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.

  • Whitney Formal High-Slit Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion

    Bring the elegance to your look with a formal dress that wows! The dress features a sleeveless V-neckline with padded cups, spaghetti straps, a lace-up back, a high side slit with a ruched drawstring, 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 a rhinestone anklet and glitter heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline, padded cups
    • Bungee spaghetti straps
    • Lace-up back design
    • High side slit with ruched drawstring 
    • Mermaid silhouette 
    • Knit fabric, short knit lining, form-hugging fit, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1493

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $39.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Zendaya Lace-Up Back Mermaid Formal Dress

    Special Occasion 

    The Zendaya formal dress will have heads turning all night long. Look and feel like a dream in her stunning mermaid silhouette, lace-up back, and a sexy slit along the floor-length hem. She's composed of a shiny-smooth knit fabric that effortlessly drapes your body and offers a moderate stretch. Complete your elegant look with a rhinestone necklace and clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless, spaghetti straps
    • Scoop neckline
    • Lace-up back design
    • Mermaid silhouette
    • High-cut slit, floor-length hem
    • Shiny-smooth knit fabric, moderate stretch
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1487

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Nayeli Formal High Slit Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Make a breathtaking entrance in a formal dress that enchants from the moment you enter the room! Nayeli features a sleeveless scoop neckline, spaghetti straps, a backless design with sleek bar straps, ruching, and 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 rhinestone heels and a tennis bracelet. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless scoop neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Backless design, bar straps
    • Ruching 
    • Mermaid silhouette, high side slit
    • Lined crepe fabric 
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1488

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $56.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Jianna Formal A-Line Crepe Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Create a stylish moment with a formal dress that captures hearts from the moment you enter the room! Jianna features a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, and an A-Line silhouette with a high side slit. The dress is composed of a scuba knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a rhinestone clutch. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless wired V-neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps 
    • A-line silhouette
    • High side slit
    • Scuba knit fabric 
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1496

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Layla Sleeveless High-Slit Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Reign in elegance in the chic Layla formal dress. She features a sleeveless bodice with a bustier-designed top, thin shoulder straps, and a low back. Her high waist seam leads to a floor-length fitted silhouette with a sexy thigh-high front slit. Add some sparkle with rhinestone earrings and complete the look with strappy heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless bodice, square neckline
    • Bustier-designed top, padded cups, flexible boning
    • Thin shoulder straps, low back
    • High waist seam, floor-length fitted silhouette
    • Hight front slit
    • Crepe fabric
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1489

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $56.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Michelle High-Slit Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    For a sleek and chic look where all eyes will be on you, Michelle is a stylish choice! She features a sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps, an open back with lower back strap details, side ruching, and a fitted, floor-length silhouette with a sultry thigh-high side slit. Complete the outfit with embellished hoop earrings and clear heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps
    • Open back, lower back strap details
    • Side ruching
    • Floor-length, form-hugging fit
    • High side slit
    • Smooth stretchy knit fabric
    • Sticky bra or pasties recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7453

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Giada Formal Ruched Midi Bodycon

    Special Occasion 

    Stun them all with a formal bodycon that makes a captivating impression! Giada features an off-the-shoulder neckline, long sleeves, a ruched body, and a midi-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined lurex fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with block heels and a rhinestone anklet. 

    Fit & Features

    • Off the shoulder neckline
    • Long sleeves
    • Ruched body
    • Midi length 
    • Bodycon fit, moderate stretch 
    • Lined lurex knit 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0658

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Meriah Formal High Slit A-Line Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Elevate your formal wear with a stunning dress that stands out for your special evening! Meriah features a sleeveless square neckline, a U-shaped insert with underwire, adjustable spaghetti straps, and an A-line silhouette with a high side slit. The dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with heels and a rhinestone anklet. 

    Fit & Features 

    • Sleeveless square neckline
    • U-shaped underwire insert
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • A-line silhouette
    • High side slit
    • Lined crepe fabric 
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch  
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1473

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Brynne Formal Sequin Scroll Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Beam and glow with a formal dress that will make you the highlight of the evening! Brynne features a sleeveless V-neckline with padded cups, multiple adjustable spaghetti straps that cross at the back, a sequin scroll pattern, a midi length silhouette, and a back center slit. 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 rhinestone headband. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline, built-in padded bust
    • Multiple adjustable spaghetti straps cross at the back
    • Sequin scroll print
    • Midi length silhouette
    • Back center slit
    • Lined mesh fabric
    • Form hugging fit, minimal stretch, runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0659

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Caroline Lace Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion

    Showcase a gorgeous elegant vibe in the stunning Caroline lace mermaid dress. She features a flattering sweetheart neckline, sheer lace shoulder straps that lead to an open back design, a high waist seam, and a floor-length form-hugging mermaid silhouette. Style this dress with rhinestone earrings and a chic tennis bracelet.

    Fit & Features

    • Sweetheart neckline, no slip strip
    • Sheer lace shoulder straps
    • Open back design
    • Partially smocked back, zipper closure
    • High waist seam, floor-length mermaid silhouette
    • Lined lace fabric
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1481

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $84.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Stella Sequin High-Slit Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Sparkle up the night in the stunning Stella sequin formal dress! She features a sleeveless scoop neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a V-back design with a zipper closure, a high waist with a front tiered accent, and a floor-length silhouette with a thigh-high front slit. The sheer knit fabric includes a short knit lining and beautiful all-over sequin embroidery. Style this dress with clear heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless scoop neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • V-back design, zipper and hook and eye closure
    • High waist, front tiered accent
    • Floor-length silhouette, high front slit
    • Sheer knit fabric, short knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Sequin embroidery
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1477

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Erika Floral Chiffon Wrap A-Line Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Effortless beauty perfectly describes the Erika formal dress in all her floral glory. Charm the room in her sleeveless, surplice v-neck design with a wrap front tie on a fitted empire waist and criss-cross back straps. She features a flattering a-line silhouette with a high-cut slit on a floor-length hem perfect for twirling the evening away! The formal dress is composed of a chiffon-lined fabric with no stretch. Complete your stunning look with sparkly duster earrings.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless, adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Padded v-neckline, surplice accent
    • Wrap tie-front, empire waist, criss-cross back straps
    • A-line silhouette, high-cut slit
    • Floor-length hem, zipper closure
    • Floral chiffon-lined fabric, no stretch
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1474

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Ava Ruched Velvet Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion

    Have a major chic moment in the stylish and stunning Ava velvet formal dress! She features a sleeveless deep V-neckline, spaghetti straps, a high waist seam, ruched detailing, and a floor-length mermaid silhouette with a thigh-high front slit. Complete the look with rhinestone statement earrings and heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless deep V-neckline, padding cups
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Back zipper closure
    • High waist seam, ruching
    • Floor-length mermaid silhouette, front slit
    • Velvet fabric
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1469

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Laurel Formal Lace Illusion Corset Dress

    Special Occasion

    Part sultry, part glam, the Laurel dress elevates your formal evening outfit. She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with removable adjustable spaghetti straps, padded cups, a corset-like bodice with piping accents, and an A-line silhouette. She stands out with a two-tone lace illusion accented with a knit lining and tulle. Complete look with heels and faux leather clutch. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, padded cups
    • Removable adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Corset-like bodice with piping details 
    • A-line silhouette 
    • Two-tone floral lace illusion 
    • Knit lining, tulle
    • Form hugging fit, slight stretch, runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1470

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Cressida Formal Glitter A-Line Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Create a magical moment with a formal dress that adds that special glow! Cressida features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, a corset-like bodice with contrast piping, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a flowy A-line silhouette accented with a knee-length knit lining. The dress is composed of a glitter mesh fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with slight stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
    • Corset-like bodice, contrast piping
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • A-line silhouette
    • Glitter mesh fabric 
    • Knee-length knit lining
    • Form hugging fit, slight stretch, runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1471

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $119.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Claudette Formal Lace-Up Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Lace-up in a dress that brings glamour to your formal event. The dress features a sleeveless cowl neckline, padded cups, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back, lace-up back, 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 a rhinestone bracelet. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless cowl neckline, padded cups
    • Spaghetti straps, cross back
    • Lace-up back 
    • Mermaid silhouette
    • Lined crepe fabric 
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1472

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Shay Formal One Shoulder Asymmetrical Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Strike an elegant impression with a formal dress that is perfect for a classy affair! The dress features a one-shoulder neckline with a sweetheart bust, a fitted long sleeve, and an asymmetrical high side slit. 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 anklet. 

    Fit & Features 

    • One-shoulder neckline, sweetheart bust
    • Fitted long sleeve
    • Asymmetrical high side slit
    • Smooth knit fabric 
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1465

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $62.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Isabella Halter A-Line Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    The Isabella dress is the perfect option for weddings, formal parties, or anytime you want to look and feel elegant and chic! She features a sleeveless square neckline, halter spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back lace-up design, and a floor-length, A-line fitted silhouette. Style this dress with rhinestone earrings to add a subtle hint of glamour.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline
    • Halter spaghetti straps
    • Cross-back lace-up design
    • Floor-length A-line fitted silhouette
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1464

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Greta Formal High Slit Chiffon Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Grace them all with a gorgeous dress that mesmerizes with each twirl! Greta features V-neck and back, vertical princess seams, sheer short flutter chiffon sleeves, and a flowy A-line silhouette with a high slit. Greta is composed of a lined chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with heels and a shoulder bag.

    Fit & Features

    • V-neck and back
    • Vertical princess seams
    • Back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • Sheer short flutter sleeves
    • A-line silhouette
    • Lined chiffon fabric, relaxed fit, minimal stretch 
    • Runs true to size 

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1463

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • April Formal Lace Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Impress in lace! You'll stun in this formal dress the moment you enter the room! April features a sweetheart neckline with padded cups, a partially unlined bodice with piping accents, long lace sleeves, and a mermaid silhouette with a high side slit. The dress is composed of a combination lace and crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with chrome heels and a rhinestone anklet. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sweetheart neckline, padded cups
    • Partially lined bodice, piping
    • Long lace sleeves
    • Mermaid silhouette, high side slit
    • Crepe fabric 
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1446

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Kiara Satin High-Slit Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion

    Sleek and chic, the Kiara satin dress will definitely make a stunning statement. She features a sleeveless V-neckline, ruched detailing at the bust, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a floor-length mermaid silhouette with a sultry thigh-high front slit. Style this dress with rhinestone earrings and heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Ruching at the bust
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Open back, zipper closure
    • Floor-length mermaid silhouette, high front slit
    • Satin fabric
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1443

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Aurora High-Slit Fitted Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Effortlessly elevate your look with the classic and chic Aurora midi dress. She features a sleeveless wired deep V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a high waist seam, and a mid-length, curve-hugging silhouette with a stylish thigh-high front slit. Complete the outfit with cute mules.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless wired V-neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • Princess seams, high waist seam
    • Mid-length, form-hugging fit, high front slit
    • Crepe fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0653

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Marissa Rhinestone Sheer Mesh Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    The sheer mesh detailing of the Marissa mini dress will give your style major sultry-chic vibes. The dress features a sweetheart neckline with a structured and lined bust, long sheer fitted sleeves, a sheer panel under the bust to create a corset-like silhouette, an open-back design, and a short lined skirt with a curve-hugging fit. The mesh fabric has all-over rhinestone embellishment to add a stunning sparkle. Wear this dress with rhinestone earrings and strappy heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sweetheart neckline, structured and lined bust
    • Long sheer fitted sleeves, padded cups
    • Sheer panel under the bust
    • Open-back design, lower back zipper closure
    • Mini-length lined skirt, form-hugging silhouette
    • Mesh fabric, rhinestone embellishment
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0652

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Chic Sparkle Corset Mini Dress

    Bring a chic sparkle to your night-out look with this stunning mesh mini dress! It features a strapless square neckline with an angled design, a corset-designed bodice with flexible boning, side ruching, and a short, curve-hugging silhouette. The sheer mesh fabric has a full knit lining and is embellished with all-over iridescent rhinestones. Complete the outfit with clear heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Strapless square neckline, angled design
    • Corset-designed bodice, flexible boning
    • Back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • Side ruching, short, form-fitting silhouette
    • Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining, moderate stretch
    • All-over mini iridescent rhinestone embellishment
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1126

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $50.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free