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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Rachel Rhinestone Mesh Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Step out in style in the sultry-chic Rachel formal dress! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a sheer illusion corset-designed bodice with all-over rhinestone detailing. Her flattering high waist flows out to a floor-length sheer mesh skirt with a lining featuring a thigh-high side slit. Complete the look with a luxe rhinestone necklace.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, back zipper closure
- Sheer illusion corset-designed bodice, lined bust
- Rhinestone detailing
- High waist, floor-length skirt, A-line silhouette
- Sheer mesh fabric, lining with a high side slit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1530
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Quinn Formal Floral Ruffled A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Make a sweet impression with a formal dress that brings gorgeous details to your special event! The dress features a floral print, a sleeveless V-neckline with a ruffled trim, adjustable spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back design, tiered ruffles, and a flowy A-line silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with wedges to have yourself bridal shower ready!
Fit & Features
- Floral print
- Sleeveless V-neckline, ruffled trim
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, cross-back
- Tiered ruffles
- A-line silhouette
- Lined chiffon fabric, mini skirt length knit lining
- Relaxed fit, minimal stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1523
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Renata Formal Heat Stone Illusion Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Step out with a formal dress that enchants with stunning details for your formal event. Renata features a mock neck, long sleeves, a sheer illusion waist with flexible boning, sparkling heat stones throughout, and a mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a partially lined mesh fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with door knocker earrings.
Fit & Features
- Mock neck
- Long sheer fitted sleeves
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Illusion waist, flexible boning
- Heat stones
- Mini-length silhouette
- Partially lined mesh fabric, form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0717
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $72.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Daisy Pleated Tulle Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Dress up for prom like the princess you are with our breath-taking Daisy dress! She is a floor-length evening gown with a floral print, a plunging V neckline, and thin adjustable straps that create an X back. Her wide empire waist leads to a floor-length skirt that dances around your ankles. She is composed of pleated tulle fabric with a sheer appearance and a thin knit lining that features two front slits. Daisy offers a minimal stretch and includes a hidden zipper. Complete look with a rhinestone clutch and a dainty rhinestone bracelet.Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Cross-back straps
- Empire waist, floor-length silhouette, two high front slits
- Floral print
- Lined tulle fabric
- Flowy fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1524
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Margaret Formal Satin Wrap Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself in a glam formal dress that captivates from the moment you enter the room! Margaret features a sleeveless cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, corset seams with flexible boning, and a ruched wrap midi silhouette. The dress is composed of a satin fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with heels and rhinestone earrings.
With a smooth, luminous finish, this dress was made to shine. Keep the luxe look going with breathtaking satin prom dresses or go for a sophisticated statement with our wedding guest dresses.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Built-in padded bust
- Corset seams, flexible boning
- Ruching, wrap midi skirt
- Buttery soft silk fabric, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0672
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $59.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: NAVY
Available Size: S
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Lalana Formal One Shoulder Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Create an enchanting moment with a formal dress that stands out as a true one of a kind! Lalana features a one-shoulder neckline, a fitted long sleeve with a padded shoulder, ruching, a mini side slit, and a mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone stilettos and rhinestone hair clips to create a fab side part.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline
- Fitted long sleeve, padding at the shoulder
- Ruching
- Mini side slit
- Mini length silhouette
- Lined crepe fabric, additional knit lining
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0673
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Willow Sequin Scroll Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Chic and stunning, the Willow formal dress is perf for those special events where you want to make a grand entrance. She features an off-the-shoulder plunging wired V-neckline that is perfect for pairing with a statement necklace, short sleeves, a floor-length A-line silhouette with a form-hugging fit throughout, and a sultry thigh-high front slit. The lined mesh fabric has an intricate sequin scroll embroidered design for a luxe look. Complete the outfit with strappy heels.
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder wired deep V-neckline, short sleeves
- Adhesive bra or fashion tape recommended
- High side slit
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Fitted waist, floor-length A-line
- Sheer mesh fabric, knit lining
- Sequin scroll embroidered design
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1521
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Alora Formal Sequin Scroll Bodycon
Special Occasion
Make a dazzling impression with a formal bodycon dress that stuns at your special event! Alora features a square neckline, long sleeves, a sequin scroll print, and a mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with slight stretch. Complete look with nude heels and rhinestone earrings.
Fit & Features
- Square neckline
- Long fitted sleeves
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Sequin scroll print
- Mini-length silhouette
- Lined mesh fabric, form-hugging fit, slight stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0703
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Charlotte Asymmetrical Satin Mini Dress
Special Occasion
If you want a trendy and chic eye-catching look, the Charlotte sleek satin mini dress is for you! She features a one-shoulder neckline with a single long fitted sleeve, a high waistband with a dramatic floor-length side draped panel, and a short, wrap-front skirt with a curve-hugging silhouette. Style this dress with sparkly earrings and clear heels.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline, long fitted sleeve
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- High waistband, floor-length side draped panel
- Mini-length, form-hugging fit, wrap-front skirt
- Satin knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0668
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Clarissa One-Shoulder Sequin Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the glamour to your formal night out look in the sultry-chic Clarissa dress! She features a sleeveless one-shoulder neckline with a tank shoulder strap, a high waist seam, and a fitted, floor-length silhouette with a thigh-high side slit. The dress showcases a gorgeous all-over sequin scroll print. Style this dress with rhinestone statement earrings and strappy heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless one-shoulder neckline, padded cups
- Tank shoulder strap
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- High waist seam
- Fitted, floor-length silhouette, high side slit
- Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
- Embroidered sequin scroll print
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1520
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Phoebe Formal Velvet Flocked Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Radiate timeless elegance with a formal dress that captivates. Phoebe features a sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps, velvet floral flocked pattern, and a sweeping mermaid silhouette with train. The dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with stiletto heels and a sleek clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Velvet floral flocked pattern
- Mermaid silhouette with train
- Crepe fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch,
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1509
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Adora Formal Sequin Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the glitz and shine to your evening with a formal dress that illuminates the night! Adora features a plunging V-neckline with padded cups, a double row of adjustable spaghetti straps, a cross-back design, a sequin scroll pattern, and a midi-length silhouette. The 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 for ultimate glam!
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, padded cups
- Double-row adjustable spaghetti straps
- Cross-back design, lower back zipper and hook-eye closure
- Midi-length silhouette
- Sequin scroll pattern, lined mesh fabric, minimal stretch
- Bra opitional
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1333
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Capri Formal High Slit Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Make a mesmerizing entrance with a formal dress that stuns from the moment you walk in. Capri features a square neckline, short puff sleeves, and an A-line silhouette with a daring high slit. 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
- Square neckline
- Short puff sleeves
- A-line silhouette
- High slit
- Satin fabric
- Form hugging fit, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1514
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Rowena Sequin Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Chic and glamorous, the Rowena sequin mermaid long dress will stylishly elevate your formal night-out look. With a lace-up strap design and fitted mermaid silhouette with a high slit, you'll deliver stunning style.
Sequins bring the perfect mix of elegance and fun. Want more options? Shine in a sparkling sequin prom dress or make an entrance in our glamorous party dresses.
Fit & Features
- Sheer mesh fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch, embroidered sequin scroll design
- Sleeveless square neckline, padded bust
- Spaghetti straps, open back, lace-up strap design, tie closure
- Lower back zipper with hook and eye closure
- High waist seam
- Fitted floor-length mermaid silhouette, high front slit
- Runs true to size
Where to Wear:
Prom, black-tie parties and galas, fancy engagement parties
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1512
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $109.90
Availability: In Stock
Available Color: NAVY
Available Size: XS, S
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sarah Off-The-Shoulder Sequin Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Gorgeous and glam, the Sarah sequin midi dress will create a dazzling formal night-out look. She features an off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline with built-in padded cups for all-night dancing support. Her high waist seam hugs your curves on the mid-length, fitted silhouette, and a flirty trumpet wrap hem. The sheer mesh fabric includes a full knit lining and a chic all-over sequin embroidered design. Style this dress with rhinestone statement earrings.
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder sweetheart neckline, built-in padded cups
- Short fitted sleeves, back zipper closure
- High waist seam, mid-length, fitted silhouette
- Trumpet hem, wrap-front design
- Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining, minimal stretch
- Sequin embroidery
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0666
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Henley Formal One Shoulder Glitter Dress
Special Occasion
Make a glitzy impression in a formal dress that illuminates your evening! Henley features a one-shoulder neckline with a bow accent strap for added detail and a mermaid curve-defining silhouette. The dress is composed of a glitter knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Complete look with a rhinestone anklet and earrings.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline, adhesive bra recommended
- Shoulder strap with bow accent
- Mermaid silhouette
- Glitter knit fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1510
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Georgia Formal One Shoulder Mini Dress
Special Occasion
Make a stunning entrance with a formal mini dress that commands attention! Georgia features a one-shoulder neckline, a short sleeve accent, and a mini-length 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.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline, adhesive bra recommended
- Short sleeve accent
- Mini length silhouette
- Form-hugging fit
- Smooth knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0975
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Effie Formal Heatstone Bodycon
Special Occasion
Get ready to glow in this chic bodycon for your next night out! Effie features a sleeveless scoop neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, sparkling heat stones throughout, dual ruched drawstrings, and a mini-length silhouette. Complete look with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless scoop neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Heat stones
- Dual ruched drawstrings
- Mini length silhouette
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0660
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $45.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Xena Formal Pleated Bodycon
Special Occasion
Mesmerize with a formal bodycon that pulls all the stops! Xena features a sleeveless square neckline, a pleated throughout, and a mini-length 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 statement earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Pleats
- Bodycon fit
- Form hugging, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0661
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Hazel-Anne Formal Ruched Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Enter the room with timeless elegance in a formal dress that captivates from the moment you enter the room! The dress features a sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps, ruching, a high side, and a mermaid silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete the look with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps
- Ruching
- High side slit
- Mermaid silhouette
- Lined satin fabric
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Strapless or sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1486
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $66.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Penelope Off-The-Shoulder Ruched Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Classic and chic, the Penelope midi dress is perf for your next cocktail party. She features an off-the-shoulder V-neckline with a wrap-front design, long fitted sleeves, side ruched detailing, and a mid-length, form-fitting silhouette to hug your curves. Style this dress with glitzy rhinestone earrings and strappy heels.
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder V-neckline
- Wrap-front design
- Long fitted sleeves
- Side ruching
- Mid-length, form-hugging fit
- Slinky knit fabric, knit lining, plenty of stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0663
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Lola High Slit Velvet Dress
Special Occasion
Flaunt your natural beauty in our fabulous Lola dress! She features a trendy pleated cowl neckline with a slim fit bodice, a floor-sweeping silhouette with a sultry high slit, and a form-hugging fit. Pair this gorgeous dress with a sleek ring set to add some glamour to your look for your special occasion.
Shop Lola In More Colors: Lola Dress Collection
Fit & Features
- Spaghetti straps
- Pleated cowl neckline and square back
- Slim fit bodice
- Floor-length silhouette with a thigh-high slit
- Fully-lined stretchy velvet fabric
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1491
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Melissa Long Sleeve Ruched Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Showcase a gorgeous, figure-flattering silhouette in the chic Melissa ruched midi dress. She features a V-neckline with a wrap-front design, long fitted sleeves, ruched detailing, and a mid-length, curve-hugging fit. Complete the look with statement earrings and a sleek clutch.
Fit & Features
- V-neckline, wrap-front design
- Long fitted sleeves
- Ruching
- Mid-length, form-fitting silhouette
- Lined slinky knit fabric, plenty of stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0664
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Camille Glitter Knit Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Gorgeous and glam, the Camille glitter knit formal dress will make a stylish statement. She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, a padded bust with ruched detailing, spaghetti straps, and a floor-length mermaid silhouette. The dress is composed of a textured glitter knit fabric that offers moderate stretch and a figure-flattering silhouette. Complete the look with sparkly earrings and block heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
- Padded bust, ruched detailing
- Spaghetti straps
- Floor-length fitted mermaid silhouette
- Glitter knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
The saturation of glitter varies. Glitter may transfer.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1507
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale