MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • Podcasts
  • Beyond Beauty
  • Video
MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • Podcasts
  • Beyond Beauty
  • Video
MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows
Watch 4:43

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows

{headline}

{headline}

9 Models Whose Careers Skyrocketed Thanks To A Haircut

9 Models Whose Careers Skyrocketed Thanks To A Haircut

‘These Women Are So Heroic’: Eliza Hittman on Humanising Abortion in Her Brilliant New Film

‘These Women Are So Heroic’: Eliza Hittman on Humanising Abortion in Her Brilliant New Film

Loewe Gets Up Close And Personal For Spring

Loewe Gets Up Close And Personal For Spring

Cult Lifestyle Brand Kip&Co Launch Their First Indigenous Collaboration

Cult Lifestyle Brand Kip&Co Launch Their First Indigenous Collaboration

{headline}

{headline}

What Is The Uluru Statement From The Heart?

What Is The Uluru Statement From The Heart?

Louis Vuitton Has Opened A New Store In Sydney

Louis Vuitton Has Opened A New Store In Sydney

History Made: NSW Votes to Decriminalise Abortion

History Made: NSW Votes to Decriminalise Abortion

{headline}

{headline}

'Younger' Star Nico Tortorella Opens Up About Partner Bethany Meyers' Abortion

'Younger' Star Nico Tortorella Opens Up About Partner Bethany Meyers' Abortion

Gladys Berejiklian heads off leadership spill over abortion legislation

Gladys Berejiklian heads off leadership spill over abortion legislation

Behind-The-Scenes Of Myer's Spring Style Showcase

Behind-The-Scenes Of Myer's Spring Style Showcase

These Are Going To Be Spring's Biggest Trends, According To A Fashion Buyer

These Are Going To Be Spring's Biggest Trends, According To A Fashion Buyer

Asher Keddie Announced As Myer's Newest Style Ambassador

Asher Keddie Announced As Myer's Newest Style Ambassador

Jessica Gomes On Minimalist Beauty And What It Takes To Build An Empire

Jessica Gomes On Minimalist Beauty And What It Takes To Build An Empire

NSW Could Decriminalise Abortion As Early As Today

NSW Could Decriminalise Abortion As Early As Today

  1. Home
  2. Fashion

The Best Places To Find The Perfect Formal Dress

Look your best at a formal, wedding or black tie event - by Beth Young
  • 02 Oct 2019
The Best Places To Find The Perfect Formal Dress

Finding the perfect formal dress that makes you look and feel like a princess, can be a tricky task. 

Whether you're searching for a frock with intricate beading for your school prom, a gorgeous tulle ball gown, a one-of-a-kind long white wedding dress, a sparkly number covered in sequins, or even an elegant one-piece jumpsuit, we've found the best places to look. 

Here's a comprehensive list of the best special occasion outfits and evening dresses in South Australia's capital, Adelaide.

10. Maggie Red, Elle Zeitoune

This new arrival is hot off the press from Elle Zeitoune - an Australian label, which is stocked in several Adelaide boutiques including Born in August and Wildchild Stylelab. A classic silhouette, this gown can be worn off and on the shoulder, and features a sweeping tail and sweetheart neckline. This party dress will set you back $359.95 at the checkout.

ellezeitounedesigns View Profile
1,538 likes - View Post on Instagram
@oliviamollyrogers looking gorgeous in our Maggie Red ❤️ available in Stores and Online #ellezeitoune #ellezeitounedesigns

9. Bettina, Jadore Evening

Sleek and elegant, this figure-hugging frock dips slightly into a subtle v-neck in front and back. Textured fabric and a mermaid silhouette give added 'wow' factor. Available in a variety of different colours including emerald green, navy and elegant black. There's also an ivory option, which would be perfect to walk down the aisle in. You can add the 'Bettina' to your shopping cart at Sydney-based showroom and online stockist Fashionably Yours for just $490. If you are planning your big day, be sure to check out Jadore's selection of bridesmaid dresses and pretty mother-of-the-bride outfits, too.

Perfect to walk down the aisle in

The Bettina gown by Jadore

Jadore

8. Apricot cream Jasmine dress, Lexi

Australian brand Lexi is the brainchild of renowned Adelaide designer Alexis George. Perfect for anyone who wants to make a statement, this dreamy backless tulle confection, by lead designer Pat Georgiou, exudes elegance. The neckline, in particular, is bold but beautiful. To make this Lexi gown yours, visit Alexis George's showroom in Malvern, South Australia. At $449, this designer dress certainly isn't cheap, but it won't break the budget.

Apricot cream Jasmine dress by Lexi

Jasmine by Lexi

Lexi

7. Wednesday Gown, Thurley

Stand out in this ethereal black V-neck maxi-dress from coveted Australian label, Thurley. Made from 100 per cent silk, the 'Wednesday Gown' is an investment piece, which will set you back $999. The under-bust cut-out shows just a hint of skin, while the slightly peaked shoulder and semi-sheer skirt provide maximum impact. Order online at from the Thurley website. Otherwise, Adelaide's One Night Stand Boutique has a gorgeous range of Thurley frocks for dress hire.

Wednesday Gown by Thurley

Wednesday Gown by Thurley

Thurley

6. Until Forever Maxi Dress, Review

Pop into Myer in Adelaide's Rundle Mall and head straight to Review to try on the Until Forever Maxi Dress. This beautiful party dress features striking metallic embroidery over a teal base, a high halter neckline, and a cinched waist. Also available in a sweet gold/nude option. Yours for $379.99.

Until Forever Maxi Dress by Review

Until Forever Maxi Dress by Review

Review

5. Joy, Envi

5. You'll also find Luv Bridal & Formal in Adelaide's Rundle Mall. The boutique stocks a wide range of designer bridal, bridesmaid, and formal gowns at designer direct prices. Our pick is this sleek off-shoulder French satin gown by Envi with a manageable train and knee-length split aptly named 'Joy'. Available in sizes 6-24 for $549. 

Joy dress by Envi: available in plus size up to 24

Joy dress by Envi: available in plus size up to 24

Luv Bridal & Formal

4. Lola, Lexi

Adelaide's newest online boutique, Miko & Mollie stocks Sass & Bide, Thurley, Camilla, Alice McCall, Shona Joy, Talulah, Stevie May and much more. But you have to meet this little beauty first. ‘Lola’ is a strapless A-line cocktail dress featuring boned seam details from bodice to hem, which creates its unique stiff shape. Short in front, the hem sweeps long in back. Originally $690, but on sale now for $490. 

Lola by Lexi

Lola by Lexi

Miko & Mollie

3. Afifee Gown by D’Lelle

Don't want to fork out a bomb for a designer dress, but still want to turn heads? Then hire the stunning ‘Afifee Gown’ by D’Lelle from One Night Stand Boutique for $199 including cleaning. Crafted in a light-weight fabric, it has a plunging back and neckline and cinches at the waist. One Night Stand's flagship Adelaide store is based at Shop 40/422 Pulteney Street. 

Afifee Gown by D’Lelle

Afifee Gown by D’Lelle

One Night Stand Boutique

2. Envy, Bariano

2. A perfect cocktail dress for a jaunt at the races, or even to wear as a wedding guest, the 'Envy' is sure to impress. The lace midi dress pops in a bright canary-yellow hue, and the feature ruffle on one shoulder adds a little extra frill. Yours for $409.95 at Adelaide boutique After Dark (Highgate village 432 Fullarton road, Highgate, South Australia.)

Envy by Bariano

Envy by Bariano

After Dark Boutique

1. Elijah, Elle Zeitoune

1. This sultry Elle Zeitoune long-sleeved sequinned midi dress plunges deep in the front. The velvet tie waistband is a beautiful detail. 'Elijah' is available from size 8-14 for $310 from Adelaide boutique After Dark.

Elijah by Elle Zeitoune

Elijah by Elle Zeitoune

After Dark Boutique

MORE FORMAL DRESS SHOPS, ADELAIDE

Copycat Fashion

Evening and formal wear for special occasions like school formals and parties. 

Basement Level, 43 Rundle Mall, Adelaide, South Australia

David Jones

Stocks Australian labels including Zimmermann, Camilla and Marc, Dion Lee, Manning Cartell, Valentino, Balmain, Altuzarra, Keepsake, CMEO Collective and Bec & Bridge. 

Adelaide Central Plaza, 100 Rundle Mall, Adelaide, South Australia

Myer

Stocks brands including Alex Perry, Acler, We Are Kindred and Maticevski, Diane von Furstenberg, Ganni and Victoria Beckham, Cooper Street and Finders Keepers.

The Myer Centre, 22 Rundle Mall, Adelaide, South Australia

Ferrari Formalwear & Bridal

Stocks bridal, formal and debutante dresses. 

First floor, 1194 South Road, Clovelly Park, South Australia

Bridal Fusion by Mascia

Bridal, bridesmaid and formal dresses, as well as alterations. 

10b Unley Road, Unley, Adelaide, South Australia

Beth Young
Beth Young
Beth Young is a journalist with more than a decade of experience who specialises in real-life stories.

Save up to 39% + chance to WIN*-*Conditions apply

When you subscribe to marie claire.

Subscribe Now
Save up to 39% + chance to WIN*

Save up to 39% + chance to WIN*-*Conditions apply

When you subscribe to marie claire.

Subscribe Now
Save up to 39% + chance to WIN*

Recommended to you

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows
Watch 4:43

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows

{headline}

{headline}

9 Models Whose Careers Skyrocketed Thanks To A Haircut

9 Models Whose Careers Skyrocketed Thanks To A Haircut

‘These Women Are So Heroic’: Eliza Hittman on Humanising Abortion in Her Brilliant New Film

‘These Women Are So Heroic’: Eliza Hittman on Humanising Abortion in Her Brilliant New Film

Loewe Gets Up Close And Personal For Spring

Loewe Gets Up Close And Personal For Spring

Cult Lifestyle Brand Kip&Co Launch Their First Indigenous Collaboration

Cult Lifestyle Brand Kip&Co Launch Their First Indigenous Collaboration

{headline}

{headline}

What Is The Uluru Statement From The Heart?

What Is The Uluru Statement From The Heart?

Louis Vuitton Has Opened A New Store In Sydney

Louis Vuitton Has Opened A New Store In Sydney

History Made: NSW Votes to Decriminalise Abortion

History Made: NSW Votes to Decriminalise Abortion

{headline}

{headline}

'Younger' Star Nico Tortorella Opens Up About Partner Bethany Meyers' Abortion

'Younger' Star Nico Tortorella Opens Up About Partner Bethany Meyers' Abortion

Gladys Berejiklian heads off leadership spill over abortion legislation

Gladys Berejiklian heads off leadership spill over abortion legislation

Behind-The-Scenes Of Myer's Spring Style Showcase

Behind-The-Scenes Of Myer's Spring Style Showcase

These Are Going To Be Spring's Biggest Trends, According To A Fashion Buyer

These Are Going To Be Spring's Biggest Trends, According To A Fashion Buyer

Asher Keddie Announced As Myer's Newest Style Ambassador

Asher Keddie Announced As Myer's Newest Style Ambassador

Jessica Gomes On Minimalist Beauty And What It Takes To Build An Empire

Jessica Gomes On Minimalist Beauty And What It Takes To Build An Empire

NSW Could Decriminalise Abortion As Early As Today

NSW Could Decriminalise Abortion As Early As Today

MarieClaire
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Home Beautiful
  • Instyle
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • Practical Parenting
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • Airtasker
  • 7NEWS
  • SocietyOne
  • Health Engine
  • Starts at 60
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from Marie Claire

Magazine Subscription Offer

Save up to 39% + chance to WIN*-*Conditions apply

Shop This Offer
Save up to 39% + chance to WIN*