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.

  • Katya Formal Satin Ruched Mini Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Stun with a satin dress that makes a head-turning impression from the moment you enter the room! Katya features a sleeveless cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a ruched side seam with drawstring, and a mini-length silhouette. The dress is composed of a satin fabric that offers a form-hugging fit. Complete look with rhinestone heels and statement earrings. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless cowl neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Ruching with drawstring
    • Mini-length silhouette
    • Lined satin fabric, moderate stretch
    • Form-hugging fit
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0615

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Heather Ruched High-Slit Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    All eyes will be on you as you stun in the gorgeous Heather formal dress! She features a sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back lace-up design, back ruched detailing, and a floor-length curve-hugging silhouette with a sexy thigh-high side slit. Style this dress with rhinestone earrings and new heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Cross-back lace-up design
    • Back ruched detailing
    • Floor-length silhouette, high side slit
    • Form-hugging fit
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1333

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Riya Formal High Slit Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Bring the glamour to your evening with a formal dress that captivates! Riya features a sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps, a lace-up back, a high side slit, and an A-line silhouette. The dress is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit and a moderate stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a satin clutch. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Lace-up back 
    • High side slit
    • A-line silhouette
    • Smooth knit fabric with a sheen finish
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch, runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1329

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Ella Strappy Back High-Slit Dress

    Special Occasion

    Sleek and stunning, the Ella dress will make a chic statement. She features a sleeveless square neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a backless strappy lace-up design, ruched detailing, and a floor-length fitted silhouette with a thigh-high side slit. Style this dress with rhinestone earrings and clear heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless square neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Backless strappy lace-up design
    • Ruching
    • Floor-length fitted silhouette
    • High side slit
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1330

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Farren Formal Lace Illusion Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Stun in a lace dress, to make your special evening memorable! Farren features a sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps, a partially lined lace illusion bodice, and a curve-hugging mermaid silhouette. The dress is composed of a smooth knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Complete look with a rhinestone clutch and heels. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Lace illusion bodice
    • Mermaid silhouette
    • Smooth knit fabric
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1331

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Cassandra Cowl Neck Ruched Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Get a chic and sultry look for your next formal night out in the stunning Cassandra dress. She features an on-trend cowl neckline with a scalloped lace trim, spaghetti straps, a high waist, ruched detailing, and a floor-length, curve-hugging silhouette with a high side slit. Complete the outfit with sparkly stud earrings and strappy heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless cowl neckline, scalloped lace trim
    • Spaghetti straps
    • High waist, ruched detailing
    • Floor-length, form-hugging fit
    • High side slit
    • Knit fabric, plenty of stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1332

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Nat Formal Backless Satin Dress

    Special Occasion

    Make a sophisticated impression with a satin dress that wows! Nat features a sleeveless scoop neckline, sleek bungee straps, a backless design accented with two sleek bar straps, and a high side slit. The dress is composed of a curve-hugging satin fabric that offers a slight stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless scoop neckline, bungee spaghetti straps
    • Adhesive bra recommended
    • Backless design, two bar straps
    • High side slit
    • Satin fabric 
    • Form-hugging fit, slight stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1328

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Elena Sequin Open-Back Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Get a gorgeous glow in the stunning Elena sequin formal dress! She features a sleeveless V neckline, dual bungee spaghetti straps that lead to a strappy open-back design, a fitted bodice, and a floor-length skirt. The all-over sequin details will give you major glamorous vibes. Complete your look with an embellished bracelet and block heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V neckline, padded cups, flexible boning 
    • Dual bungee spaghetti straps
    • Strappy open-back design
    • Fitted bodice
    • Floor-length skirt
    • All-over sequins
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1326

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $31.97 $84.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Charmaine Formal One-Shoulder Satin Dress

    Special Occasion

    Make an elegant impression with a formal dress that makes a breathtaking entrance! Charmaine features a one-shoulder neckline with a draped short sleeve, a high side slit, and an A-line silhouette. The dress is composed of a satin-like fabric that offers a form-hugging fit. Complete the look with rhinestone heels.

    Fit & Features

    • One-shoulder neckline, draped short sleeve
    • Built-in padded bust, no bra required
    • Back zipper closure, high side slit
    • Form-fitting, a-line silhouette
    • Satin-lined fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1325

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Spencer Satin High-Low Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Get a gorgeous look and have all eyes on you in the stunning and sleek Spencer satin dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, a V neckline with padding, and a back zipper and hook and eye closure. Her high waist seam flows out to a high-low skirt and includes a mini-length woven lining. Complete your outfit with rhinestone earrings and new heels.

    Fit & Features

    • V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Built-in padded bust, adhesive bra optional
    • Princess seam detail, empire waist
    • Back zipper, hook and eye closure
    • High-low hemline, flowy silhouette
    • Lightweight satin fabric, mini inner lining
    • No stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1740

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Candace Satin Ruched Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion

    Stun in the gorgeous Candace satin mermaid dress to wow at your next formal soiree! She features a sleeveless scoop neckline, dual spaghetti straps that lead to a sexy cross-back design, back ruched detailing, and a floor-length, curve-hugging mermaid silhouette. The smooth satin knit fabric offers a moderate stretch. Complete the look with rhinestone statement earrings and new heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless scoop neckline, adhesive bra recommended
    • Dual spaghetti straps, cross-back design
    • High waist seam, back ruched detailing
    • Floor-length, form-hugging mermaid silhouette
    • Satin knit fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1319

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Larissa Formal Ruched High Slit Dress

    Special Occasion

    Keep it fabulous in a ruched formal dress that hugs all your curves in the right places. Larissa features a sleeveless wrap V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, ruched side seams, and a high side slit. The dress is composed of a lined smooth knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with block heels and a satin clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Ruched side seams
    • High side slit
    • Smooth knit fabric
    • Form hugging fit
    • Moderate stretch

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1311

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Calista Formal High Slit Halter Dress

    Special Occasion

    Make a captivating entrance with a dress that brings the elegance to your evening! The dress features a halter neckline with a square neck bust, halter neck strap, ruching, and a high side slit. The dress is composed of a satin fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and statement earrings.

    Fit & Features

    • Halter neckline
    • Square neck bust
    • Halter neck strap
    • Ruching
    • High side slit
    • Satin fabric
    • Form hugging fit, runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1318

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Rosalba Formal High Slit Satin Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Flaunt your natural beauty in a fab formal dress! Rosalba features a cowl neckline with a slim fit bodice, a floor-sweeping silhouette with a sultry high slit, a lace-up back, 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

    • Spaghetti straps, lace-up back
    • Cowl neckline
    • Slim fit bodice
    • Floor-length silhouette with a thigh-high slit 
    • Fully-lined stretchy satin fabric
    • Form-hugging fit
    • Moderate stretch

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1320

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Inez Formal High Slit Ruched Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Make your mark with a captivating formal dress that brings the sophistication! Inez features a sleeveless cowl neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps that cross at the back, a ruched side seam, 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 cowl neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti strap, cross at back 
    • Ruched side seam 
    • High side slit
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1315

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Sydney Formal Sequin Scroll Mini Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Dazzle in a formal mini dress that looks like a true masterpiece! The dress features a boat neckline, long sleeves, a gorgeous sequin scroll pattern, and a mini-length silhouette. Complete your breathtaking formal outfit with chrome heels and a pair of rhinestone earrings.

    Fit & Features

    • Boat neckline
    • Long fitted sleeves
    • Sequin scroll pattern
    • V-back design, lower back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • Mini-length silhouette
    • Lined mesh fabric, form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0611

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Florence Formal Lace Illusion Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Go bold with a formal dress that commands attention from the moment you enter the room! Florence features a sleeveless sweetheart neckline, lace cups, adjustable spaghetti straps, and an illusion lace bodice with contrast piping. The slim-fit waist leads to a satin mermaid silhouette with ruching and a high side slit. The dress offers a form hugging fit with slight stretch. Complete look with door knocker earrings and a satin clutch. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless sweetheart neckline, padded cups, underwire
    • Lace cups, adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Illusion lace bodice with contrast piping, flexible boning
    • Mermaid silhouette
    • Ruching, high side slit
    • Satin fabric 
    • Form hugging fit, slight stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1321

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $13.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Cameron Halter High Slit Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Get a stunningly gorgeous look for your next formal night out in the sultry-chic Cameron dress. She features a sleeveless halter neckline that ties at the back of the neck, a backless design, a high waist, a floor-length skirt with a sexy thigh-high side slit, and a curve-hugging silhouette. Style this dress with statement earrings and new heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless halter neckline
    • Adhesive bra recommended
    • Open back
    • High waist
    • Floor-length skirt, high side slit
    • Satin-like fabric
    • Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1312

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Sinéad Formal Asymmetrical Ruched Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Keep it sophisticated and luxe with a formal dress that elevates your formal evening. Sinéad features a one-shoulder neckline with a single spaghetti strap, a ruched body, and an asymmetrical hem with an adjustable drawstring. The dress is composed of a smooth knit fabric that provides a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with heels and door knocker earrings.

    Fit & Features

    • One-shoulder neckline, single spaghetti strap
    • Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
    • Ruched body
    • Asymmetrical hem with adjustable drawstring 
    • Smooth knit fabric 
    • Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1314

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Valencia Formal Off-The-Shoulder Wrap Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Keep it sophisticated with a formal long dress that creates a moment to remember! Valencia features an off-the-shoulder neckline with a sweetheart bust, arm cuffs, and a mermaid silhouette with a wrap hem, and pleating. The maxi dress is composed of a form-hugging smooth satin knit fabric that offers a minimal stretch. Complete your dressy outfit with rhinestone heels and door-knocker earrings.

    Fit & Features

    • Off-the-shoulder neck, sweetheart bust, arm cuffs
    • Lightly padded cups, strapless or sticky bra recommended
    • Pleated empire waist, form-hugging
    • Mermaid wrap silhouette
    • High-cut front slit, floor-length hem
    • Silky satin fabric, lined, minimal stretch
    • Runs true to size 

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-7492

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $24.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Enya Formal Satin High Slit Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Stun from the moment you walk in with a dress that highlights your elegant style. The dress features a sleeveless cowl neckline, sleek spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back design, an asymmetrical high side slit with a ruched drawstring, and an A-line silhouette. The dress is composed of a satin fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with rhinestone heels and a satin clutch. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless cowl neckline 
    • Sleek spaghetti straps
    • Cross-back straps 
    • Asymmetrical high side slit
    • Ruched drawstring, A-line silhouette 
    • Satin fabric 
    • Form hugging fit runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1304

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Darla Formal High Slit Satin Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Keep it sophisticated and glam with the Darla formal dress that will elevate your look. Darla features a sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps, chic ruching at the bust, a high side slit to showcase some leg, and a curve-hugging A-line silhouette. The dress is composed of a satin-knit fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Complete the look with rhinestone heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless cowl neckline, spaghetti straps
    • Ruching at the bust, strapless or adhesive bra recommended
    • High side slit
    • Fitted A-line silhouette
    • Satin-knit fabric 
    • Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1297

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Brenna High-Slit Sequin Mermaid Dress

    Special Occasion

    Get a gorgeous iridescent glow in the stunningly chic Brenna dress! She features a sleeveless V-neckline with a notched front detail, padded cups, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back lace-up design, and a floor-length mermaid silhouette with a thigh-high side slit. The dress features all-over iridescent sequin embroidery for a pretty vibe. Style this dress with clear heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline, wired notched front detail, padded cups
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Open back, cross-back lace-up design
    • Lower back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • Floor-length mermaid silhouette, high side slit
    • Lined knit fabric, moderate stretch, iridescent sequin embroidery
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1302

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $79.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Jewel Formal Satin Asymmetrical Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Make a striking impression in a formal dress that is a true one of a kind! The dress features a sleeveless cowl neckline with subtle pleating, adjustable spaghetti straps, a watercolor-inspired print, and a high side slit. The dress is composed of a satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with minimal stretch. Complete look with rhinestone sandals.  

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless cowl neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Watercolor-inspired print
    • High side slit
    • Satin fabric 
    • Form hugging fit, minimal stretch 
    • Runs true to size 

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1307

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $46.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale