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 literally spent hours 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 30 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 30 Best Formal Dress Brands in Australia
Natalie Rolt
If you’re looking for a formal dress with a bit of an edge, Natalie Rolt is where you’ll find it. Their designs are unique with some cool cut-outs and sleek silhouettes — the kind of dresses that effortlessly turn heads.
Average cost: $143 to $1,303
Image: Natalie Rolt.
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: $80 to $680
Image: Bec + Bridge.
& Other Stories
You probably heard us audibly squeal when we learned Swedish brand & Other Stories was coming to The Iconic. Owned by H&M Group, the dresses are affordable, unique and easy to wear.
Average cost: $40 to $299
Image: & Other Stories.
Cult Gaia
LA-brand Cult Gaia designs some of the most beautiful and unique formal dresses that we’ve ever laid eyes on. They’re spenny, but damn, they’re showstoppers.
Average cost: $350 to $13,200
Image: Cult Gaia.
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 formal events.
Average cost: $70 to $1,580
Image: @zozoewitherspoon
Manning Cartell
Manning Cartell also has some gorgeous dresses for dressy occasions. You can choose between classic or statement silhouettes, with some real fun textures and colours to spice things up.
Average cost: $399 to $989
Image: Manning Cartell.
Christopher Esber
There’s a reason so many of us are obsessed with Christopher Esber — each design is like a sculptured work of art. You won’t find anything else like it.
Average cost: $495 to $6,950
Image: Christopher Esber.
Third Form
If you’re looking for a more affordable, simpler 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: $100 to $420
Image: Third Form.
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: $395 to $999
Image: Acler.
Isabelle Quinn
If you want a more versatile formal dress, you know, one you can dress up and down to wear over and over again, look no further than Isabelle Quinn. You’ll find a bunch of really cute, affordable formal dresses in a variety of lengths and vibrant prints.
Average cost: $29 to $295
Image: Isabelle Quinn.
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: $92.80 to 930
Image: Paris Georgia.
Friend of Audrey
Friend of Audrey does formal dresses that aren’t superrr formal but still fit the bill.
Average cost: $50 to $350
Image: @kirstenstanley
Meshki
When it comes to affordable formal dress shopping, you can’t go past Meshki. Looking for a dress with pearl accents? Meshki. A body-hugging shimmery dress? Meshki. Maybe a timeless silk slip dress is more your style? Meshki has got one. What we’re trying to say is that you’ll find just about any style you’re looking for at Meshki.
Average cost: $40 to $1,999
Image: Meshki.
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: $54 to $570
Image: Ilona Maher.
House of CB
For those of you wanting to wear ultra girly, feminine and flouncy dresses, House of CB is where to shop. The London-born brand makes a huge range of fierce and flattering dresses for every occasion.
Average cost: $126 to $635
Image: House of CB.
Significant Other
New to our radar is Australian label Significant Other. The brand designs sleek, modern dresses that are perfect for formals and beyond.
Average cost: $250 to $595
Image: Silk Laundry.
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 the quality is unmatched.
Average cost: $290 to $790
Image: Silk Laundry.
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 well-cut designs with feminine touches like rose patterns or ruffles.
Average cost: $125 to $895
Image: Maggie Marilyn.
Rat & Boa
Looking for a formal dress with some ~spice~? We’d recommend Rat & Boa. You can’t go wrong with their slightly sheer, vacation-esque maxi dresses.
Average cost: $270 to $2,080
Image: Rat & Boa.
Hansen & Gretel
Hansen & Gretel has a bunch of formal dress options that are effortlessly cool. We’re obsessed!
Average cost: $71 to $699
Image: Hansen & Gretel.
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: $70 to $400
Image: By Johnny.
Forever New
Forever New has some really fun and affordable formal dress options. They’ve also expanded the range to have a more inclusive curve section.
Average cost: $118.99 to $229.99
Image: Forever New.
Stolen Stores
If Stolen Stores isn’t on your radar, let us put you onto one of the best formal dress brands around. It has both ready-to-wear and made-to-measure offerings, so they’re literally made to fit you.
Average cost: $189 to 699
Image: Stolen Stores.
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 that you can wear over and over again.
Average cost: $99 to $295
Image: Frankie Lane The Label.
Rebecca Vallance
You can’t make a formal dress brands list and not include Rebecca Vallance. The Aussie label offers a little bit of everything from flirty mini dresses to gorgeous gowns, so there’s plenty to choose from.
Average cost: $119 to $1,799
Image: @kristen.apollos
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 everyone. How good?!
Average cost: $100 to $599
Image: Riley Hemson.
Rachel Gilbert
If it was possible to be in love with a clothing brand, we’d be head over heels for Rachel Gilbert. They’ve got a vast range of formal dresses spanning simple silhouettes to fun, feathered pieces.
Average cost: $220 to $1,295
Image: Rachel Gilbert.
That’s all we’ve got for the best formal dress brands in Australia for now. But if you’re looking for some jewellery or shoes to go with your dress, we’ve got some suggestions:
- 11 Of The Best Places To Buy Formal Shoes No Matter What Your Style Or Budget Is
- From Delicate To Statement Pieces, Here Are 12 Of The Best Formal Jewellery Brand
Be sure to bookmark this page, and happy shopping!
Image Credit: Cult Gaia / @phoebetorrance
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