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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Romy Satin A-line Gown
Our Romy satin gown sure knows how to make an entrance. With her halter neckline and A-line silhouette, you are bound to turn heads.
Fit & Features
- Halter neckline | Padded Cups
- Spaghetti straps
- Square back | Zipper closure
- High waist seam
- Slanted side pockets
- Flowy A-line skirt | Petticoat
- Satin-like fabric with a sheen
- Relaxed Fit | Minimal Stretch
Model is 5'7" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0034
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $239.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Emery Formal Glitter A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Create a moment that will take their breath away from the time you enter the room in our unforgettable Emery formal glitter dress! Pair with dainty accessories to elevate your evening!
Fit & Features
- Square Neckline | Supportive Tank-Like Straps
- Vertical Princess Seams
- Lattice Straps
- Hidden Side Pockets
- Lined Woven Glitter Fabric
- A-Line Silhouette | Mini Skirt Length Knit Lining
- Relaxed Fit | Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0764
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Major Appeal High Slit Maxi Dress
Create major appeal with a maxi dress that wows from all your best angles! The dress features a sleeveless V-neckline, spaghetti straps, and a maxi length silhouette accented with 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 heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline
- Spaghetti straps
- Maxi length silhouette
- High side slit
- Smooth knit fabric
- Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0525
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $5.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Lucinda Formal Satin Pleated Dress
Special Occasion
Celebrate a fab moment in our unforgettable Lucinda satin dress! She brings the glam with her vibrant shade and curve-hugging silhouette!
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-Neckline | Flexible Boning
- Pleated Overlapping Strap Accents
- High Side Slit
- Lined Satin Fabric
- Form Hugging Fit
- Slight Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0763
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $59.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Enchanting Metallic Deep V Midi Dress
Exude your goddess vibes! You'll be making an entrance with the Enchanting Metallic Deep V midi dress!
Fits & Features
- Deep V Neckline
- Long Fitted Sleeves
- Elastic Banded Waistband
- Center Ruching
- Midi Length Silhouette
- Metallic Knit Composition I Plenty Of Stretch
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small
Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0629
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $42.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Chic And Sleek Wrap Mini Dress
Lookin' like a real smooth talker! This satin crafted mini dress features a plunging v-neckline with a wrap design at the front and a keyhole opening at the back with button closure. Long sleeves trail at the sides with gold-tone buttons adorned at the cuffs. Bottom half showcases ruching with gold-tone zipper at center back. This dress is fully lined and offers moderate stretch fit.
Model is 5'8.5" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0520
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Kendall Satin Lace Up Back Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Make stunning strides in our beyond gorgeous satin Kendall formal dress! You'll look like an absolute dream with the lace back detail and flowy ball gown skirt!
Fit & Features
- Spaghetti straps | Cross back
- Lattice back detail | Tie closure
- Hidden back zipper | Hook and eye closure
- Padded V neckline | Princess seams | High waist seam
- Side pockets
- Flowy satin ball gown skirt
- Two layers of tulle | Woven lining
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0096
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $189.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Kimora Formal Woven Glitter A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Bring out your glowing beauty with a formal prom dress that mesmerizes from the moment you enter the room! Kimora features a sleeveless V-neckline with adjustable spaghetti straps, a bold U-shaped open-back design, hidden side pockets, and a floor-length A-line silhouette with a wide banded hem. The dress is composed of an iridescent woven glitter fabric that offers a flowy fit with moderate stretch. Complete your prom look with rhinestone heels.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Sticky bra recommended
- U-shaped open back, zipper and hook, and eye closure
- Hidden side pockets
- Floor-length A-line silhouette with wide-banded hem
- Iridescent woven glitter knit fabric short knit lining
- Flowy fit, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-3895
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Jolina Wrap Skirt Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Show off your fab figure by slipping into our gorgeous Jolina! Her pretty sheen will have you radiating from every angle, making you look picture-perfect and camera-ready. She features a sleeveless wrap-front V-neckline and a floor-length wrap skirt creating an alluring front slit. Pair her up with some sparkling finishing touches so you can highlight that glow even more!
Fit & Features
- Surplice V-neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps
- Floor-length hem, wrap skirt design
- Front slit
- Lined luxe satin fabrication
- Form-hugging fit, moderate stretch
- Sticky or strapless bra recommended
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-2028
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Yenni Satin Rhinestone Trim Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Elegance and class come to mind when people see you in our stunning Yenni! Sparkling rhinestones line her waist, enhancing your hourglass silhouette. Thanks to her gorgeous and voluminous ball gown, you'll be able to channel your inner princess! Put your hair in a wispy up-do and dust your neckline and ears with matching rhinestone jewelry for a gorge look!
Fits & Features
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Wide Tank Shoulder Straps
- Square Neckline I Deep V Back I Padded Bust
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Rhinestone Trim At The Waist I Hidden Hand Pockets
- Floor Length Hemline I Ball Gown Silhouette I Petticoat
- Satin-Like Fabric I Fully Lined I Pretty Sheen Finish
- Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 36.5" hips. She is wearing a size 3.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0097
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Wide Tank Shoulder Straps
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Soni Off Shoulder Floral Applique Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Dazzling rhinestones and floral appliques adorn her fitted bodice, making Soni an absolute showstopper. Exuding a pretty luster when the light hits, her voluminous satin ball gown makes her a twirl-worthy dress. Don a smokey eye and a pair of rhinestone duster earrings for an absolutely gorgeous look!
Fits & Features
- Mesh Lined Bodice With Floral Appliques & Rhinestone Accents
- Off Shoulder Straps I Sweetheart Neckline
- Sheer Back I Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Hidden Hand Pockets
- Floor Length Satin Skirt I Ball Gown Silhouette I Petticoat
- Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 36.5" hips. She is wearing a size 3.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0095
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $105.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Angelita Taffeta Deep V Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Bring the bold drama to prom in our sensational Angelita formal dress! She features a sleeveless plunging V-neckline with a padded bust, tank shoulder straps, and a fitted high waist seam. Twirl round-and-round in her ball gown silhouette and watch as her pretty metallic sheen reflects from the light. Stow your phone and lip gloss without a worry in her hidden hand pockets! Complete your prom-ready look with radiant rhinestone earrings.
Fit & Features
- Sleeveless deep V-neckline, tank shoulder straps
- Padded bust, no bra required
- Back zipper, hook and eye closure
- High waist seam, floor-length ball gown silhouette, pleated detailing, petticoat
- Hidden hand pockets
- Woven taffeta fabric, fully lined
- Fit and flare silhouette, moderate stretch
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0094
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Asta Glitter Lace Up Back A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
With a stunning glitter woven composition, our Asta will twinkle underneath the bright lights from room-to-room. Her lace-up back and wide waistband are subtle, but statement details that help highlight her overall appearance.
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Plunging V Neckline I Padded Bust
- Back Zip With Hook & Eye I Lace Up Back
- Floor Length Hemline I A Line Silhouette
- Glitter Woven, Fully Lined Fabric
- Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0750
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Everly A-Line Glitter Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Sparkle up the night in the stunning Everly formal dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, adjustable spaghetti straps, a V neckline, a chic caged back design, and a back zipper and hook and eye closure. Her flattering high waist leads to a flowy floor-sweeping A-line silhouette with a wrap-front skirt and includes hidden side pockets. The dress is composed of a gorgeous glitter woven fabric with a knit lining. Complete your glamorous look with a sleek clutch and a new pair of heels.
Fit & Features
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- V neckline
- Caged back design
- Back zipper and hook and eye closure
- Wrap-front skirt with an A-line silhouette
- Hidden side pockets
- Lined glitter woven fabric
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0748
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Anya Shining Glitter Ball Gown
Special Occasion
You'll be so alluring in our beautiful Anya! Her shine will stop anybody in their tracks!
Fits & Features
- Spaghetti Straps | Padded Cups
- Scoop Neckline I Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Hidden Hand Pockets
- Floor Length Hemline I A-Line Silhouette
- Nontransferable Glitter Woven Fabric I Fully Lined I Two-Tone Finish
- Two Layers of Tulle
- Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size 2.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0026
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $279.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Lenore Glitter Shine Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the glamour and elegance in our gorgeous Lenore. A stitched belt lines her waist, enhancing an hourglass shape. Her fitted design will hug your every curve while her hem subtly flares out. And who could forget the glittering embellishments adorned from top to bottom? Match that shine by adding a pair of sparkling earrings for a lovely touch!
Fits & Features
- Dual Spaghetti Straps That Cross At The Back
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- V Neckline I Padded Bust
- Stitched Tonal Belt Along The Waist
- Floor Length Hemline I Mermaid Silhouette
- Woven Glitter Fabric I Fully Lined
- Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0747
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $31.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Ruby Formal Sleeveless Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
Brighten the evening with luxe sequins in our wowing Ruby formal dress!
Fit & Features
- V-Neckline | Tank Straps
- Padded Cups
- Geometric Sequin Design
- Lined Mesh Fabric
- Slim Silhouette
- Form Hugging Fit | Minimal Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0743
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $119.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Maisy Satin Strappy Back Gown
You'll glide across the dance floor in our stunning Maisy satin gown!
Fit & Features
- Spaghetti straps | Cross back
- Sweetheart neckline I No-slip interior slip I Padded bust
- Back mesh panel detailing I Back zip with hook and eye closure
- High waist
- Slanted front pockets
- Flowy floor-length skirt I Petticoat
- Satin-like fabric with a sheen
Model is 5'7" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size 3.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0090
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $189.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Lila Deep V Satin Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Have your fairy tale entrance and exit in our stunning Lila!
Fits & Features
- Spaghetti Straps
- Plunging V Neckline & Deep Back V
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Hidden Hand Pockets
- Floor Length, A-Line Satin Skirt I Petticoat
- Form Hugging Fit
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size 3.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0089
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $179.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Jackie Floral Satin Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Everyone will be under your enchanting spell as you show up to the event in our gorgeous Jackie!
Fits & Features
- Tank Styled Spaghetti Straps | Padded Cups
- Plunging V Neckline & Back | Triple Bar Accents At The Bodice
- Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Hidden Hand Pockets
- Floor Length Hem | Ball Gown Silhouette
- Lined, Satin-Like Fabric | Floral Prints Throughout
- Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size 3.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0024
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $115.97 $219.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Stefanie Glitter Shine Cross Back A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
From the ballroom at prom to a lavish white tie event, our Stefanie will have you looking stunningly gorgeous for all your special soirees!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps That Cross At Back
- V Neckline I Pleated, Padded Bust
- Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Skirt I A-Line Silhouette
- Full-Length Lining I Hidden Hand Pockets
- Heavyweight, Glitter Woven Fabric I Dual-Tone Sheen
- Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0737
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Shira Shine Lace Back Gown
Special Occasion
Our special Shira has a radiating aura of elegance! Dance the night away and show off that glow!
Fits & Features
- Dual Spaghetti Straps | Plunging V Neckline
- Cross & Lace Up Back | Hidden Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Padded Cups |Hidden Hand Pockets
- Floor Length Hemline | A-Line Silhouette | Mini Skirt Length Knit Lining
- Lined Sherri Shine Fabric | Glitter Embellishments
- Moderate Stretch
- Glitter May Transfer
Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0738
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $49.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Taya Open Back Sequin Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the dazzle and glam in our head-turning Taya sequin formal dress! Show off glowing gams with her dramatic high slit! Pair her with luxe rhinestones and a strappy stiletto!
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-Neckline
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps | Cross At Back
- Open Back
- High Side Slit
- Sequins
- A-Line Silhouette
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0736
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $79.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Sherri Formal Glitter Lattice Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the shine and glamour in our twinkling Sherri formal dress! Her glitter shine will make you feel like the queen you are! Pair Sherri with rhinestone accents to elevate your evening!
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-Neckline
- Padded Cups
- Spaghetti Straps | Lattice Back
- Hidden Side Pockets
- Lined Woven Glitter Knit Fabric
- Relaxed Fit | Minimal Strech
- Mini Skirt Length Knit Lining
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 26" waist and 38" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0740
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $49.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale