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.

  • 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
  • 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
  • Ariella Heat Stone Mermaid Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Showcase gorgeous radiance when you enter the room in the floor-sweeping Ariella formal dress. She features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, dual adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, a chic strappy lace-up back design, all-over heat stone embellishment for that glamorous sparkle, and a fitted mermaid silhouette with a sultry thigh-high side slit to show some leg. Complete the look with sleek stilettos.

    Fit & Features

    • Sweetheart neckline, dual adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Adhesive bra recommended
    • Lace-up back, high side slit
    • Heat stone embellishments
    • Mermaid silhouette, floor-length hem
    • Minimal stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2353

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $109.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Ellery Formal Satin And Lace Party Dress

    Special Occasion

    Make a captivating entrance with a sophisticated formal dress that creates a picture-perfect moment! Ellery features a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps that cross at the back, floral lace back, and a party-length silhouette accented with hidden side pockets. The dress is composed of a lined stretchy satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a clutch. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, cross at back 
    • Floral lace back 
    • Hidden side pockets
    • Party length silhouette
    • Lined stretchy satin fabric 
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0629

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Zhuri Formal One-Shoulder Velvet Dress

    Special Occasion

    Make an elegant impression with a dress that stuns from the moment you enter the room! Zhuri features a one-shoulder neckline, a single fitted long sleeve, and a mini-length silhouette with a draped train. The dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and anklets. Be sure to shop this dress in the other luxe fabrications!

    Shop Crepe Dress: Emily One-Shoulder Pleated Asymmetric Mini Dress

    Shop Sequin Dress: Talulla Formal One-Shoulder Sequin Mini Dress

    Fit & Features

    • One-shoulder neckline, fitted long sleeve
    • Back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • Mini-length silhouette
    • Draped train
    • Lined velvet fabric
    • Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0628

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Bianca Ruched Mermaid Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Get a gorgeous, curve-hugging silhouette in the simple yet chic Bianca formal dress. She features a sleeveless deep V-neckline with a padded bust, spaghetti straps, front and back ruched detailing, and a floor-length, form-fitting mermaid silhouette. Style this dress with rhinestone earrings to add a pretty sparkle to the look.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline, built-in padded bust
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Front and back ruching
    • Floor-length mermaid silhouette
    • Form-hugging fit
    • Crepe fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1922

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Delta Formal Cutout Glitter Dress

    Special Occasion

    Bring the glow to your look with a formal dress that is all about the glitz! Delta features a sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps, a cutout at the midriff with a twisted strap accent, and a slim-fit silhouette. The dress is composed of a glitter knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and rhinestone hoops. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Cutout at the midriff, twisted strap accent
    • Slim fit silhouette
    • Glitter knit fabric
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1351

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $56.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Alexia Formal High Slit Illusion Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Create a captivating moment with a formal dress that brings elegance to your evening soirees! Alexia features a sleeveless V-neckline with a padded bust, adjustable spaghetti straps for a customized fit, a contrast sheer mesh bodice, ruching, and a floor-length A-line silhouette with a high slit. The formal dress is composed of a lined crepe fabric with a moderate stretch. Complete the look with rhinestone heels and a clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Padded bust, no bra required
    • Contrast illusion sheer mesh bodice
    • Back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • Floor-length A-line silhouette, high slit
    • Lined crepe fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1358

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Paola Formal Ruched Floral Lace Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Make major waves with a formal dress that captivates from the moment you enter the room! Paola features a sleeveless V-neckline with padded cups, adjustable spaghetti straps, a floral lace back with lower back keyhole, a ruched body throughout, and a mermaid silhouette. The dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with heels and a clutch. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline, padded cups
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Floral lace back, lower back keyhole
    • Ruching
    • Lined mesh fabric 
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1357

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Ella Cowl Neck Satin Dress

    Special Occasion

    Enchant the room instantly in this gorgeous floor-length gown! Ella features a stunning sleeveless cowl neck, flattering high slit, and sleek spaghetti straps. 

    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

    • Stretch satin lined fabric
    • Cowl neck, sleek spaghetti straps
    • Form-fitting silhouette, high-side slit
    • Floor-length hem
    • Runs true to size

     

    Where to Wear:

    Prom, weddings, bridesmaids, fancy date nights, cocktail parties, engagement parties, rehearsal dinners

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1728

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Kylie Rhinestone Mesh Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Elevate your night out look with the glamorous Kylie mini dress! She features a sleeveless V-neckline, dual spaghetti straps, a cross-back design, ruched detailing, and a mini-length, curve-hugging silhouette. The mesh fabric has all-over rhinestone embellishments for a gorgeous sparkle. Style this dress with clear heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Dual spaghetti straps
    • Cross-back design
    • Ruching
    • Short, form-hugging fit
    • Mesh fabric, rhinestone embellishments
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1109

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Lolita High Slit Satin Dress

    Special Occasion

    Flaunt your elegant style in our fabulous Lolita dress! She features a classic sleeveless cowl neckline with a slim fit bodice, a floor-sweeping silhouette with a sultry high slit on the left, 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.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless cowl neckline
    • Adhesive bra-friendly, spaghetti straps
    • High side slit on the left leg
    • High waist fit
    • Slim-fit silhouette
    • Fully-lined stretchy satin fabric
    • Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1350

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Jolene Sleeveless Sequin Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Show up to your special event looking oh so gorgeous and glam in our Jolene mini dress! She features a sleeveless bodice with bungee spaghetti straps that lead to a cross back, a cowl neckline, and a short, form-hugging fit. The party formal dress is composed of a shimmering sequin mesh fabric with a stretchy knit lining. Pair this stunning, sexy dress with rhinestone statement earrings and a matching rhinestone clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless cowl neckline
    • Bungee spaghetti straps
    • Cross back detail
    • Short, form-hugging fit 
    • Sequin mesh fabric, knit lining, minimal stretch
    • Sticky bra or pasties recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-1084

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $56.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Lily Formal High Slit Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Make an elegant impression with a formal dress that brings the sophistication. Lily features a sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps, a strappy back design, 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. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Strappy back design 
    • High side slit
    • A-line silhouette
    • Smooth knit fabric 
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1346

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Celina Glitter Knit Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion

    Turn heads and make a sparkly statement in the stunning Celina dress! She features a sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back design, front ruched detailing, and a floor-length mermaid silhouette with a thigh-high slit. Complete the look with rhinestone statement earrings and chic heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless cowl neckline
    • Spaghetti straps, cross-back design
    • Front ruching
    • Floor-length mermaid silhouette, high front slit
    • Curve-hugging fit
    • Glitter knit fabric, short knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1718

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Isabella Lace-Up Back Skater Dress

    Special Occasion

    The adorable Isabella formal skater dress will have you ready to celebrate in style! She features a sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back, lace-up design, a high waist, and a short layered skater skirt with a flirty, flowy silhouette. The crepe fabric offers a moderate stretch. Pair this short dress with wedges for the perfect semi-formal outfit.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline, padded bust, princess seams
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Cross-back, lace-up design
    • Lower back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • High waist, layered skater skirt
    • Crepe fabric, moderate stretch, banded hems
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0624

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $56.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Maya Cowl Neck Satin Formal Dress

    Special Occasion 
    You'll enchant the room instantly when you walk in this gorgeous satin formal dress! Maya showcases thin spaghetti straps with a cowl neck, lace-up cutout back, and a midi length. She is made in smooth satin with minimal stretch. Complete your captivating look with sparkling earrings and a clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Cowl neck
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Crisscross strappy back
    • Satin fabric, minimal stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0621

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Ever Formal High Slit Glitter Dress

    Special Occasion

    Bring the glitz and glamour in a formal dress that reflects elegance! The Ever formal long dress features a sleeveless asymmetrical cowl neckline, a ruched shoulder strap, a spaghetti strap, and a high side slit to show off plenty of leg. Ever is composed of luxe glitter knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.  Complete look with rhinestone heels. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless cowl neckline
    • Spaghetti strap
    • Ruched shoulder strap
    • High side slit on the left leg
    • High waist, slim-fit silhouette 
    • Glitter knit fabric
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch , runs true to size 

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1344

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Trinity Formal High Slit Glitter Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Make a glitzy impression in the Trinity formal dress that glows under the spotlight! She features a sleeveless square neckline with a U-shaped wire insert, spaghetti straps, and a form-hugging mermaid silhouette, and a ruched seam with a sexy high-side slit to showcase some skin. The formal dress is composed of a glitter stretch-knit fabric and is partially lined. Complete your dressy look with a rhinestone bracelet and heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps
    • U-shaped wire insert
    • Bra-friendly design
    • Form-hugging, mermaid silhouette
    • High side slit
    • Glitter stretch-knit fabric, partial lining
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1343

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $62.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Amelie Formal High Slit Crepe Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Strike a pose in a formal dress that leads the way! The dress features a sleeveless V-neckline with a notched accent, satin bodice, a cutout at the midriff, spaghetti straps that cross at the back, 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 a rhinestone bracelet. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline, notched accent
    • Cutout a the midriff
    • Spaghetti straps, cross at back
    • High side slit
    • Crepe fabric 
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1341

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $56.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Zenaida Formal Sleeveless Lace Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Make them marvel with a mermaid dress that captivates! The dress features a sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps that cross at the back, lace-up straps at the back, a lace pattern throughout, and a mermaid silhouette. The dress offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone bobby pins and a rhinestone cuff.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline, padded cups
    • Spaghetti straps, cross at back 
    • Lace-up straps 
    • Mermaid silhouette, form-hugging fit
    • Sheer lace fabric, knit lining, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1338

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Floral Desire Ruffled Maxi Dress

    Get that desired charming look with a maxi dress! The dress features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, tie shoulder straps, a floral print, and a maxi-length silhouette with tiered ruffles. The dress is composed of a lined chiffon fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with mules. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline
    • Tie shoulder straps
    • Tiered ruffles 
    • Floral print
    • Maxi length silhouette
    • Lined chiffon fabric
    • Relaxed fit, minimal stretch, runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-1040

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Peyton One Shoulder Crepe Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Make a dramatic entrance with a formal dress that brings regal appeal. The dress features a one-shoulder neckline with a tank-like shoulder strap, a high side slit, and a draped panel at the side. The dress is composed of a crepe fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels. 

    Fit & Features

    • One-shoulder neckline
    • High side slit
    • Draped panel at side
    • Lined crepe fabric 
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1336

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Bre Satin Ruched Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Keep it sultry and stunning in the gorgeous Bre satin midi dress! She features a sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps, ruched detailing down the center, a mid-length, curve-hugging silhouette, and a front slit to showcase some leg. The smooth satin-knit fabric offers a moderate stretch. Style this dress with rhinestone earrings and a sleek clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps
    • Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
    • Ruching down the center
    • Midi-length, form-hugging fit
    • Front slit
    • Satin-knit fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0879

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale