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.

  • Calissa Lace Up Back Floral Ball Gown

    Special Occasion

    Stun at any occasion in our beautiful Calissa! With gorgeous floral prints lining her A-Line silhouette from top to bottom, you'll be like a breath of fresh air!

    Fits & Features

    • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps That Cross At Back 
    • Lace-Up Design I Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure 
    • Scoop Neckline I Padded Bust 
    • Hidden Hand Pockets
    • Floor Length Skirt I Petticoat 
    • Woven Fabric I Metallic Sheen Finish 
    • Moderate Stretch 
    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05004-0020

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $149.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Sale
  • Justina Floral Velvet Burnout Chiffon Dress

    Special Occasion

    Get swept away in this dreamy floral dress! 

    Fits & Features

    • Plunging V Neckline I Empire Waist
    • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps That Cross At The Back 
    • Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back
    • A-Line, Floor Length, Flowy Fit Skirt 
    • Chiffon Fabric With Velvet Burnout Floral Detailing I Fully Lined 
    • Moderate Stretch 

     

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0452

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $9.97 $124.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Julina Wrap Satin Dress

    Special Occasion

    Elevate your OOTN with our sultry Julina! Add a pair of rhinestone heels to really amp up your look. 

    Fits & Features

    • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps 
    • Surplice V Neckline I Low Open Back With Zipper 
    • Floor Length Skirt With Wrap Skirt Design 
    • Lined, Stretch Satin Fabric 
    • Form Hugging Fit 

     

    Model is 5'9" with a 32" 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: 05002-0448

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $27.97 $64.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Brielle Stretch Satin V Neck Formal Dress

      Our Brielle satin V neck dress will give you an aura of elegance!

      Fit & Features

      • Double spaghetti straps | Cross back
      • Lattice back with a tie closure
      • Deep V neckline
      • Princess seams
      • High waist seam
      • Flowy floor-length skirt with an A-line silhouette | Front slit
      • Stretch satin fabric

      Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0447

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $31.97 $74.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Lara Formal Velvet High Slit Dress

      Special Occasion 

      Bring a level of elegance that only Lara offers! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline, padded cups, adjustable spaghetti straps, and vertical princess seams. Her relaxed fit bodice features a ruched detail that runs along the left side and leads to sexy high slit to reveal your glam heels! Her back features a back zipper closure and is accented with a ruched detailing. Dress is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch.

       

       

      Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

      Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0315

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $22.97 $59.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Julia Formal Heat Stone Dress

      Special Occasion 

      Dazzle under the lights as you twirl the night away in our Julia dress! Her dreamy heat stones and sequins are all you need for a glam look!

      Fit & Features

      • Round Neckline
      • Unlined Long Sleeves
      • Heat Stones
      • Sequins
      • Mini Skirt Lining 
      • High Center Slit
      • Form Hugging Fit | Moderate Stretch

       

      Model is 5'9" with a 32" 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: 05002-0327

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $44.97 $119.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Quinn Cross Back Satin Wrap Dress

      Special Occasion

      Stand out in satin in our luxurious Quinn! 

      Fits & Features

      • Spaghetti Straps Lace-Up & Cross At Back 
      • Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
      • Square Neckline I Padded Bust 
      • Floor Length Hem I Wrap Skirt 
      • Stretch Satin Fabric 
      • Curve Hugging Fit 

      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: 05002-0446

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $27.97 $59.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Jenelle Cowl Neck Evening Gown

      Special Occasion

      Show off those curves in the most flattering way, with our Jenelle slim evening gown, doll!

      Fit & Features

      • Cowl neckline | Criss-cross spaghetti straps
      • Sleeveless bodice
      • Form fitting silhouette
      • Low back-line with zipper closure
      • Flared hemline
      • Smooth Knit I Ample stretch

      Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0443

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $29.97 $64.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Amelia Formal Sequin Scroll Dress

      Special Occasion 

      Draw all eyes on you as you bring the shine in our glam Amelia dress! Her dazzling sequins effortlessly elevate your evening and are accented with sweeping godet details! 

      Fit & Features

      • V-Neckline | Padded Cups
      • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps 
      • Sequin Scroll Pattern
      • Lined Mesh 
      • Sheer Mesh Godets
      • Mermaid Silhouette 
      • Form Hugging Fit | Minimal 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: 05002-0445

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $49.97 $109.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Courtney Formal Crepe A-Line Dress

      Special Occasion 

      Keep it graceful and elegant as you stun with our captivating Courtney dress! Her pockets and A-line silhouette bring the charm! 

      Fit & Features 

      • Off The Shoulder Neckline | Fold Over Accent 
      • Padded Cups | Vertical Princess Seams
      • Pockets
      • A-Line Silhouette 
      • Crepe 
      • Bodysuit Bottom Lining | Snap Button Closure 
      • Form Hugging Fit 
      • 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: 05002-0389

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $14.97 $69.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Davia Rhinestone Pretzel Trim Mermaid Dress

      Special Occasion

      Make a glamorous appearance in our jaw-dropping Davia! 

      Fits & Features

      • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps
      • Plunging V Neckline I Padded Bust 
      • Pretzel-Trim Cut Out At Front Waist With Rhinestone Details
      • Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure 
      • Floor Length Hem I Mermaid SIlhouette 
      • Crepe Fabric I Curve Hugging Fit 
      Model is 5'4" with a 33" bust, 24.5" waist and 39" hips. She is wearing a size 3.

         

        Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

        Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0439

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $40.97 $89.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Jerica Rhinestone Infinity Trim Dress

        Special Occasion

        Dazzle from head to toe in our stunning Jerica! From her glitter lace bodice, to her rhinestone waist, all the way to her flowy chiffon skirt, you'll be stealing that spotlight!

        Fits & Features

        • Tank-Styled Shoulder Straps I Plunging V Neckline & Back 
        • Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure 
        • Lined, Glitter Lace Bodice 
        • Rhinestone Encrusted Infinity Trim Cut Out At Front Waist 
        • Flowy, Floor Length, Lined Chiffon Skirt 
        • Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch 
        Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 34.5" hips. She is wearing a size 3.

         

        Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

        Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0436

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $19.97 $89.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Sale
      • Kamala Floral High Low Dress

        Special Occasion

        As soon as they see you walking in with our beautiful Kamala, you'll be like a breath of fresh air!

        Fits & Features 

        • Sweetheart Neckline I Includes Removable Spaghetti Straps 
        • Padded Bust With Interior No-Slip Strip I Built-In Boning For Structure
        • Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure 
        • High Low Hem With Pleating Accents & Petticoat 
        • Hidden Hand Pockets 
        • Midweight Knit I All Over Floral Print I Fully Lined
        • Moderate Stretch 

        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: 05002-0438

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $49.97 $109.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

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

        Special Occasion 

        Elevate your evening look with our captivating Amelia dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging wrap V neckline with pleated overlay accent and spaghetti straps that lead to a square back. Her slim fit bodice leads to a floor length slim fit silhouette with a high side slit.  Dress is composed of a lined stretchy satin fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with hook and eye fasten.

        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: 05002-0434

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $27.97 $64.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Alexis Formal Heat Stone Dress

        Special Occasion

        Bring the heat in our glitzy Alexis dress! She features sparkling heat stones throughout, a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with wide tank-like strap and a matching V- neck back accented with a bar strap accent. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette. Alexis is composed of a lined velvet fabric that offers a moderate stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

        Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small

        Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

        Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0336

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $30.97 $82.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Dakota Velvet Lace Up Evening Gown

        Special Occasion 

        Steal the look of the night with the glamorous Dakota gown. She features a lightly padded chest, a V neckline, pockets, and spaghetti straps that lead to a back lace-up and tie closure, a leg slit and a floor-length design. Dakota is fully lined, has a little bit of stretch and is made from a classic velvet fabric. Dakota includes a built in panty lining.

        Model is 5'9" with a 34" bust, 24" waist and 35.5" hips. She is wearing a size small.

        Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

        Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0210

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $47.97 $89.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Lena Formal Open Back Satin Dress

        Special Occasion 

        Keep it sleek and sophisticated in our stunning Lena dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging asymmetrical V neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps that cross at the back and a sweeping floor length silhouette with a high slit. Dress is composed of a lined satin-like fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. Includes a back zipper closure with hook and eye fasten.

