How to Dress for a Middle School Dance

Co-authored by Amy Bobinger

Last Updated: September 15, 2021 References

If you’re in middle school, going to a dance can be a fun chance to dress up, show off your dance moves, and spend time with your friends. If you’re lucky, you might even get to dance with your crush! But before the day of the dance, you’ll have to find something to wear. Make sure whatever you pick is comfortable, fits your school’s dress code, and makes you feel great!

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Choosing the Perfect Dress

1
Ask older siblings or friends if you’re not sure how formal the dance will be. Some dances are really casual, while others are a lot dressier. To make sure you dressed appropriately, ask around to find out how formal the dance is! You could ask students in a higher grade, older siblings, or even friends whose brothers or sisters have been to the dance before.
- If you’re still not sure, try asking your favorite teacher or guidance counselor what kids usually wear to the dance!
2
Follow your school's dress code if they have one. Your school might have a more relaxed dress code for dances, but they may still expect you to follow the same rules you do during the school day. If you’re not sure, ask your teachers what the dress code for the dance will be.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Some rules that you might have to follow could include no spaghetti straps or a skirt that comes down past your fingertips.
Advertisement
3
Wear a knee-length dress or a skirt and a nice top if it’s a casual dance. Middle school dances are usually on the casual side, so a pretty dress or knee-length skirt and blouse should be perfect. A good guideline is to think about what would be appropriate to wear to a church service or a special occasion like an awards ceremony.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Some options to consider might be a sundress with a cardigan, a ruffled skirt with a nice blouse, or a long-sleeved dress with a flared skirt and tights if the weather is cold.
4
Wear a longer dress if the dance is semi-formal. If the dance you’re attending is dressier, like a Winter Semi-Formal or a Valentine’s Day dance, you can opt for a fancier dress. Usually, longer dresses are considered more formal, so look for a pretty ankle-length gown in a color you love!^{[3]
X
Research source}
- If you prefer, you can find a semi-formal dress that’s knee-length as well. Just look for options made from dressier fabrics, like anything shimmery, sheer, or sparkly.
5
Bring a jacket or cardigan in case you get cold. Even if the weather is warm, it might be cold inside of the dance. Find a cardigan, shrug, or jacket that you can put over your arms to help keep you warm just in case.
- If you’re going to a semi-formal dance, a wrap made from a sheer material that matches your dress is the perfect way to stay cozy.
- If the dance is casual, look for a dressy cardigan, like one that’s decorated with sparkly rhinestones.
6
Look for fun details like sparkles and bows if your style is super girly. Going to a dance is the perfect time to get all dolled up, so look for a dress with special embellishments, like sequins sewn into the fabric, a lacy hem, or a full skirt made from layers of sheer fabric.
- For a fun, modern look, choose a dress with a hi-low hem and a special touch like a bow at the waist.
- An embellished skater dress with a halter or racerback top is another cute option for a shorter dress.
7
Opt for a dress in a solid color if your style is you prefer a classic look. If you want to dress up but you’re not really a big fan of lace, ribbons, or sparkles, there are still plenty of options for you! Look for a dress with simple, clean lines in a solid color or a simple print like polka dots.
- Even a simple dress can have special details like pretty buttons, subtle patterns woven into the fabric, or a unique cut.
8
Wear a dressy jumpsuit to look feminine without wearing a dress. You don’t have to wear a dress just because you’re going to a dance! Dressy jumpsuits are a great way to look put-together and dressy without having to worry about wearing a skirt.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Jumpsuits come in a variety of different materials and styles. Look for one that’s made from silky, shimmery, or sheer materials to ensure your jumpsuit is dressy enough for the dance.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Wearing Pants or a Suit

1
Wear nice jeans or slacks and a tucked-in shirt to a casual dance. Going to a dance doesn’t always mean you have to wear a suit and tie. A lot of dances in middle school are casual, so you can just wear something a little nicer than what you would normally wear to school. Nice jeans, khakis, or slacks and a button-down shirt or a polo should be perfect.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- If you’re not sure whether the dance is casual or semi-formal, ask your friends, older siblings, or even your teachers to tell you what students usually wear.
2
Wear a sports coat and slacks if the dance is semi-formal. If you’re going to a semi-formal dance, it's usually appropriate to wear a jacket. You can wear a sports coat with a nice shirt and slacks, and if you like, you can add a tie to your outfit to dress it up even more.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- If you don’t want to wear a tie, you could wear a collared shirt, like a polo, with your sports coat or suit.
3
Wear a suit and tie if the dress is more formal. If you're going to a formal dance, like a Spring Formal or Homecoming, you'll look great in a suit! When you're picking out your suit, look for a jacket that fits you comfortably and doesn't feel tight under your arms or across your back. Your pants should hit just at the top of your shoes, and they should sit comfortably at your waist.
- When you're picking out a shirt and tie, pick colors that coordinate with your suit, but they don't have to match exactly!
- For example, a white shirt and a blue tie would look great with a dark grey suit.
4
Wear a tie or a bow-tie to dress up a button-down shirt. If you’re dressing up for a semi-formal dance, a tie can elevate your look to the next level. You can wear a tie that coordinates with your shirt, or if you prefer more of a nerdcore style, you can try a bow-tie!
- If you don’t know how to tie a tie, you can wear a clip-on tie instead.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Picking Your Accessories

1
Choose comfortable dress shoes to wear to the dance. The last thing you want is to miss out on dancing to your favorite song because your feet are hurting! Of course, you want your shoes to match your outfit, but the most important thing is to choose shoes that fit you comfortably.^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source
Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
Go to source}
- Your shoes shouldn’t pinch your toes, they shouldn’t slip off of your heels when you walk, and they should fit comfortably across the top of your foot.
- When you’re trying on shoes, try to visit the shoe store in the afternoon. Your foot naturally expands throughout the day, so buying shoes in the afternoon or evening can ensure you get a more comfortable fit.
- If you’re not used to walking in heels, stick to flats or a very low heel.
2
Select shoes which complement the style and color of your outfit. There are a lot of different options for dress shoes, so look for a style that coordinates with what you're wearing. If you can, bring your outfit along with you so you can compare colors and styles.
- In addition to the color of the shoe, you should also think about how the style of the shoe will match your outfit. For example, a heavy, dark winter shoe wouldn't look right with lightweight, brightly-colored clothing.
3
Pick simple jewelry that goes with your outfit if you want to wear any. There’s no need to go overboard with a ton of ornate, fancy jewelry. If you want to wear any accessories, a simple necklace, bracelet, earrings, or a nice watch are the perfect way to complement your look.
- If your ears aren’t pierced but you want to wear earrings, try clip-on earrings instead!
- For a casual outfit, look for chunky, colorful jewelry, like fun bangles that match your outfit.
- For dressier dances, opt for more delicate, simple jewelry, like a pendant necklace on a thin chain.
4
Carry a small clutch or crossbody if you want to bring a purse. You don’t want to spend all night worrying about keeping up with a big purse. If you want something to carry your phone and your lip gloss,choose a lightweight option.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- A wristlet, clutch, or cross-body purse with a long strap are all good options for accessorizing your dance look!

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Styling Your Hair and Makeup

1
Get your hair styled at a salon as a special treat. Getting your hair styled in a professional salon can make you feel–and look– like a whole new person. Most salons require that you make an appointment in advance, and there may be a fee involved, so ask your parents a few weeks before the dance if that might be an option for you.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- If you really want your hair done and your parents don’t have the extra money, ask if you can pay for the visit out of your allowance, or offer to do odd jobs to earn a few dollars whenever you can.
- Getting an updo can take a while, so be sure to schedule your appointment several hours before the dance begins. Don’t forget to leave time for getting dressed!
2
Wear your hair up if you’re going to a more formal dance. A formal dance is the perfect time to try out a new hairstyle. If you have long hair, consider wearing it up. You can include pretty barrettes, braids, or curled pieces into your style to make it look more interesting.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- There are tons of styles you can do with long hair, like French twists, ballerina buns, or a half updo with braids.
- If you’re not used to styling your own hair, ask a friend, parents, or older sibling to help you style your updo.
3
Leave your long hair down or in a ponytail for a more casual dance. For casual dances, there’s no need to go to elaborate lengths with your hair. Brush out all of the tangles, then wear it down, pulled into a ponytail, or up in a messy bun. To ensure your hair stays in place, spray a little hairspray on your brush and lightly smooth it over your hair.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- If you want to, you can use a curling iron to carefully curl a few little pieces right around your face.
4
Comb your hair neatly if you have short hair. Short hair is easier to work with, but it can look messy if you don’t take the time to style it. Comb your hair over to the side, slick it straight back, or style it into a pompadour or quiff to get the perfect dance ‘do!
- If you prefer a less put-together style, use gel, mousse, or hairspray to create messy spikes.
- Make your short hair look more feminine with barrettes, a headband, or a flower pinned behind your ear.
5
Add extra flair to your hairstyle with cute hair accessories. When it comes to adding something special to your hair, the possibilities are nearly endless! From using a sparkly barrette to keep your bangs out of your face to topping off your 'do with a pretty tiara, use your imagination to create a look that's uniquely you!
- Other options for hair accessories include lacy or jeweled headbands, clip-on hair flowers, and stick-on jewels.
6
Stick with light makeup if you're allowed to wear it. There will be plenty of time in your life for a full face of makeup. For now, let your natural youthful beauty shine through, and just stick to a little makeup if you wear any at all.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- If you do wear makeup, limit it to tinted moisturizer, a peachy-blush, mascara, and lip gloss.
7
Spritz on a little perfume, body spray, or cologne if you want to. You don’t want to go overboard with this, since heavy scents can cause headaches or allergic reactions in some people. However, a little spray of perfume or cologne on your wrists or behind your ears can help you feel a little dressier as you head off to the dance.^{[13]
X
Research source}

Community Q&A

Question

Can I still wear my hair sort of fancy? I do not like to wear messy buns or ponytails.

Community Answer

Absolutely. Do whatever makes you feel confident, comfortable and stylish. If that doesn't work out, you could also wear your hair down.
Question

Could I just wear a cute pair of jeans and a casual shirt?

Community Answer

Yes. Always bear in mind it doesn't matter what other people think. Do whatever you think is best.
Question

I'm a girl and I don't like dresses. Can I wear a tuxedo instead?

Community Answer

Of course! Janis Ian did it, why cant you? Be yourself and it will make your night so much better. There are many feminine suits out there, and Topshop has a great range for a high-street brand.