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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STYLE SPOTLIGHT
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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Tamra Cross Neck Midi Formal Dress
Special Occasion
Try out a little soft glam in our Tamra formal midi dress! She is sexy, sultry and gives you that soft touch of glam!
Fit & Features
- Cross neckline
- Sleeveless
- Form fitting silhouette
- Mid-length hem that hits mid-calf
- Small slit center front
- Zipper located center back
- Moderate stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0325
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $44.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Lyla Formal Crepe Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Keep it sophisticated and stunning in our Lyla dress! She takes it to the next level with her must have pockets!
Fit & Features
- Sweetheart Neckline
- No-Slip Strip
- Padded Cups
- Empire Waist
- Pockets
- Lined Crepe
- Form Hugging Fit | Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size small
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0324
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $54.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Artemis Sequin Crop Two Piece Tulle Dress
Special Occasion
Go for a lovely and cohesive look in our stunning Artemis! With a sequin crop top and a voluminous tulle skirt, she checks off all the boxes on bringing the drama. Add some height to your look with a pair of stilettos!
Fits & Features
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Dual Spaghetti Straps I Lace-Up Design At The Back
- Plunging V Neckline
- Mesh Lined Sequin Crop Bodice
- Floor Length, Tulle Lined Skirt I Petticoat I A-Line Silhouette
- High Rise, Mesh Lined Sequin Waistband
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0524
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Dual Spaghetti Straps I Lace-Up Design At The Back
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Joelle Lace And Floral Two-Piece Dress
Special Occasion
Make a stunning entrance this season in the gorgeous Joelle two-piece dress. She features a lined lace top with a high neck, spaghetti straps that lead to a cross-back and lattice design, and a cropped, form-hugging fit with a scalloped hem. Her high waist floral printed chiffon skirt has an overlap design and flows out to a floor-length A-line silhouette with a front slit. Complete the look with dainty earrings and new heels.
Fit & Features
- Two-piece dress
- Lined lace top, high neck
- Cross-back and lattice design
- Cropped, form-hugging fit
- Floral printed chiffon overlap skirt with a high waist
- Back zipper closure
- Floor-length A-line silhouette, front slit
- Runs true to size
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0429
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $31.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Frances Velvet Wrap Evening Dress
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself in velvet elegance when you step out in the Frances! She can be dressed up with the right rhinestone accessories and she can also be dressed down with a leather jacket! We are obsessed!
Fit & Features
- V-neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Wrap bodice
- Form fitting silhouette
- High dramatic slit
- Floor length hemline
- Composed of crushed velvet
- Moderate stretch
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0658
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $39.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Jodi Tulle A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Step out in our dreamy Jodi! Her tulle overlay adds an ethereal flow everywhere you go.
Fits & Features
- Spaghetti Straps That Cross At The Back
- Deep V Neckline I Padded Bust
- Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Sweeping Floor-Length Hemline I A-Line Silhouette I Thigh High Slit
- Fully Lined Knit Fabric With Tulle Overlay
- Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0655
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $42.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Hila Floral Chiffon A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Decked with pretty florals, our lovely Hila will have you feeling oh-so-fine. She's the perfect plus one for any spring-time soiree! Her breezy chiffon skirt will look and feel as though it's forever-flowing as you glide from room-to-room. Look even more enchanting by adding a pair of glistening earrings and heels to complete the look!
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Surplice V Neckline
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Hemline I A-Line Silhouette
- Fully Lined Chiffon Fabric
- Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0654
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Kel Satin A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the charm in sophisticated satin! Kel dazzles and creates a dreamy impression to let your inner goddess show!
Fit & Features
- V-Neckline | Mesh Inset
- Padded Cups | Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Lined Satin Fabric
- A-Line Silhouette
- Overlap Skirt Design
- Relaxed Fit
- Slight Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0652
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Nova Ruched Sides Midi Dress
Special Occasion
Dress to impress with our Nova! Classically elegant, she features ruching for a curve-flattering fit.
Fits & Features
- High Neckline
- Fitted Long Sleeves
- Ties At The Open Back
- Midi Length Silhouette With Ruching
- Smooth Tricot Knit Fabric I Fully Lined
- Body-Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 25" waist and 35" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0321
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $49.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Everylynn Formal Wrap Mermaid Dress
Special Occasion
Wrap yourself in our luxe Everlynn dress! Her mermaid silhouette highlights curves into a flattering hour-glass illusion! She pairs perfectly with glam heels and a rhinestone clutch for an elevated look!
Fit & Features
- Off The Shoulder Neckline
- Wired V-Bust | Fold Over Accent
- Vertical Princess Seams
- Ruched Side Seam
- Wrap Mermaid Silhouette
- Lined Crepe Fabric
- Form Hugging Fit | Moderate Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0650
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $64.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Eriko Glitter Lace Two Piece Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Our Eriko is a stunning two-piece set. Her lace crafted top will glisten underneath the lights while her smooth and sleek satin skirt incorporates a luxe feel to the look. You'll be striding out in style as your gorgeous stilettos make an appearance through the peekaboo slit.
Fits & Features
- Tank Shoulder Straps
- Scoop Neckline I Padded Bust I Back Zipper Closure
- Lined, Glitter Lace Bodice I Scalloped Crop Hem
- High Rise Waist I Floor Length, Satin Lined Skirt
- A-Line Silhouette I Front Slit I Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'6" with a 31" bust, 26" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0398
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Belle Sweetheart Floral Applique Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Look stunning and spectacular in our Belle! Enchant them all as you spin around to show off her twirl-worthy fullness!
Fits & Features
- Strapless, Sweetheart Neckline I No-Slip Interior Strip
- Lace-Up Back Detail I Hidden Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floral Appliques With Gem Accents At The Sides I Hidden Hand Pockets
- Sweeping Floor-Length Hem I A-Line Silhouette I Pleating Details
- Satin-Like Fabric
- Form Hugging Fit
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: 05004-0056
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $79.97 $189.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Cassia Lace-Up Back Off Shoulder Satin Dress
Special Occasion
Sleek satin fabric add an element of luxury to this stunning dress. With chic details like her pleated off-shoulder sleeves, lace-up back, and front slit, Cassia is an elegant choice for any of your special events.
Fits & Features
- Off Shoulder Sleeves With Pleated Accents | Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Sweetheart Neckline | Padded Bust
- Lace-Up Back | Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Hemline | A-Line Silhouette | Front Slit
- Fully Lined, Satin-Like Fabric
- 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: 05002-0632
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $19.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Clearance
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Joanne Floral Satin Ball Gown
Own the night in luxe satin as you bloom in our charming Joanne black dress!
Fits & Features
- Strapless Sweetheart Neckline I Padded Cups I No-Slip Strip
- Built-IN Boning & Corset Back With Lattice Ties
- Floral Applique Design At The Bodice Complemented With Sparkling Heat Stones I Back Zip Closure
- Floor Length, Ball Gown Silhouette I Hidden Side Pockets I Petticoat
- Lined, Satin-Like Fabric
- Relaxed Fit I Minimal Stretch
Model is 5'6" with a 31" bust, 26" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size 3.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05005-0015
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $229.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Jules Glitter Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Grace the room with elegance and grace as you captivate them all with head-turning shine! Our Jules ball gown will make you feel like you're living out a dream come true!
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-Neckline | Padded Cups
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps | Princess Seams
- Side Pockets
- Glitter Woven Fabric
- Ball Gown Silhouette | Wide Banded Hem
- Form Hugging Fit
- Slight Stretch
Model is 5'6" with a 31" bust, 26" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0065
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $99.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Geneva Cross Back A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Airy and comfortable, our Geneva is decked out with bright florals all along her dreamy silhouette. You'll be happy to know she features hidden hand pockets so you can stow away your essentials.
Fits & Features
- Adjustable Spaghetti Straps That Cross At The Back
- Plunging V Neckline
- Hidden Hand Pockets
- Floor Length Hemline I Pleated I Mini Length Lining
- Smooth Woven Fabric I Floral Prints Throughout
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size 3.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0643
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $31.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Flora Floral Two Piece Dress
Special Occasion
Bring the romance in florals as you make an entrance in our enchanting Floral two-piece dress! Pair her with classic stilettos for a twirl-worthy look!
Fit & Features
- Off The Shoulder Crepe Bodice | Padded Cups
- Lace-Up Back | Cropped Hem
- High Waist Wrap Skirt
- Floral Print
- Lined Chiffon
- Relaxed Fit | Minimal Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0240
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $40.97 $89.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Elane Floral Satin Slip Gown
Make a stunning entrance in our Elane, perfect for all spring occasions, engagement pictures, or even bridesmaid dresses!
Fit & Features
- Cowl neckline
- Adjustable spaghetti straps
- Square back with
- Slip on | Fully lined
- Floor length | Side slits
- Floral pattern | Textured satin
- Minimal stretch
Model is 5'6" with 31" bust, 26" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small.Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0637
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $29.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Nikita Strapless Sweetheart Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Look and feel like the modern-day princess in our gorgeous Nikita. Her regal ball gown will make you want to twirl and showcase that pretty sheen radiating from her satin fabric. Floral appliques and shiny rhinestones line her waist, adding an element of feminity and sophistication.
Fits & Features
- Strapless Sweetheart Neckline I Padded Bust I No-Slip Interior Strip
- Rhinestone Encrusted Appliques & Mesh Insets At The Side Waist
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure I Hidden Hand Pockets
- Floor Length Hemline I Ball Gown Silhouette I Petticoat
- Fully Lined, Satin-Like Fabric
- 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: 05004-0055
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $189.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Jaime Floral Mesh Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Feel like an absolute princess in our elegant Jaime!
Fits & Features
- Sequined Mesh & Floral Applique Corset-Style Top
- Built-In Boning & Padded Bust I Lace-Up Detail At Back
- Floor Length Hem
- Mesh Lined Skirt With Shiny Finish
- Form Hugging Fit
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size 3.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0057
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $9.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Sale
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Evalina Satin Lace Up Back A-Line Dress
Special Occasion
Her satin composition, pretty sheen, and cross back are a few details that make our Evalina so gorge. Worried about her deep V? A barely-there mesh inset provides subtle coverage. Slip into our Evalina so you can feel and look glam from head to toe!
Fits & Features
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Dual Adjustable Spaghetti Straps That Cross & Tie At The Back
- Plunging V Neckline I Padded Bust I Mesh Inset
- Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
- Floor Length Hemline I Wrap Skirt Reveals Front Slit
- Satin-Like Fabric I Fully Lined
- Moderate Stretch
Model is 5'7" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size 3.
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0631
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $14.97 $169.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Dual Adjustable Spaghetti Straps That Cross & Tie At The Back
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Idina Satin Lace Up Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Lace-up in elegance as you create a twirl-worthy moment in our dreamy Idina ball gown. Pair her with glitzy heels and rhinestone accents to bring the shine to your evening!
Fit & Features
- Plunging V-Neckline
- Padded Cups | Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
- Empire Waist
- Pleated Ball Gown Silhouette
- Side Pockets
- Lined Satin Fabric | Petticoat
- Relaxed Fit | Minimal Stretch
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0058
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $57.97 $109.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Cora Glitter Ball Gown
Special Occasion
Slip right into our stunning Cora and make an unforgettable appearance!
Fits & Features
- Tank-Inspired Shoulder Straps
- Plunging V Neckline
- Floor Length Hem I Ball Gown Silhouette
- Hidden Hand Pockets
- Lined Glitter Woven Fabric I Dual Tone Finish
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: 05004-0059
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $105.97 $199.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Rita Floral Chiffon Dress
Special Occasion
You'll be best dressed in this flowy dress! Give a twirl in our beautiful Rita!
Fits & Features
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Surplice V Neckline
- Unlined, Long Sleeves With Button Cuffs
- Elastic, Narrow Waistband I Waist Tie
- Floor Length Skirt I A-Line Silhouette I Mini Length Lining
- Chiffon Fabric With Floral Prints Throughout
- Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch
- Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.
Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0630
Category Name: Formal Dresses
Price: $24.97 $69.90
On Sale: Yes
Availability: Out of Stock
Product Badge:- Ships Free
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Surplice V Neckline