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.

  • Tori Formal Heat Stone Feathered Mini Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Showcase your over the top style in our glam formal Tori dress! She features a mini mock neck, a plunging mesh inset adorned with heat stones, long sleeves with heat stones, and a feathered cuff. The dress is composed of a curve-hugging crepe fabric that offers a form hugging fit. Complete your look with chrome heels and rhinestone hair pins to style tresses with. 

    Fit & Features

    • Mini mock neck
    • Plunging mesh inset 
    • Heat stones
    • Long sleeves with feathered cuff
    • Mini length silhouette
    • Crepe fabric, additional mini skirt length knit lining 
    • Form hugging fit

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0511

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Cami Formal Floral Satin A-Line Dress

    Special Occasion

    Stun in a formal satin dress for your next special evening. Enchant with gorgeous florals in our Cami dress that features a high square neckline and adjustable spaghetti straps provide a customized fit. Her slim fit bodice leads to a dramatic A-line silhouette accented with a high side slit and hidden side pockets. Complete your formal evening look with rhinestone earrings and clear heels. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless 
    • High square neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Floral print
    • A-Line Silhouette with a high side slit 
    • Pockets
    • Satin-like fabric, form-hugging fit 

     

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1031

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Nora Satin Open Back Midi Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Strike a stunning look in a dress that brings the elegance! Nora features a daring open back, a ruched center back seam, a high round neckline, and a midi length silhouette with a high side slit. Nora is composed of a lined stretch satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit. Complete your look with rhinestone hairpins. 

    Fit & Features

    • High round neckline
    • Long sleeves
    • Open back with sleek bar strap accent 
    • Ruched center back seam with lower back zipper
    • Midi length silhouette with high side slit
    • Lined stretch satin fabric 
    • Form hugging fit


    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0505

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Chelsea Satin High Slit Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Make a stunning entrance to your formal holiday party in our gorgeous Chelsea satin dress! She features a sleeveless bodice with spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back design, a chic cowl neckline, a floor-length skirt with a thigh-high front slit, and a form-fitting style. Pair this sleek dress with a rhinestone clutch to really bring the bling.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless cowl neckline
    • Spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back design
    • Floor-length skirt with a high slit
    • Form-fitting style
    • Ruched detailing
    • Satin-like fabric with no lining, minimal stretch
    • Strapless or sticky bra recommended
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1141

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Arabella Formal Sequin Scroll Print Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Stun in a formal sequin dress for homecoming or your next special night! Arabella features a sleeveless square neckline, a double row of adjustable spaghetti straps, adjustable cross straps, a sequin scroll print, and a curve-hugging floor-length silhouette with a high side slit. Complete look with heels and rhinestone hairpins. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless, square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Built-in padded bust, no bra required 
    • Back zipper closure, high side slit
    • Curve-hugging, floor-length hem
    • Sequin scroll pattern 
    • Lined mesh fabric, minimal stretch
    • Fits true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1142

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Kelly High Slit Satin Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Elevate your special evening outfit in our chic Kelly dress. She features a sweetheart neckline, long sleeves, vertical seams at the bust, and a midi length silhouette with a high side slit. The dress is composed of lined stretch satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete your look with a dainty rhinestone bracelet.

    Fit & Features

    • Sweetheart neckline
    • Long sleeves
    • Vertical seams at the bust
    • Midi length silhouette
    • High slit
    • Lined stretch satin fabric
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch


    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0506

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Becca Satin Lace-Up Ruched Mini Dress

    Special Occasion

    Bring the sultry vibes to your next party in our stunning Becca satin mini dress! She features a sleeveless, spaghetti strap bodice with a cowl neckline that creates a curvy appearance that leads to a strappy lace-up back with a tie closure so you can adjust the fit, sexy ruched detailing, and a mini length on her curve-hugging silhouette. Pair this dress with sleek hoop earrings and a chic clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Cowl neckline, dual spaghetti straps
    • Adhesive bra recommended
    • Strappy lace-up back with tie closure
    • Ruched detailing
    • Short bodycon hem
    • Satin knit fabric, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0499

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Addison Stretch Satin Long Sleeve Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Make a dramatic entrance in our stunning Addison midi dress! She features long fitted sleeves, a wired notch front V neckline, a high waist, and a mid-length, curve-hugging silhouette with a sultry back slit. Pair this dress with a rhinestone choker necklace for a glam factor.

    Fit & Features

    • Long fitted sleeves
    • Wired notch front V neckline
    • Back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • Princess seams and high waist
    • Mid-length, form-hugging fit
    • Back slit
    • Stretch satin-like fabric

     

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0498

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $46.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Rose Formal Taffeta and Lace Party Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Stun as you impress in a dress that brings the charm! Rose features a plunging v-neckline with tank-like straps, an empire waist that flatters curves, and a gorgeous partially open back with lace trim. Complete your formal outfit with rhinestone earrings and a sleek clutch. 

    Fit & Features

    • Plunging v-neckline
    • Vertical seams at the bust
    • Empire waist
    • Partially open back with floral lace trim
    • Party length silhouette with subtle pleats
    • Hidden side pockets
    • Taffeta fabric, form-hugging fit

     

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0468

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $44.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Sophia Sequin Sleeveless Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Get a chic and stunning vibe wearing our glam Sophia formal dress to your next soiree. She features a sleeveless bodice with adjustable spaghetti straps, a wired notch front V neckline, and a back zipper and hook and eye closure. She has a floor-length skirt with a slim, curve-hugging fit. The dress is composed of a sheer nude mesh fabric with a full knit lining and showcases an all-over sequin scroll print. Complete your look with rhinestone statement earrings and a sleek clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Wired notch front V neckline
    • Back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • Form-hugging fit
    • Sheer nude mesh fabric with a full knit lining
    • Sequin scroll print

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1138

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $33.97 $89.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Brin Formal Open Back Glitter Dress

    Special Occasion

    Illuminate the night in the formal Brin dress that dazzles from all your best angles. The dress features V-neckline, long sleeves, and a bold open-back design with a lower back bar strap accent. She is composed of a glitter knit fabric that offers a form-hugging fit. Complete your look with rhinestone earrings, a sleek clutch, and glitter heels.

    Fit & Features

    • V-neckline
    • Long sleeves
    • Open-back design
    • Lower back bar strap
    • Mermaid silhouette
    • Glitter knit fabric with moderate stretch
    • Form-hugging fit

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1135

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Brea Formal Lace One Shoulder Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Make a captivating entrance in our formal Brea dress that stuns from the moment you enter the room. Brea features a one-shoulder neckline with a scalloped lace trim, a sheer fitted long sleeve, a lined floral lace body with glitter embellishments, and a curve-hugging mermaid silhouette. Complete your special occasion outfit with duster earrings and rhinestone hairpins to style tresses with. 

    Fit & Features

    • One-shoulder neckline with scalloped lace trim
    • Fitted long sleeves
    • Lined lace body
    • Minimal stretch
    • Glitter embellishments
    • Mermaid silhouette
    • Curve-hugging fit

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1139

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Olivia Formal Off The Shoulder Crepe Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Keep it sophisticated and glam with a formal dress that captivates from the moment you enter the room. Olivia features an off-the-shoulder neckline with a pleated overlay, a sheer mesh V-shaped insert, and a curve-hugging 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 clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Off the shoulder neckline with a pleated overlay 
    • Sheer mesh V-shaped insert
    • Mermaid silhouette
    • Lined crepe fabric 
    • Form hugging fit 
    • Moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1137

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Viv Formal High Slit Glitter Dress

    Special Occasion

    Bring the glow in the formal Viv glitter dress! She features a trendy square neckline, long sleeves, and a sweeping A-line silhouette with a high side slit. She is composed of a glitter knit fabric that offers a form-hugging fit. Complete your formal outfit with rhinestone earrings, glitter heels, and rhinestone barrettes to adorn tresses with.

    Fit & Features

    • Square neckline
    • Long sleeves
    • A-line silhouette
    • High side slit
    • Glitter knit fabric with moderate stretch
    • Form-hugging fit
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1134

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Kayla Long Sleeve Lace-Up Back Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Look oh-so-stunning and create a gorgeous silhouette in the beautiful Kayla formal dress! She features long fitted sleeves, a subtle sweetheart neckline, and a sexy open back with a lace-up design. Her slim-fit bodice flows out to a floor-sweeping length with a thigh-high slit. Pair this dress with a rhinestone cuff for some added glam to complete your night-out look.

    Fit & Features

    • Long fitted sleeves
    • Slight sweetheart neckline
    • Open back with lace-up design
    • Slim-fit bodice
    • Floor-length skirt, high slit
    • Crepe fabric
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1322

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $59.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Mallory Long Sleeve V Neck Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Bring the elegance to your next soiree in our stunning Mallory formal dress! She features long fitted sleeves, a notch front V neckline, and a curve-hugging silhouette with a floor-length hem. Pair this gorgeous dress with sparkly rhinestone duster earrings and a chic clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Long fitted sleeves
    • Notch front V neckline
    • High waist seam
    • Curve-hugging fit
    • Floor-length hem
    • Crepe fabric

     

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1133

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Mila Formal High Slit Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Keep it simply stunning in our Mila formal dress! Her elegant design captivates from the moment you enter the room of your special occasion. Mila features a sleeveless V-neckline, vertical seams at the bust, and a curve-hugging midi silhouette with a high side slit. She is composed of a stretch knit fabric with a subtle sheen finish. Complete your look with clear heels. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Princess seams at the bust
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Midi length silhouette
    • High side slit
    • Strtech knit fabric, fully lined
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch 

     

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0467

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $42.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Penny Formal Woven Glitter Asymmetrical Mini Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Dazzle and glow in our shimmery Penny dress that brings that megawatt shine to your special evening. She features a wrap V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, and a mini length silhouette with an asymmetrical hem. She is composed of woven glitter knit fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete your formal evening outfit with rhinestone earrings and a dainty rhinestone bracelet. 

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Mini length silhouette
    • Asymmetrical hem 
    • Woven glitter fabric
    • Form hugging fit 
    • Moderate stretch 

     

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0470

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $36.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Valeria Formal Off-The-Shoulder Crepe Midi Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Bring the sophistication in our Valeria dress to your elegant affair. Valeria features a charming off-the-shoulder neckline with short sleeves, sleek spaghetti straps, a pleated sweetheart bust, and a curve-hugging midi-length silhouette with a back center slit for an alluring detail. She is composed of a form-fitting crepe fabric that offers retention and a moderate stretch. Complete your formal outfit with clear heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Off-the-shoulder, short sleeves, spaghetti straps
    • Sweetheart pleated bust, adhesive bra recommended
    • Back center slit, zipper closure
    • Form-fitting silhouette
    • Midi-length hem
    • Crepe fabric, moderate stretch 
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0472

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Char Formal Sequin Asymmetrical Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Stun in a sequin dress that brings the shimmer to enlighten your evening! Our Char dress features a plunging V-neckline, sleek spaghetti straps and an asymmetrical midi length hem. Her sequins shine from all your best angles and pair well with chrome heels and a satin clutch for your special evening.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Spaghetti straps
    • Sequins
    • Asymmetrical midi length hem
    • High side slit
    • Form hugging fit


    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1119

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $49.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Johanna Formal Convertible Ties Satin Dress

    Special Occasion 

    We love a dress that offers glam options, the Johanna dress offers so many ways to dress up for your next special occasion. Johanna features surplus convertible ties at the bodice that can be styled into different necklines that flatter. Her bodice leads to a form of hugging floor-length skirt that is accented with a high side slit. The dress is composed of a stretch satin fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Complete look with a rhinestone choker and bracelet. 

    Fit & Features

    • Convertible ties to create customized necklines
    • Sleeveless
    • Floor-length A-line skirt
    • High side slit
    • Stretch satin fabric
    • Form hugging fit
    • Moderate stretch 

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1126

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $31.97 $74.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Jen Formal A-Line Velvet Dress

    Special Occasion

    Mesmerize from the moment you enter the room in the Jen formal velvet dress! She features a sleeveless V-neckline, a double row of adjustable spaghetti straps, and a partially open back. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a sweeping A-line silhouette accented with side pockets and a high slit. The dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a form-hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete the look with chrome heels a rhinestone choker.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Double-row of adjustable spaghetti straps
    • A-line silhouette
    • Side pockets
    • High slit
    • Velvet fabric
    • Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1127

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $14.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Aubrie Formal Sequin Scroll Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Shimmer in our dazzling Aubrie sequin dress at your next formal event! Whether you are attending a wedding, military ball, or a fancy soiree, you'll look so luxe. Aubrie features all-over sequin embroidery in an intricate scroll pattern, a plunging V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps that cross at the back, an open back with a lower back bar strap, and a floor-length, mermaid silhouette that will hug your curves. Complete the look with glitter heels and a rhinestone clutch.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless V-neckline
    • Adhesive bra recommended
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps, cross-back design
    • Open back, lower back bar strap, hook and eye closures
    • Back zipper and hook and eye closures
    • Sequin scroll pattern embroidery on sheer mesh fabric, knit lining
    • Mermaid silhouette, form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1129

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $39.97 $99.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Claire Sleeveless Sequin High-Slit Formal Dress

    Special Occasion

    Glamorous and chic, the Claire sequin formal dress will give you a stunning look. She features a sleeveless wrap-front V neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, a fitted bodice, and a floor-length skirt with a sultry thigh-high front slit. The all-over sequin detailing will showcase a stylish sparkle. Complete your outfit with sleek hoop earrings and new heels.

    Fit & Features

    • Sleeveless wrap-front V neckline
    • Adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Back zipper and hook and eye closure
    • Fitted bodice
    • Floor-length skirt, high front slit
    • Lined knit fabric with all-over sequins
    • Runs true to size

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-1130

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $8.97 $69.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale