Formal Dresses

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Formal Dresses for Fall & Winter’s Biggest Moments

Windsor’s formal dresses bring elevated style to weddings, galas, military balls, homecoming, black-tie events, and other moments worth dressing up for. Discover elegant dresses in timeless black, romantic wine, rich jewel tones, metallic hues, and soft neutrals, with silhouettes ranging from classic A-lines and columns to fitted bodycons and mermaid gowns. New styles arrive every week with appliqués, draping, hardware, ties, and adjustable details that help you find a look that feels polished, current, and confidently yours.

Find a Formal Look That Fits the Occasion

The right dress starts with the event. Long formal dresses bring classic elegance to black-tie weddings, galas, military balls, and upscale evening celebrations, while polished midis and select short formal dresses can suit events with a less traditional dress code. For dressy occasions that call for something elevated without a full-length gown, explore formal cocktail dresses for another way to match your look to the invitation.

How Should I Dress for a Black-Tie or Formal Wedding?

Start by checking the invitation for the exact dress code. Black-tie events traditionally call for an elevated evening look, making floor-length gowns and refined silhouettes strong choices. Consider a column, A-line, or mermaid gown, then use color and details to make it your own. Black and navy offer timeless sophistication, while shades of red, green, purple, or gold can bring more personality to the occasion. Draping, appliqués, and polished necklines add another layer of interest without losing the formal feel.

What’s the Difference Between a Cocktail Dress and a Formal Dress?

The biggest differences are usually the dress code, overall level of polish, and length. Cocktail dresses commonly fall around the knee or midi length and work well for semi-formal parties, receptions, and dressy dinners. Formal dresses tend to feature longer hemlines, more structured silhouettes, or elevated details suited to galas, formal weddings, and black-tie occasions. If the invitation has you second-guessing your choice, The Windsor Edit’s guide to cocktail dresses vs. formal dresses breaks down the differences with styling examples.

Can Formal Dresses Be Short?

Sometimes—the invitation and venue should guide your choice. Short formal dresses with structured silhouettes, elevated fabrics, appliqués, or polished details can work for certain dressy events, but traditional black-tie occasions generally call for an ankle-length or floor-length gown. When the dress code feels somewhere between cocktail and formal, consider the event time, setting, and host guidance before choosing your hemline.

Which Formal Dress Fabrics Work Best for Fall and Winter?

Fabric can change both the look and feel of your dress. Richer, more substantial materials create a seasonally polished effect for cooler-weather occasions, while fluid fabrics add movement to long gowns and draped silhouettes. Your event setting, desired structure, and comfort preferences can all help narrow the choice. For a deeper look at how materials affect your outfit, explore Windsor’s guide to formal dress fabrics.

How Do I Find a Formal Dress That Feels Secure and Comfortable?

Look for design details that let you personalize the fit instead of spending the evening adjusting your dress. Lace-up backs can help fine-tune the bodice, corset construction adds structure, wrap designs offer flexibility, and adjustable or removable straps can change how a neckline fits and feels. Halter, cowl, off-the-shoulder, plunge, scoop, and square necklines also give you options depending on the coverage and support you prefer.

What Should I Wear to a Winter Formal?

Winter is your moment to lean into deeper color, shine, and elevated details. Explore Windsor's 2026 winter formal dresses in shades like plum, hunter green, chocolate, ruby, and copper, or make the night feel extra special with rose gold and other metallic finishes. Prefer a lighter palette? White and ivory can create a striking winter look, especially with appliqués, draping, or dimensional details. Finish with a silhouette you feel confident in, from fitted columns and mermaid gowns to flowing A-lines.

Make Your Formal Moment Your Own

Whether you’re shopping for special occasion dresses, an affordable bridal look, bridesmaid style, party gown, or military ball dress, Windsor gives you options that balance current trends with timeless silhouettes. New styles arrive every week online, in the Windsor app, and at more than 350 stores across North America, making it easier to find the dress that fits both your event and your personal style.

  • Clarissa Strappy Back A-Line Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Simple yet so chic, the Clarissa formal dress will have you radiating style. She features a sleeveless V-neckline, dual spaghetti straps that lead to strappy back design, front ruched detailing, and a fitted, floor-length, A-line silhouette with a sultry thigh-high front slit. Add some glamour to your look with rhinestone statement earrings, and complete the outfit with clear heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline, princess seams
    • Dual spaghetti straps
    • Strappy back design
    • Back zipper closure
    • Front ruching
    • Fitted, floor-length, A-line silhouette, front slit
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1687

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Luana Formal Open Back Sequin Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Bring the sparkle with a formal dress that dazzles from all your best angles! Luana features a sleeveless scoop neckline with padded cups, bungee spaghetti straps, a bold backless design accented with bungee bar straps, a sequin scroll print pattern, and a mermaid silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a clutch. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless scoop neckline 
    • Padded cups
    • Bungee spaghetti straps
    • Backless, bungee bar straps
    • Sequin scroll print
    • Mermaid silhouette
    • Form hugging fit, minimal stretch, runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1688

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $37.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Keely Lace Sweetheart Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    The Keely lace midi dress will bring elegance to your look while also giving you subtle sultry vibes! She features a sheer lace top with a boat neckline and a scalloped trim, long fitted sheer sleeves, and a sheer open back. She has a chic tie-front ribbon belt and a curve-hugging, mid-length silhouette. The sheer lace fabric has a lining with a sweetheart neckline. Complete the outfit with rhinestone earrings and strappy heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sheer lace top, boat neckline, scalloped trim
    • Long fitted sheer sleeves
    • Sheer open back
    • Tie-front ribbon belt
    • Mid-length, form-hugging fit
    • Sheer lace fabric, lining with sweetheart neckline
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0778

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $56.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Seraphina Formal Sleeveless Lace Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Keep it sweet and stunning with a formal midi dress that is perfect for a cocktail-attire wedding! Seraphina features a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a floral lace body, a side slit, and a midi-length silhouette. Complete look with nude heels and a rhinestone headband. The dress is composed of a lined lace fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Floral lace body
    • Side slit
    • Midi length silhouette
    • Lined 
    • Form hugging fit, minimal stretch, runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0781

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $52.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Amara Formal Scalloped Lace Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Make an enchanting entrance with a lace dress that brings the drama to your formal evening! The dress features a sleeveless V-neckline with single button closure at the nape of the neck, an open-back design, a floral lace body, sparkling sequins throughout, and a mermaid silhouette. The dress offers a form hugging fit with slight stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Open back, single-button closure at the nape of the neck 
    • Floral lace body
    • Sequins
    • Mermaid silhouette 
    • Lace fabric 
    • Form hugging fit, minimal stretch, runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1684

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Irene Sequin Floor-Length Formal Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Dazzle the night away in this enchanting floor-length dress! Irene is designed with shimmering iridescent sequin details, a low-cut back with crisscross straps, and a plunging neckline. Keep your look glam with a sparkling evening bag and matching earrings. 

    Fit & Features
    • Plunging neckline
    • Thin spaghetti straps
    • Low-cut back with crisscross straps
    • Form-hugging fit
    • Runs true to size


    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1679

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $84.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Marixa Formal Lace-Up A-Line Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Lace-up in a glam formal dress that makes creates an enchanting entrance! Marixa features a sleeveless cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps that cross at the back, a lace-up back, and a flowy A-line silhouette accented with hidden side pockets. The dress is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and an anklet. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless cowl neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, X-back 
    • Lace-up ties
    • A-line silhouette
    • Lined satin fabric
    • Form hugging fit, minimal stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1738

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $84.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Sarahi Sequin Corset Satin A-Line Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Leave the room breathless in the elegant Sarahi formal dress. She captivates in a sweetheart neckline on the sequin, corset-style mesh bodice designed to fit and flatter your curves. Her empire waistline draws eyes to the shimmering a-line satin-lined skirt that effortlessly flows into the floor-sweeping hemline. Add a chic faux fur wrap for the perfect finishing touch.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless, adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Sweetheart neck, padded bust, non-slip grip
    • Sequin mesh corset bodice, flexible boning
    • Empire waist, a-line silhouette
    • Floor-length, zipper closure
    • Satin-lined fabric, no stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1667

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Brookelle Sequin Sweetheart Satin Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Feel elegant and beautiful in the Brookelle formal dress as she effortlessly stands out from the crowd. Her adjustable spaghetti straps and padded sweetheart neckline shapes the delicate, sequin embellished corset bodice with flexible boning designed to fit and flatter. She features an empire waistline that gently flows into the floor-length a-line silhouette on a smooth satin-lined fabric. Complete your look with rhinestone earrings and a clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless, adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Padded sweetheart neckline
    • Sequin corset bodice, flexible boning
    • Empire waistline, back zipper closure
    • A-line silhouette
    • Smooth satin-lined fabric, no stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2237

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Ella Off-The-Shoulder Side Slit Dress
    Special Occasion 

    Make a lasting impression when you stroll in this sultry dress! Ella is designed with a high side slit, off-the-shoulder long sleeves, and a sweetheart neckline. Wear her with sparkling earrings and strappy heels for a stunning date night. 

    Fit & Features
    • Off-the-shoulder long sleeves
    • Sweetheart neckline
    • High side slit
    • Midi length 
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1662

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $46.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Mckenzie Velvet Heat Stone Formal Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Radiate the night in the Mckenzie formal dress! She's simply stunning in long sleeves, a V-neckline, and a wrapped slit skirt for a sexy show of leg. The luxe-lined velvet fabric offers a moderate stretch and features heat stone insets that glimmer under the light. Complete your look in dressy heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Long fitted sleeves, V-neckline
    • Wrapped skirt, high cut slit 
    • Floor-length hem
    • Form-fitting design
    • Back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • Lined velvet fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1672

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Betsy Sweetheart Sequin Corset A-Line Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Elegance is an understatement when it comes to the Betsy sweetheart corset a-line formal dress. Her sleeveless bodice shapes a delicate sweetheart corset-style bodice designed in a sheer sequin mesh with flexible boning to give her structure, and a built-in padded bust with a non-slip grip. Her fitted empire waistline sweeps into the luxe satin floor-length a-line silhouette that flatters every figure. Complete your look with a rhinestone choker.

    Fit & Features

    • Sweetheart | Strapless
    • Built-in padded bust | No bra required
    • Back zipper closure
    • Empire waist | Corset-style bodice
    • Floor-length | A-line silhouette
    • Luxe satin-lined fabric
    • Fits true to size | No stretch

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1663

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Alaney Sequence Bustier Satin Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Dance the night away in the Alaney party dress that's sure to dazzle the room! She features a strapless, sweetheart bustier-style top with shiny sequins, flexible boning, and padded cups for all-night support. Her fit and flare satin skirt make for many twirl-worthy moments. Add a clutch and lace-up heels for the perfect finishing touch.

    Fit & Features

    • Strapless, sweetheart neckline
    • Sequins, padded cups, flexible boning
    • Fit and flare silhouette
    • Short-length skirt
    • Luxe satin fabric, no stretch
    • Zipper closure
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0774

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $84.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Irie Formal Sequin And Satin Party Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Shine on in a party dress that creates a twirl-worthy moment. Irie features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, a built-in no slip strip, and padded cups that eliminate the need for a bra. The partially lined bodice features corset seams with flexible boning that provides structure, and sparkling sequins set in a diamond-shaped pattern. The slim-fit bodice leads to a flared satin party skirt. Irie offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with a sphere clutch. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
    • No-slip strip, padded cups, flexible boning
    • Sequins
    • Fit and flare waist
    • Partially lined bodice 
    • Satin party skirt, additional knit lining 
    • Form hugging fit, minimal stretch, runs true to size 

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0775

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $84.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Corrine Strapless Lace Detail Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Stun in the elegant and twirl-worthy Corrine formal dress. She features a strapless subtle sweetheart neckline, a hidden back zipper closure, a fitted high waist, and a flared-out tea-length skirt with a flowy silhouette. The sheer lace fabric has a chic brocade pattern and a nude woven lining. Style this dress with rhinestone stud earrings and heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Strapless sweetheart neckline, flexible boning detailing
    • Hidden back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • Fitted high waist
    • Flared-out tea-length skirt, hidden side pockets
    • Sheer lace fabric with a brocade pattern, nude woven lining
    • Knit lining, tulle hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0767

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Sapphire Formal Scalloped Lace Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Impress in lace with a formal dress that is part bold, part glam. The dress features a sleeveless V-neckline, a scalloped lace bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps that cross at the back, and an A-line silhouette with a high side slit. The dress is composed of a lined chiffon fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a clutch. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Scalloped lace bodice
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, cross at back
    • A-line silhouette, high side slit
    • Lined chiffon fabric
    • Form hugging fit, minimal stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1645

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $42.97 $92.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Stephanie One-Shoulder Cutout Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Sleek and sexy, the Stephanie formal dress will have all eyes on you. She features an asymmetrical one-shoulder neckline with a single short cap sleeve, a chic waist cutout, and a fitted floor-length silhouette with a sultry thigh-high side slit. Style this dress with hoop earrings and clear heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Asymmetrical one-shoulder neckline
    • Single cap sleeve
    • Waist cutout
    • Fitted floor-length silhouette
    • High side slit
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1652

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $46.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Emani Formal One Shoulder Heat Stone Dress

    Special Occasion

    Bring the shine to your event with a formal dress that dazzles under the spotlight. The dress features a one-shoulder neckline, a fitted long sleeve, sparkling heat stones throughout, a bold high side slit, and an A-line silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels. 

    Fit & Features

    • One-shoulder neckline
    • Fitted long sleeve
    • Heat stones
    • High side slit
    • A-Line 
    • Lined mesh fabric 
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1657

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $84.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Zoey One-Shoulder Ruched Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Slay the scene in the sultry-chic Zoey dress! She features a sleeveless one-shoulder neckline, a bold front keyhole cutout at the center of the bust, ruched detailing, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette with a tie at the hem. Complete the look with sparkly statement earrings and strappy heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline
    • Front keyhole cutout at the bust
    • Ruching
    • Mini-length, form-hugging fit
    • Side tie at the hem
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0765

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Gianna Strapless High-Slit Satin Dress

    Special Occasion

    Create an effortlessly captivating look in the Gianna sleek satin formal dress. She features a strapless subtle sweetheart neckline, a wrap-front design at the bodice, a flattering high waist, and a floor-length fitted silhouette with a sultry thigh-high front slit. Complete your outfit with a radiant rhinestone necklace and strappy heels for an unforgettable look.

    Fit & Features

    • Strapless sweetheart neckline
    • Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
    • Wrap-front design at the bodice, pleated detailing
    • Boning detailing to provide structure
    • Back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • High waist seam, floor-length fitted silhouette, high front slit
    • Satin fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1638

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Milena Formal Off The Shoulder Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Radiate elegance with a formal dress that truly captivates. Milena features an off-the-shoulder neckline, a pleated taffeta accent at the bodice, and a curve-hugging mermaid silhouette.  The dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with a rhinestone bracelet and heels. 

    Fit & Features

    • Off the shoulder neckline, no-slip strip
    • Pleated taffeta accent, padded cups, flexible boning
    • Mermaid silhouette
    • Lined crepe fabric 
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1653

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Dorothea Formal High Slit Ruched Dress

    Special Occasion

    Take the plunge into style with a formal dress that wows! Dorothea features a sleeveless plunging V-neckline, ruching throughout, a high slit, and an A-line silhouette. The dress is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a tennis bracelet. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Ruching
    • High slit 
    • A-line silhouette
    • Smooth knit fabric
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1642

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Zora Formal Strapless A-Line Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Mesmerize them all with a formal dress that wows! Zora features a sleeveless square neckline, a ruffled accent at the bodice, a voluminous A-line silhouette with a high side slit. The dress is composed of a woven satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline
    • Ruffled accent at bodice
    • A-line silhouette 
    • High side slit
    • Woven satin fabric 
    • Form hugging fit, minimal stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1650

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $44.97 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Ciara Sleeveless Satin Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Sleek and stunning, you'll fall head over heels for the Ciara sleeveless satin formal dress. She features a sweetheart neckline with a cowl neck draped design, padded cups, spaghetti straps, a flattering high waist, and a floor-length fitted silhouette. The smooth satin-knit fabric offers a moderate stretch. Complete your look with sparkling rhinestone heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, cowl neck draped design
    • Padded cups
    • Spaghetti straps
    • High waist seam
    • Floor-length fitted silhouette
    • Satin-knit fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1659

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance