How to Dress for a High School Dance (Girls)

Co-authored by LaTricia Brown

Last Updated: December 24, 2022

High school dances can be a lot of fun, full of dancing, laughter, and memorable photographs. Your high school dance may be formal, semi-formal, or informal, and each type will have its own dress code. You should use the dress code to help you accessorize your outfit properly, style your hair, and do your make up. With a little effort, you can be dance ready in no time.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Selecting an Outfit for a Formal Dance

1
Go for a formal gown. If you are attending a formal dance like a winter formal or prom, you should go for a formal outfit. This means a formal dress that is floor length or no shorter than three inches above your knee, with a modest neckline. You may go for a strapless dress or a dress with a halter top as long as it fits your upper area properly.^{[1]
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- If your dress has slits, the slit should be no higher than three inches above your knee. Try to go for a dress made of flowing fabric, as your school may not allow you to get into the dance if your dress is skin tight or made of spandex. Fabric like chiffon, nylon, and silk are all good options for a formal dress.
- Avoid exposing your midriff for formal dances and if your midriff is exposed, make sure you are showing no more than two inches of skin below the inseam.
- If you plan to dance a lot, you may want to opt for a gown with straps and no train.
2
Look for a gown based on your body type. Though you may be looking for the latest, trendy look for your formal gown, you may also want to consider dressing based on your body type. There are four main body types for high school girls:^{[2]
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- Straight: This body type appears as a straight line, with very little definition between your bust, waist, and hips. Empire waist gowns fit straight body types well, as well as fitted sheaths. You may go for a one shoulder detail on your gown to add some drama.
- Pear: This body type is smaller on the top and fuller at the hips and butt. You may go for a fitted strapless gown or a halter top gown, as they will draw the eye upward. A full skirt or an empire waist will also help to show off your figure.
- Hourglass: This body type is curvy, with a full bust, a defined waist, and full hips. Look for gowns for a fitted waist, as this will enhance your curves. Adjustable waist styles, such as wrap dresses, are also ideal for this body type.
- Apple: This body type is apple shaped, with the narrowest point of the body located above your waist, just below your ribs. Go for a gown with an empire waist, with neck details like straps or a halter top. A gown with a full skirt or an A-line skirt are also idea for this body type.
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3
Select a formal top and slacks. If you are not a gown girl, you may decide to go for a formal look by wearing nice slacks and a dressy top. Make sure your pants are made of nice material, not denim, and your top is formal enough for the dance. You will still need to follow the dress code rules if you decide to wear a top and pants.^{[3]
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- Some high schools may not approve of you wearing slacks instead of a dress. However, if you choose suit like pants and a formal top, you may be able to adhere close enough to the dress code.
4
Pick out formal shoes. Complement your formal look by adding on accessories like high heels or shoes with a heel. Avoid wearing sneakers, flip flops or casual shoes, as this will likely be against the dress code at your high school for a formal dance. Go for comfortable heels that match your gown or your outfit.^{[4]
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5
Choose formal accessories. You may also decide to bring a small clutch or shoulder purse to the dance. Look for a purse made of similar material to your gown or in a complementing color. Bringing a small clutch or shoulder purse will allow you to carry the bag around easily and not have it distract from your outfit.
- Another accessory you may want to add to your formal look is jewelry. Go for long drop earrings for a dramatic formal look or studs with a bit of sparkle. You may also wear a necklace with a pendant or decorative elements, especially if the neckline of your gown exposes your neck. Finish your look with bracelets for a put together, formal look.
6
Put your hair in an updo. For a formal dance, you should make an effort to do your hair. This may mean an updo like a sleek bun or a braided up do.^{[5]
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- You may want to choose an updo based on the style of your outfit. If you are wearing a long gown that is strapless, you may want to show off the top of the gown by going for a sleek bun. If you are wearing a formal top and slacks, you may decide to put your hair in a braided updo to create a more formal look for your hair.
7
Get your hair done by a professional. Another option is to splurge and get your hair done by a professional stylist or hairdresser. You may have a formal hairstyle in mind that you do not think you can do on your own. The stylist should be able to make your hair requests come true and help you create the perfect formal hairstyle to match your formal outfit.
- You should get a referral for a good hairstylist from a friend or look for a hairstylist who specializes in formal hair styles. You can also bring in photographs of what you would like done on your hair so the stylist has a visual reference.
8
Go for dramatic eye makeup. For a formal event, you may want to go all out on your makeup. You may apply your normal foundation, highlighter, and bronzer routine, as well as blush. You may then decide to do a dramatic eye look for a little more of a formal look for your face.^{[6]
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- You may create a smoky eye using charcoal shades and shimmery champagne eye shadow, as well as eyeliner and mascara.
- Be sure to finish off your smoky eye look by putting on lipstick in a dark hue, like dark red or dark purple.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Choosing an Outfit for a Semi-Formal Dance

1
Choose a semi-formal dress. If you are attending a semi-formal dance, such as a spring social or a holiday dance, you should go for a semi-formal outfit. This could be a semi-formal dress that is long or short.
- The semi-formal dress should still be made of quality material, like silk, nylon, or chiffon, and follow your school’s dress code. This may mean a short dress with a hemline three inches above your knee, with a modest cut.
- Avoid wearing tube style dresses, which are very tight and often made of spandex. These dresses may be against your school’s dress code for semi-formal dances.
2
Wear a nice top and pants. If you decide to wear a top and pants, go for pants made of non-denim material, such as rayon or silk. You may wear a top that is short sleeved, with a modest cut that is not skin tight. Your school likely will not allow you into a semi-formal dance if you are wearing a t-shirt and jeans.
- Keep in mind most schools will not allow you to cover up an inappropriate top with a jacket or a sweater. The organizers of the dance may not let you into the dance if you are inappropriately dressed.
3
Pick out shoes for your semi-formal outfit. You should make sure you wear formal shoes, such as high heels or shoes with a low heel. Your school may allow you to wear flats, as long as they are made of quality material and appear semi-formal.
- Avoid wearing sneakers, runners, or flip flops, as these will likely not be allowed in a semi-formal dance.
4
Add accessories. You can add jewelry to your semi-formal look, such as earrings, a necklace, and bracelets. You may decide to wear one statement piece of jewelry so your look feels semi-formal but not too dressy.
- You may also decide to bring a small purse, such as a clutch or a shoulder bag. Most schools will not allow book bags, backpacks, or large purses at semi-formal dances.
5
Style your hair in loose curls. For a semi-formal dance, you may still decide to do a more formal hairstyle, like an updo or a side sweep. But you can also wear your hair in loose curls to add something extra to your hair that is just a touch formal.
- You can curl your hair with a curling iron, a flat iron, hair rollers, or by scrunching your hair (good for already curly hair). Make sure you pull the curls apart gently with your fingers once you have curled your hair to create a loose curl look.
6
Try playing up your eyes and mouth for a semi-formal dance. For a semi-formal dance, you may not want to do makeup that is too dramatic, but still polished looking. Follow your normal makeup routine and then add details to your eyes and mouth.
- You may decide to apply eyeliner and mascara to your eyes, as well as light eye shadow in tones that play off the color of your gown. If you are not sure about eye shadow, you can also do a winged eyeliner look for a cool, polished look.
- Finish your look with lipstick or lip gloss in a bold color that plays off the color of your gown or outfit. If you decide to do a bold eye look, you may choose a more neutral shade for your lips so your makeup is polished but not overwhelming your face.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Finding an Outfit for an Informal Dance

1
Create a casual outfit for an informal dance. For informal dances, such as a gym dance, you should be able to wear a more casual outfit. Your school will likely allow most casual clothing, with a few exceptions.
- For casual dances, you should be able to wear a short dress or a top and a skirt. However, your dress should be no shorter than 3 inches above your knee. Your dress should not be skin tight or made of spandex and should have an appropriate neckline. If your midriff is exposed, you should be showing no more than two inches of skin.
- You may also be able to wear jeans and a top, as long as the jeans do not have any holes in them or hug your hips very tightly. If you wear a top with jeans, the top should not expose your chest area inappropriately.
2
Select casual shoes. You can wear casual shoes like sneakers, sandals, and flats to an informal dance. If you plan to dance, you may want to wear shoes that are comfortable with walk and dance in.
- You may want to skip the high heels for an informal dance, as you may appear overdressed for the event.
3
Include accessories in your casual outfit. For informal dances, you can add accessories like jewelry to your outfit. You may wear a fun pair of earrings, a necklace, and/or bracelets.
- You may also bring a small shoulder bag, as you likely will not be allowed into the dance with a large purse or a backpack.
4
Keep your hair simple but well put together. For an informal dance, you may want to stick to your normal hair routine, where you curl, straighten, and/or blow dry your hair. As long as your hair looks polished and put together, you may not have to add too much to your existing routine.
- You can always add something extra to your look by putting your hair in a messy top bun or a side braid. Try to match your hair to your outfit by going for a more casual outfit with a particular hairstyle or keeping your hair casual if your outfit is a little more formal.
5
Add fun details to your normal makeup routine. You may want to keep your makeup minimal and simple for an informal dance. Follow your normal makeup routine and then add a fun detail like a bright lip gloss or lipstick or eyeliner in a fun color on your eyes. Adding one or two fun details to your normal makeup look can elevate your look so it looks polished but still casual and appropriate for an informal dance.

Community Q&A

Question

I want to ask this guy out but he is really really shy. What should I do?

Community Answer

Just hint at the prospect of him going out with you, and see if he responds.
Question

I'm going to a themed high school dance, and I want to dress formally without getting too fancy. How do I follow the theme without overdoing it?

Buggylu25

Top Answerer

Envision a color scheme you associate with the theme, then look for formal apparel that fits it. Use jewelry and other accessories for an added pop of color or sparkle.
Question

For my winter semi-formal, I got my heels and dress, but I don't want to look too casual nor too formal. What do I do to look semi-formal?

Community Answer

I would go with your heels and dress. You could wear makeup, depending on your school.