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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STYLE SPOTLIGHT
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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Anais Formal Ruched Satin Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Make your grand entrance with a formal dress that enchants! Anais features a wired V-neckline, ruching at the bust, padded cups, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a mermaid silhouette with a high side slit. 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 tennis bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Wired V-neckline
- Ruching at the bust, padded cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Mermaid silhouette
- High side slit
- Satin fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1582
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Celeste Sleeveless Halter Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Get a gorgeous silhouette in the stunningly chic Celeste midi dress. She features an on-trend sleeveless square neckline with a halter strap, ruched detailing down the back, and a mid-length, curve-hugging silhouette. Complete the look with hoop earrings and chic heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Halter strap
- Ruching down the back
- Mid-length, form-hugging fit
- Lined knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0941
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Angelina Sleeveless Wrap-Front Midi Dress
Special Occasion
The chic Angelina sleeveless midi dress is the perf option to look sleek and stylish for cocktail parties or semi-formal weddings. She features an on-trend cowl neckline, spaghetti straps, a high waist seam to elongate your silhouette, a wrap-front skirt with ruched detailing, and a mid-length, form-hugging fit. Complete the look with strappy stilettos.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps
- Strapless bra recommended
- High waist seam, wrap-front skirt, ruching
- Form-fitting, midi-hem
- Sleek satin knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0732
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Prue Formal Embroidered Sequin Party Dress
Special Occasion
Stun at your special event with a formal party dress that brings the glam! Prue features a sleeveless V-neckline, padded cups, and bungee spaghetti straps. The sheer bodice features an illusion lace, embroidered floral design, sequins, and flexible boning piping accents. The slim-fit bodice leads to a party-length silhouette composed of a lined tulle mesh fabric. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a satin clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, padded cups
- Bungee spaghetti straps
- Sheer illusion lace bodice
- Embroidered floral design with sequins
- Flexible boning
- Party length silhouette
- Form hugging fit, minimal stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0731
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $156.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Zariah Formal Floral Glitter Party Dress
Special Occasion
Step out in a formal dress that makes you feel like one in a million! Zariah features a strapless sweetheart neckline, a built-in no slip strip and padded cups, contrast piping with flexible boning in the bodice, a glitter floral pattern throughout, and a party-length skirt accented with hidden side pockets. The dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric with a petticoat and offers a fit and flare silhouette with minimal stretch. Complete the look with chrome heels and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Strapless sweetheart neckline
- Built-in no slip strip, padded cups
- Contrast piping with flexible boning, back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Floral glitter pattern
- High waist, party length skirt, hidden side pockets
- Lined mesh, petticoat
- Fit and flare silhouette, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1067
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.97 $159.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Live It Up Sequin Mini Dress
Hey babe, live it up and light up the dance floor in this stunning sequin mini dress! It features a sleeveless square neckline, bungee spaghetti straps, and a short, form-hugging silhouette. The sheer mesh fabric includes a full knit lining and has a chic all-over sequin scroll embroidered design. Complete the look with platform heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Bungee spaghetti straps
- Mini-length, form-fitting silhouette
- Sheer mesh fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sequin scroll embroidered design
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1191
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Quinn Formal Off The Shoulder Midi Dress
Mesmerize in a formal dress from the moment you enter the room! The dress features an off-the-shoulder neckline with a sweetheart bust, ruched bodice, short sleeves, and a midi-length silhouette. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a rhinestone bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Off the shoulder neckline
- Sweetheart bust
- Ruched bodice
- Short sleeves
- Midi length silhouette
- Crepe fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0727
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Calla Formal Satin High Slit Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Keep it sophisticated with a satin dress that brings the style! Calla features a plunging sweetheart neckline, a draped ruffle accent at the waist, and a mermaid silhouette with a high side slit. The dress is composed of a satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit. Complete look with a rhinestone cuff and heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
- Draped ruffle accent
- Mermaid silhouette
- High side slit
- Satin fabric
- Form hugging fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1574
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Lessie Formal Off The Shoulder Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Radiate elegance with a formal dress that dazzles from the moment you enter the room! Lessie features an asymmetrical off-the-shoulder neckline, a spaghetti strap, a high side slit, and a mermaid 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 an anklet.
Fit & Features
- Off the shoulder neckline, spaghetti strap
- High side slit
- Mermaid silhouette
- Lined crepe fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1575
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Addie Formal High Slit Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself in a formal dress that captivates from the moment you enter the room! Addie features a plunging V-neckline, a wrap silhouette, and a high slit. The dress is composed of a ribbed smooth knit fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Wrap silhouette
- High slit
- Ribbed smooth knit fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1573
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Devora Formal Glitter Party Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the glitz and glamour with a formal dress that shines from all your best angles! Devora features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with padded cups, tank shoulder straps, hidden side pockets, a party-length silhouette with a ruffled accent at the hem. The dress is composed of a woven glitter knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with rhinestone earrings and heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, padded cups
- Tank shoulder straps
- Hidden side pockets
- Party-length silhouette, petticoat, ruffled hem
- Woven glitter fabric
- Form hugging fit, slight stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0725
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $139.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Lacie Satin V-Neck Skater Dress
Special Occasion
Perfect for parties and celebrations alike, Lacie brings head-turning style to your next event! She features a sleeveless v-neckline, spaghetti straps, lace-up open back with tie closure, high-waist seam, and hidden side pockets for keeping your hands warm. Her flirty fit and flare short-length hem is perfect for showing off new rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless v-neckline, spaghetti straps
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Lace-up open back, tie closure
- Hidden side pockets
- Short, skater silhouette
- Smooth satin fabric
- Fits true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1066
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $129.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Oksana Formal Satin Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Make a striking impression with a formal mini dress that is perf for raising a toast at cocktail hour! Oksana features a sleeveless V-neckline with padded cups, tank-like shoulder straps, vertical seams at the bust, and a mini-length silhouette with a draped ruffle accent. The dress is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a rhinestone bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Padded cups, tank-like shoulder straps
- Vertical seams the bust
- Draped ruffle accent at hem
- Mini length silhouette
- Lined satin fabric
- Form-hugging fit, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0724
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Dasha Formal Satin Party Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the luxe to your event with a formal party dress that dazzles from the moment you enter the room! The dress features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, padded cups, flexible boning for structure, spaghetti straps that cross at the back, and a pleated party-length skirt accented with a voluminous petticoat. The dress is composed of a satin fabric that offers a fit and flare silhouette with minimal stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, padded cups
- Flexible boning
- Spaghetti straps, cross at back
- Pleated party length skirt, petticoat
- Lined satin fabric
- Fit and flare silhouette, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0722
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $134.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Waverly Formal Glitter And Sequin Party Dress
Special Occasion
Make the A-list with a formal party dress that brings all the glitz to your night out! Waverly features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, a built-in no slip strip, flexible boning in the bodice, padded cups, a sequin and glitter pattern throughout, a lace-up back, and a party length silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with chrome heels and a clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
- Built-in no-slip strip
- Padded cups, flexible boning
- Sequin and glitter pattern
- Party length silhouette, hidden side pockets
- Lined mesh fabric
- Form hugging fit, minimal stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0718
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $44.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Juniper Formal Embroidered Party Dress
Special Occasion
Make a stunning impression with a formal dress that impresses with luxe details! Juniper features a sleeveless V-neckline with padded cups, adjustable spaghetti straps, a partially lined bodice, a gorge embroidered filigree design accented with rhinestones, and a tulle mesh party length silhouette. The dress is composed of a partially lined tulle mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a satin clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline with padded cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Partially lined bodice
- Embroidered filigree design with rhinestones
- Mesh tulle party length skirt
- Lined tulle mesh fabric
- Form hugging fit, minimal stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0720
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $156.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Selena Ruched Satin Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
The gorgeous Selena formal long dress will have you feeling chic all night! She features a trendy sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back lace-up strap design, ruched detailing at the lower back, and a floor-length, fitted mermaid silhouette. The smooth satin-like fabric offers a moderate stretch. Style the formal satin long dress with strappy heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline
- Spaghetti straps, cross-back lace-up strap design
- Ruching at the lower back
- Floor-length, fitted mermaid silhouette
- Satin-like fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1568
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Star Formal One-Shoulder Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Seal in your formal look with a crepe dress that elevates your special evening outfit. Star features a one-shoulder neckline with a bow accent on the shoulder, a lightly pleated bodice, a high side slit, and a mermaid silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete the look with a rhinestone collar and stilettos.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline, bow accent
- Lightly pleated bodice
- High side slit, mermaid silhouette
- Lined crepe fabric
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Style runs large
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1569
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Talulla Formal One-Shoulder Sequin Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Channel a look that is over the top with a formal mini dress that brings the glitz! Talulla features a one-shoulder neckline with a secure no-slip strip, a fitted long sleeve, sparkling sequins throughout, a mini-length silhouette, and a draped train accent. The mini dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete the look with chrome heels and door-knocker earrings. Be sure to shop this dress in the other luxe fabrications!
Shop Crepe Dress: Emily One-Shoulder Pleated Asymmetric Mini Dress
Shop Velvet Dress: Zhuri Formal One-Shoulder Velvet Dress
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline, no-slip strip at the bust
- Fitted long sleeve
- All-over sequin embroidery
- Mini-length silhouette
- Draped train accent
- Form-hugging fit, minimal stretch
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0716
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Kinsley One-Shoulder High-Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Chic and stunning, the Kinsley formal dress is perfect for any time you need to stylishly slay your look! She features a sleeveless one-shoulder neckline with a supportive tank shoulder strap, a high waist seam, side ruched detailing, and a floor-length, slim silhouette with a sultry thigh-high side slit. Complete the outfit with sparkly rhinestone earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline
- Tank shoulder strap
- High side slit, ruching
- High waist seam
- Floor-length, slim silhouette
- Lined crepe fabric, knit lining
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1564
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Ciara Puff Sleeve Sequin Bodycon Dress
Special Occasion
The Ciara sequin bodycon dress is perf for achieving a flirty and chic party look! She features a square neckline, trendy short puff sleeves, a high waist seam, and a mini-length, form-hugging silhouette. The sheer mesh fabric includes a full knit lining and all-over sequin embroidery. Style this dress with cute mules.
Fit & Features
- Square neckline
- Short puff sleeves, elastic cinched hems
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- High waist seam, mini-length, form-hugging silhouette
- Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sequin embroidery
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0713
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Ella Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Create a picture-perfect fairytale look in the stunning Ella sequin bodycon dress! She features a sleeveless V-neckline with a wrap-front design, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, and a short, form-hugging silhouette. The sheer mesh fabric includes a full knit lining and all-over blue sequins with a pretty iridescent hue embroidered in a vintage-inspired scroll pattern. Style this dress with clear heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, wrap-front, padded bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- V-back design, zipper and hook and eye closure
- High waist seam, mini-length, form-fitting silhouette
- Sheer mesh fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sequin embroidery, scroll pattern
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0714
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Remi Sequin Mesh Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Illuminate the night in the stunning sequin-adorned Remi mermaid dress. She features a sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a flirty open back with a lace-up design, and a floor-length, fitted, mermaid silhouette. The lined mesh fabric has chic all-over sequin embroidery in a vintage-inspired pattern. Complete the look with radiant rhinestone earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Spaghetti straps, open back, lace-up design
- Lower back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sequin embroidery, scroll pattern
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1561
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Belle Formal Illusion Lace And Satin Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Make your grand entrance in a formal dress that brings the drama! Belle features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with padded cups, an illusion lace bodice with heat stones, contrast piping seams, a high side slit with ruffled trim, and a mermaid silhouette. The dress is composed of a satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, padded cups
- Illusion lace bodice, heat stones
- Contrast piping seams
- High side slit with ruffled trim
- Mermaid silhouette
- Satin fabric, includes mini skirt length knit lining
- Form hugging fit, minimal stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1562
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance