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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Ireland Formal Sequin Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the sparkle to your evening in a formal dress that makes a breathtaking entrance! Ireland features a plunging V-neckline, long sleeves, sparkling sequins set in a scroll print, and a mermaid silhouette. Ireland is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with rhinestone earrings and a tennis bracelet.
Fit & Features
- V-neckline
- Long sleeves
- Sequins
- Scroll print
- Mermaid silhouette
- Lined mesh fabric
- Form hugging fit, minimal stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1414
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Gretchen Formal Lace-Up Dress
Special Occasion
Lace-up in a formal long dress that brings the wow factor to your evening! Gretchen features a sleeveless square neckline, sleek spaghetti straps, lace-up straps at the back, and a 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 metal cuff.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline, padded cups
- Spaghetti straps
- Lace-up straps at back
- High side slit
- A-line silhouette
- Smooth knit fabric, form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1388
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Lola Formal High Slit Glitzy Glitter Dress
Special Occasion
Flaunt your glam style in the fabulous Lola high slit glitter dress! She features a trendy cowl neckline with a slim-fit bodice, a floor-sweeping silhouette with a sultry high side slit to elongate your legs, and a form-hugging fit. She is composed of glitzy glitter knit fabric that offers a curve-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Pair this gorgeous long dress with a sleek ring set to add some glamour to your look for your special occasion.
Fit & Features
- Cowl neckline, spaghetti straps
- Slim-fit bodice, form-hugging fit
- Floor-length silhouette
- Thigh-high side slit
- Glitter knit fabric, mini-length inner knit lining, moderate stretch
- Sticky bra recommended
- Runs true to size
The saturation of glitter varies. Glitter may transfer.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1397
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Holly Lace-Up Back Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Showcase a chic and sexy vibe in the stunning Holly mermaid dress. She features a sleeveless deep V-neckline, dual spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back lace-up design, a high waist seam, and a curve-hugging fit with a floor-length mermaid silhouette. Style this dress with rhinestone earrings to add some glamour and a pair of strappy stilettos.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless deep V-neckline
- Dual spaghetti straps
- Open back, cross-back lace-up design
- High waist seam
- Form-hugging fit, floor-length mermaid silhouette
- Crepe fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1416
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Beatrix Formal X-Back Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Elevate your evening with a formal dress that brings the sophistication and grace to your outfit. Beatrix features a sleeveless V-neckline, padded cups, spaghetti straps, cross-back straps, and a mermaid silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a slight stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a rhinestone collar.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Padded cups
- Spaghetti straps, cross-back straps
- Mermaid silhouette
- Lined satin fabric
- Form hugging fit, slight stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1408
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Stacy Glitter Knit Mermaid Formal Dress
Special Occasion
The Stacy formal dress captivates the room in a shimmering glitter fabric that sweeps into her curve-accentuating mermaid silhouette. She features a sleeveless, v-neckline, spaghetti straps, and front ruched detail, and a high-cut slit on a maxi length hem. Perfect for styling with silver heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless, spaghetti straps
- V-neckline with padded cups
- Front ruching, high-cut slit
- Mermaid silhouette
- Glitter knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1390
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $64.90
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Nylah Pleated Rainbow A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Make them dazzle with the lovely Nylah dress! She is a floor-length evening gown with 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. Nylah offers a moderate 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
- Cross-back straps
- Empire waist
- Floor-length silhouette
- Two high front slits
- Lined tulle fabric, form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1394
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Fleur Formal Double High Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the glamour to your evening with a formal dress that makes a breathtaking entrance! Fleur features a sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps, lace-up straps, dual high side slits, and an A-line silhouette. The dress is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a cuff.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps
- Adhesive bra recommended
- Lace-up back
- Dual high side slits
- A-line silhouette
- Knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1381
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Kimberly One-Shoulder Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the drama to your formal night out look with the chic Kimberly one-shoulder dress. She features a puff shoulder design, a single long fitted sleeve, pleated detailing at the bodice, a flattering high waist seam, and a floor-length fitted silhouette with a sultry thigh-high front slit. Style this dress with rhinestone earrings and stilettos.
Fit & Features
- One-shoulder neckline
- Puff shoulder, single long fitted sleeve
- Pleated detailing at the bodice
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- High waist seam, floor-length, fitted silhouette, high front slit
- Crepe fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1387
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $8.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Azalea Formal High Slit Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
Showcase your show-stopping looks in the gorgeous Azalea sequin dress. She features a sleeveless bodice, spaghetti straps, a trendy square neckline with padding, a no-slip strip, and a backless design with a lace-up accent. Her high waist seam leads to a floor-length, curve-hugging mermaid silhouette with a high slit for a chic factor. The dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric with an all-over intricate sequin design and includes a stretchy knit lining. Complete your outfit with radiant earrings and a rhinestone cuff.
All eyes are on you in this radiant dress. If sparkle is your signature, discover stunning sequin prom dresses or opt for effortless sophistication with our eye-catching formal dresses.
Fit & Features
- Spaghetti straps
- Square neckline with padding
- Open back with a lace-up design
- Lower back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Floor-length, form-hugging mermaid fit, high side slit
- Mesh fabric with a knit lining, all-over sequin pattern
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1384
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $39.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Lola High Slit Satin Dress 2
Special Occasion
Make a stunning entrance at your next formal affair in the Lola high slit satin dress. This luxurious floor-length dress features a sleeveless cowl neckline, a floor-sweeping silhouette with a sultry high side slit to elongate your legs, and a form-hugging fit. Perfect for weddings, black-tie events, or school dances.
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
- Stretchy satin fabric, non-see-through
- Cowl neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Slim-fit bodice
- High side slit
- Floor-length form-hugging silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1917
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Poppy Formal Scalloped Lace A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Captivate with a formal dress that brings the elegance to your evening! Poppy features a sleeveless V-neckline with scalloped lace trim, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a fitted waist that leads to a near floor-length A-line silhouette. Poppy is composed of an airy tulle mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with rhinestone cuff and rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Scalloped lace trim
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Fitted waist, A-line silhouette
- Tulle mesh fabric
- Form hugging fit, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0640
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $74.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Eden Formal Lace-Up Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Lace-up for a glam night out in a dress that stuns from the moment you walk in. Eden features a sleeveless square neckline with a built-in padded bust, adjustable cross-straps, and an open-back with a sultry lace-up that lets you adjust the fit. Her bodice leads to a flowy mermaid silhouette that hugs your curves. The dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric with a moderate stretch. Complete look with heels and a rhinestone clutch.
Fit & Features
- Square neckline, padded bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps, cross-back design
- Open-back lace-up, zipper closure
- Flowy mermaid silhouette
- Lined crepe fabric, moderate stretch
- Form-hugging fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1340
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Luna Halter A-Line Formal Dress
Special Occasion
If you love a dramatic look that radiates elegance, the Luna formal dress is for you. She features a sleeveless bodice with halter straps with ties at the back of the neck, a plunging V-neckline, an open back, and a floor-sweeping fitted A-line silhouette. Style this dress with sparkly statement earrings and an embellished clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless bodice
- Halter straps, ties at the back of the neck
- Deep V-neckline
- Open back
- Floor-length fitted A-line silhouette
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1588
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Nicole High-Slit Floral Formal Dress
Special Occasion
You'll look oh-so-gorgeous in the flirty floral Nicole formal dress! She features a sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back design, a flattering high waist seam, and a floor-length, fitted silhouette with a thigh-high front slit accented with ruffle detailing. Complete the outfit with basic block heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Spaghetti straps, cross-back design
- High waist seam
- High front slit, ruffle trim
- Floor-length, fitted A-line silhouette
- Floral print
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1368
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Gia Lace-Up Formal High-Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Keep your formal look sultry and stunning in the chic Gia dress! She features a sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to an open back with a lace-up design, ruched detailing, and a floor-length fitted silhouette with a sexy thigh-high front slit. Style this dress with radiant rhinestone earrings and strappy heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline, padded cups
- Spaghetti straps
- Open back, lace-up design
- High waist seam, ruching
- Floor-length fitted silhouette, high front slit
- Knit fabric
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1372
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $13.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Aria High-Slit Satin Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the sultry and bold vibes in the stunning Aria satin mermaid dress! She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline with a wired bust, spaghetti straps, ruched detailing, a high waist seam, and a floor-length mermaid silhouette with a thigh-high front slit. Complete the look with sleek hoop earrings and chic heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, wired bust
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Ruched detailing, high waist seam
- Floor-length mermaid silhouette, high front slit
- Satin knit fabric, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1366
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Amelia Rhinestone Mesh Bodycon Dress
Special Occasion
Elevate your night-out look with the sultry Amelia mini bodycon dress! She features a mock neckline, sheer long fitted sleeves, an illusion bodice with a sheer deep V-insert at the bust, a high waist, and a mini-length, curve-hugging silhouette. The formal short dress is composed of a sheer mesh fabric that includes a skirt lining and chic rhinestone detailing. Complete the outfit with clear heels.
Fit & Features
- Mock neckline, sheer long sleeves
- Illusion bodice, sheer deep V-insert at the bust
- High waist seam, back zipper closure
- Form-fitting, mini-length hem
- Sheer mesh fabric, skirt lining, moderate stretch
- All-over rhinestone embellishment
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0631
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Bette Formal Open Back Crepe Dress
Special Occasion
Make a head-turning moment with a formal dress that wows! The dress features a sleeveless square neckline with padded cups, adjustable spaghetti straps, an open-back design with chiffon tie-back straps, 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 a rhinestone bracelet.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline, padded cups
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Open-back design, lower back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Chiffon tie-back straps
- A-line silhouette
- Crepe fabric
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1370
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Makena Formal High Slit Dress
Special Occasion
Make a memorable entrance with a dress that puts you in the spotlight. Makena features a sleeveless square neckline, a high side slit, and a bold open back design accented with criss-cross bar straps. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a glitter clutch.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline
- High side slit
- Open back
- Criss-cross bar straps
- Form hugging fit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1371
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Marianna High Slit Floral Dress
Special Occasion
Showcase your passion for florals with a formal dress that is perfect for bridal showers and engagement shoots! Marianna features a sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps that cross at the back, a floral print, and a high slit with ruffled trim. Complete look with sandals.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless square neckline
- Spaghetti straps, cross at back
- Floral print
- High slit, ruffled trim
- Maxi length silhouette
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1374
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Carter Sequin Scroll A-Line Formal Dress
Special Occasion
It's your time to shine in the Carter A-line long formal dress for your special night. She features an off-the-shoulder, cuff sleeve neckline with a non-slip grip and a center-notch accent. Her shimmering sequin scroll pattern catches the light showing off her form-fitting silhouette with a sexy high-cut slit. The lined mesh fabric gently kisses the floor along the flowy hem. Complete your glitzy look with this long dress with a rhinestone drop necklace.
Fit & Features
- Off-the-shoulder, cuff sleeves, non-slip grip
- Padded bust, strapless or sticky bra optional
- Center-notch accent at the neckline
- Floor-length A-line silhouette
- High-cut slit, back zipper, hook and eye closure
- Sequin embroidery, scroll pattern
- Sheer mesh fabric, full knit lining, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1359
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Maggie Formal Chiffon A-Line Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Make a dazzling impression with a gorge dress that is perfect for these twirl-worthy moments! Maggie features a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a high waistline with a flared A-line midi silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- High waist
- A-line silhouette
- Midi length
- Lined chiffon fabric
- Relaxed fit, runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0630
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $56.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Tinsley Formal Chiffon Wrap Dress
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself in a formal dress that creates a breathtaking moment! Tinsley features a sleeveless V-neckline, off-the-shoulder straps, an empire waistband, and a flowy wrap silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with block heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Off the shoulder straps
- Empire waistband
- Flowy wrap silhouette
- Lined chiffon fabric
- Relaxed fit, minimal stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1363
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $13.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale