Sunshine Coast formal fashion 2023: Expert details popular styles

A Noosa fashion commentator has picked her favourite red carpet moments from the 2023 Sunshine Coast formals. Read about the outfits that caught her eye.

A Noosa fashion commentator has hailed a return to “classic” style as a popular 2023 Sunshine Coast formal aesthetic as she detailed her favourite looks of the season.

Fashion commentator Carlie Wacker said the thing that struck her about most of the graduating classes of 2023 were that they had embraced “Hollywood glamour” during formals this year.

“I felt a sense of maturity and probably, even looking at schoolies this year, this year and maybe the years to come they seem to be a really well-balanced group given what they’ve gone through in years gone by,” Mrs Wacker said.

“They’re stepping out into the world with confidence and class.”

Mrs Wacker said even the welcome mats were glammed up with black and even lilac carpets rolled out this year, which suited a return to a “traditional red carpet” look from many of the formal participants.

Nanna Mellqvist at the St Teresa's Catholic College 2023 formal at the Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort in Twin Waters. Picture: Letea Cavander

She said the boys in many cases had favoured a traditional three-piece suit and a pocket square while satin for the girls was a star material.

Sunshine Coast Grammar School 2023 formal photos show stunning fashions

Griffyn Kerrigan shows off a traditional three-piece suit at the St Teresa's Catholic College 2023 formal. Picture: Letea Cavander

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Photos: Noosa students at St Teresa’s Catholic College 2023 formal

“Yellow was back again and that bold blue was a standout,” Mrs Wacker said.

She said floor-length gowns dominated and cowl necklines were a nod to that enduring 1990s style.

Satin was a popular choice for students at this year’s formals. Photo: Jorina Maureschat

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Satin dresses and straight necklines dominated formal fashion for 2023 as Olivia, Renee and Nikita showed at the Mountain Creek State High formal.

Pacific Lutheran College school formal 2023 photo gallery

Mountain Creek State High School formal 2023 photo gallery

Yellow dresses offered pops of colour on the red carpet this year. Jasmine Fry and Zak Zibara at the Caloundra State High School formal. Picture: Patrick Woods.

The fashion commentator said that in the dresses, straight necklines at the bust or an asymmetric neckline were also popular choices.

Mrs Wacker said updos were out this year with an “effortless look” favoured by many.

“The middle part is king at the moment along with beautiful healthy hair and long natural hair,” she said.

The fashion commentator said this year’s graduating students were “all class” and were oozing effortless style.

She said, for her, a straight neckline in a dress made of satin paired with metallic accessories was one of her favourite looks.