Formal Dresses
Windsor’s formal dresses are redefining what it means to dress up. Unexpected details take center stage, from sleek cutouts with hardware and sheer illusion panels to dramatic side and front draping. Plunging V-necklines, sculptural cowl necks, off-the-shoulder silhouettes, and corset bodices bring a confident edge, while intentionally ruched mesh adds texture and a distinctly modern touch. For classic black-tie plans, silky satin high-neck gowns deliver polished drama without feeling predictable. Made for weddings, galas, and every dressed-up moment on your calendar, these on-trend formal dresses are elevated, camera-ready, and impossible to overlook.
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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.
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Meadow Formal Open Back Ruffled Dress
Special Occasion
Make a head-turning impression with a formal dress that wows from the moment you enter the room! Meadow features a sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps, a daring open back, a fab bow at the lower back that leads to a ruffled trim, and a mermaid 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 rhinestone clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Open back
- Bow and ruffles at the lower back
- Mermaid silhouette
- Smooth knit fabric, form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1636
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Silvia Chiffon A-Line Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Look and feel enchanting in a long prom dress that captivates from the moment you enter the room. The Silvia formal prom dress features a delicate, sleeveless pleat v-neckline that draws the eye to the fitted empire waist. Her high-cut slit gracefully flows into an a-line silhouette that kisses the floor. The dress is composed of chiffon-lined fabric with no stretch. Complete your look with a statement bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, pleat v-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Fitted empire waist
- High-cut slit, a-line silhouette
- Zipper closure
- Chiffon-lined fabric, no stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1649
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Amanda Open Back Embellished Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Create a dazzling look that will turn heads in the trendy Amanda embellished mini dress. She features a crew neckline, long sheer fitted sleeves, a sultry open back detail, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. The sheer mesh fabric includes a knit lining and is embellished with mini rhinestones for a glamorous vibe. Style this dress with strappy stilettos.
Fit & Features
- Crew neckline
- Long sheer fitted sleeves
- Open back design
- Lower back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Mini-length, bodycon silhouette
- Sheer mesh fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
- All-over rhinestones embellishment
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0768
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Paola Feather Trim Sequin Bodycon Dress
Special Occasion
Dazzle in a bold formal bodycon dress that stands out from the rest! Paola features a plunging V-neckline, long fitted sleeves with a feather trim at the flared hems, a ruched center with a drawstring, a dazzling geometric sequin pattern, and a mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with slight stretch. Complete the look in this mini dress with heels and rhinestone earrings.
Fit & Features
- V-neckline, long fitted sleeves, feather trims, flared hems
- Ruched center with drawstring
- Geometric sequin pattern
- Bodycon, mini-length hem
- Lined mesh fabric, minimal stretch
- Bra-friendly design, back zipper closure
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0769
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $84.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Katharina Formal High Slit Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
Illuminate the night with a sparkling sequin dress that puts you under the spotlight! Katharina features sparkling sequins throughout, a plunging sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a plunging scoop back, and a sexy high side slit. The dress includes a mini skirt-length knit lining. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a rhinestone bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Low scoop back, zipper, hook and eye closure
- High side slit
- Sequin embroidery
- Sheer knit fabric, mini skirt-length lining
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1661
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Callie Sleeveless Satin Midi Dress
Special Occasion
The Callie satin midi dress will keep your formal looks sleek and oh-so-chic! She features a sleeveless cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, front ruching at the waist, and a mid-length, wrap-front fitted silhouette creating a front slit. Style this dress with pretty hoops and clear heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
- Ruching at the waist
- Mid-length, wrap front skirt
- Back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Satin fabric, woven lining
- Fitted silhouette, no stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0759
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Daphne Formal Ruffled Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the romance with a frilly ruffled dress that is perfect for weddings and engagement shoots! Daphne features an off-the-shoulder neckline, a sweetheart bust with ruffled overlay, sleek vertical seams, and a flared mermaid silhouette. The dress offers a form-hugging fit. Complete look with neutral heels and a rhinestone cuff.
Fit & Features
- Off the shoulder neckline
- Sweetheart bust, ruffled overlay
- Vertical seams
- Flared mermaid silhouette
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Crepe fabric
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1654
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Giselle Formal High Slit Crepe Dress
Special Occasion
Stun with a formal dress that brings the elegance to your special evening! Giselle features a sleeveless V-neckline with ruching at the 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 crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with a choker and earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, ruching at the bodice
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, cross-back
- A-line
- High side slit
- Crepe fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1631
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Laurie Rhinestone Velvet Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the drama in the glamorous and chic Laurie mini dress. She features a one-shoulder neckline with a long fitted sleeve, a flattering high waist, ruching down the sides, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. The velvet fabric showcases all-over rhinestone embellishment for a luxe vibe. Style this dress with sparkly hoops.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline
- Single long fitted sleeve
- High waist seam, side ruching
- Mini-length, form-fitting silhouette
- Velvet fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
- Rhinestone embellishment
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0758
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Henley Formal Lace-Up Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Lace-up in a formal dress that brings the radiance to your evening! Henley features a sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps, a bold lace-up back, and a midi-length silhouette accented with a high-side slit. The dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form-flattering fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a sphere clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Lace-up back
- Midi length silhouette
- High side slit
- Lined crepe fabric
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0755
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $34.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Jane Formal High Slit Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Create a head-turning moment with a formal dress that brings the luxe to your evening. Jane features a sleeveless square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a high side slit for a show of leg accented with ruffle trim on the A-line silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Ruffled high side slit
- A-Line silhouette
- Form-fitting design
- Smooth satin fabric, moderate stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1630
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Emely Sequin Mesh Double X-Back Midi Formal Dress
Special Occasion
You're in for a ravishing night in the Emely sequin mesh formal midi dress for your next evening soiree! She features built-in bust support, a V-neckline, and a figure-flattering bodycon silhouette on the slit midi hem. Keep all eyes on you as you walk away thanks to the open, strappy back design. Complete your look in this midi dress with chic heels and rhinestone earrings.
Fit & Features
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Built-in bust support, V-neckline
- Bodycon fit, slit midi hem
- Open, strappy back design
- Zipper closer
- Sequin mesh lined-fabric, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0753
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Zosia Formal Ruffled Bodycon Dress
Special Occasion
Make a stylish statement with a formal bodycon dress that brings the elegance! The dress features a sleeveless V-neckline with a spaghetti strap, a cap sleeve on the left shoulder, a ruffled bodice, and a midi-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, cap sleeve
- Spaghetti strap
- Ruffled bodice
- Midi-length silhouette
- Crepe fabric
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0751
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $36.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Jasmine One-Shoulder Sequin Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Create an elegant and timeless look in the chic Jasmine sequin formal prom dress. She features a sleeveless one-shoulder neckline with dual adjustable spaghetti straps, a flattering high waist, and a floor-length fitted mermaid silhouette. The sheer mesh fabric includes a full knit lining and all-over sequin embroidery in a stunning vintage-inspired scroll pattern. Complete your prom outfit with sleek stiletto heels.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline, dual adjustable spaghetti straps
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Back zipper closure, empire waist
- Floor-length hem, mermaid silhouette
- Sequin embroidery
- Mesh-knit lined fabric
- Runs true to size, moderate stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1626
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Ciela Sequin Scroll X-Back Skater Party Dress
Special Occasion
Rhine and stun in the Ciela party prom dress ready to twirl the night away! She features adjustable spaghetti straps that form the double X-back design, a V-neckline with built-in bust support, and a delicate sequin scroll pattern that shimmers under the dance floor lights. Her skater silhouette fits and flatters every body type. Complete your dazzling prom look with stiletto heels and a sparkly collar necklace.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps
- V-neckline, built-in bust support, no bra required
- Double X-back design, back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Sequin scroll pattern
- Skater silhouette
- Sheer mesh fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0752
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Norvina Sequin Scroll One-Shoulder Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Reign in the night in the showstopping Norvina formal dress! She features a glistening sequin scroll pattern on a one-shoulder, spaghetti strap design that shapes a fitted bodice. Her maid silhouette accentuates every figure on the floor-length hem. The dress is composed of a mesh-knit lined fabric with a moderate stretch and back zipper closure. Complete your dazzling look with chic earrings.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Fitted bodice, mermaid silhouette
- Sequin-scroll pattern, zipper closure
- Maxi-length hem
- Mesh-knit lined fabric
- Moderate stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1627
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Akia Formal High Slit Velvet Dress
Special Occasion
Make your evening a memorable one with a formal dress that brings the elegance to your event. Akia features a sleeveless V-neckline with mesh inset, a double-row of bungee straps, a backless design accented with sleek cross-straps, and a high side slit. The dress is composed of a velvet fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and duster earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, mesh inset
- Double-row bungee straps
- Backless design, cross-back straps
- High side slit
- A-line silhouette
- Velvet fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1612
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Alondra Cowl Neck Metallic Glitter Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Captivate the room in the Alondra metallic glitter dress designed with breathtaking elegance and style, she shines in the light. Her cowl neckline shapes the sleeveless bodice and empire waistline that sweeps into the curve-hugging maxi silhouette of the dress. She brings a sexy show skin with the high front slit, and strappy back detailing. The dress is composed of a mesh-lined knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Complete your look with heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, cowl neckline, empire waist
- Curve-hugging silhouette
- High front slit
- Strappy back detailing
- Metallic glitter design
- Knit lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1618
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Presley Formal High Slit A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Captivate them all with a formal dress that radiates grace and elegance. Presley features a sleeveless scoop neckline with padded cups, mesh tank shoulder straps, a multi-strap back design, a high side slit, and an A-line silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and anklet.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless scoop neckline, padded cups
- Mesh tank shoulder straps
- Multi-strap back design
- High side slit
- A-line silhouette
- Lined crepe fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1619
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Jessica Embroidered Illusion Party Dress
Special Occasion
Trust us, you'll be getting compliments all night long in this sweet little party dress! Jessica is designed with all-over floral embroidery, an illusion sweetheart neckline, and thin spaghetti straps! Wear it with strappy heels and get ready to tear up the dance floor.
Fit & Features- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Illusion sweetheart neckline
- Padded cups, flexible boning
- All-over floral embroidery
- Flared skater skirt
- Partially lined mesh fabric
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0750
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Elisa Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Get ready to dance the night away in jaw-dropping style in this figure-hugging mini dress! Elisa is designed with a stunning sequin design, bodycon fit, and sweetheart neckline. Wear it with a evening bag and twinkling earrings for a night to remember.
Fit & Features
- Sweetheart neckline
- Thin spaghetti straps
- Sequin design
- Back crisscross straps
- Bodycon fit with moderate stretch
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0746
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Paige Ruffled Wrap-Front Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the dramatic flair in the stunningly bold Paige formal dress. She features a sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back lace-up design, a floor-length wrap-front skirt creating a front slit, and chic ruffle detailing. Style this dress with rhinestone fringe earrings and strappy heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Open back, cross-back straps, lace-up strappy design, tie closure
- Princess seams, high waist seam
- Floor-length wrap-front skirt, front slit
- Ruffle detailing
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1622
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Autumn Sequin Mesh Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Gorgeous and glam, the eye-catching Autumn sequin mesh formal dress will have you as the center of attention! She features a sleeveless one-shoulder neckline, a partially open back with a thin strappy design, a lower back cutout, and a floor-length, fitted mermaid silhouette with a sexy thigh-high front slit. Style this dress with rhinestone statement earrings and chic heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline
- Padded cups
- Partially open back, thin strappy design
- Lower back cutout
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette, high front slit
- Sequin adorned mesh fabric
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1616
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $31.97 $84.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Kindra Formal X-Back Glitter Bodycon Dress
Special Occasion
Glow at your event with a formal bodycon dress that makes an illuminating entrance! Kindra features a glitter body throughout, a sleeveless cowl neckline, bungee spaghetti straps, a bold open back with sleek cross-back straps, a geometric pattern, and a mini-length silhouette with a form-hugging fit. The dress is composed of a lurex glitter fabric with a full knit lining and offers a moderate stretch. Complete the look with clear heels and a satin clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Bungee spaghetti straps
- Open back, X-back design
- Geometric pattern
- Mini-length silhouette, form-hugging fit
- Lurex glitter fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sticky bra or pasties recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0749
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale