remind your date that you are the prize. With a silky material, slim fit, and bow tie feature, this dress is both classy and unique. Shop here!

house of cb: Christiana dress

House of CB

This red mini dress ($225) is perfect for date night occasions. The fabric is lightweight georgette with lined and supportive cups for an ultra-flattering fit. Shop here!

House of CB dresses are great quality, but definitely on the expensive side. Shop an extremely similar dress ($13.99) on Amazon here.

House of cb: tink Dress

House of CB

This dress ($239) reminds me of the famous How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days yellow dress, with a modern twist. It features a low back, lined with ruffles, for the perfect flirty and feminine vibe. Shop here!

For a more affordable option, shop here.

Beginning boutique: wheatley mini dress

Beginning Boutique

This gorgeous hot pink satin dress ($65) is sure to turn heads. It features an open back with crossover adjustable straps and small slits on both sides of the skirt. Shop here!

If you still don’t see your dream dress in this list, here are a few websites that kill it in the dress department. Best of luck and happy formal!

High-Priced: House of CB, Danielle Guizio, Retrofête, For Love & Lemons, Rat & Boa, Mixedgals

Mid-range/Affordable: Oh Polly, Princess Polly, Mistress Rocks, Beginning Boutique, Lulus, Tigermist, Lucy in the Sky, Meshki, Revolve, White Fox Boutique, Hello Molly, Peppermayo

Annika is a junior at the University of Connecticut studying Communication.