         

        Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

        Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0433

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $22.97 $59.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Jezebel Velvet Burnout Midi Dress

        Special Occasion

        Get a little frisky in our Jezebel!

        Fits & Features

        • Deep V Neckline
        • Long Sleeve
        • Long Hemline That Meets Mid-Length 
        • High Slit At Side
        • Inner Bodysuit 
        • Mesh Composition With Velvet Burnout Detail
        • Form-Fitting Silhouette I Moderate Stretch 

         

        Model is 5'9" with a 32" 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: 05001-0276

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $29.97 $59.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Sale
      • Off Shoulder Long Sleeve Glittering Mini Dress

        Slip into something that glitters!

        Fits & Features

        • Straight Off-Shoulder Neckline
        • Long Fitted Sleeves
        • Mini Length Silhouette
        • Knit Material I Adorn In Glitter
        • Form Hugging Fit I Moderate Amount Of Stretch

        Model is 5'9" with a 32" bust, 24" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.

        Style Number/Barcode: 05103-0264

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $13.97 $35.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Lacey Mermaid Formal Dress

        Our gorgeous Lacey mermaid formal dress knows how to make a grand entrance. She features a lace top with a padded sweetheart neckline, a sheer V back, and long fitted sheer sleeves. Her high waist leads to a crepe floor length mermaid silhouette. Dress is composed of a combination lace and crepe fabric with 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: 05002-0325

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $29.97 $69.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Sale
      • Giselle Formal Iridescent Sequin Dress

        Special Occasion 

        Shine from every angle in our enchanting Giselle dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging wired V-neckline, padded cups and adjustable spaghetti straps. Her slim fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette with a high side slit. Her all over iridescent sequins are set in a timelessly elegant scroll print pattern. Dress is composed of a lined mesh fabric that offers a slight stretch. Includes a back zipper closure.

        Model is 5'8" with a 32" bust, 23" waist and 36" hips. She is wearing a size small

        Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

        Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0317

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $47.97 $129.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Mckenna Formal Sequin Scroll Dress

        Special Occasion 

        Bring the sparkle in our Mckenna dress!

        Fits & Features

        • Plunging wired V neckline I Padded cups
        • Partially open back I Adjustable spaghetti straps 
        • Sweeping floor-length skirt with two thigh-high slits
        • All over sequins in scroll print pattern
        • Lined mesh fabric 
        • Form hugging fit with slight stretch
        • Back zipper closure

        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: 05002-0335

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $29.97 $79.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Mona Formal Plunging Glitter Dress

        Special Occasion 

        Take the plunge into glamour as you stun in our breathtaking Mona dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with pleated dealing, and sheer adjustable spaghetti straps that cross at the back. Her slim fit waist leads to a sweeping A-line silhouette. She stands out with her glitter accents and caviar beaded detailing set in a romantic pattern. The dress is composed of a lined tulle fabric that offers a relaxed fit with minimal stretch. The knit lining includes two high slits to reveal a hint of skin under the semi-sheer tulle fabric. Complete your gorgeous look with rhinestone duster earrings and a new pair of heels.

        Fit & Features

        • Plunging V neckline with pleated detailing
        • Sheer adjustable spaghetti straps
        • Cross back design
        • Back zipper and hook and eye closure
        • High waist leading to a floor-length skirt
        • A-line silhouette
        • Semi-sheer tulle fabric with glitter and beaded details
        • Knit lining with dual front slits
        • Runs true to size

        Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0326

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $19.97 $69.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Calla Two Piece Sequin Lace Satin A Line Dress

        Special Occasion

        Bold and romantic, our two-piece Calla features hints of sparkly sequins at her cropped lace bodice. With beautiful botanical prints flowing through her smooth satin skirt, these features are what makes Calla a charming dress. 

        Fits & Features 

        • Lace & Sequin Lined Bodice With Slightly Padded Bust
        • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps I V Neckline
        • Crop Hemline I Back Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure
        • Floor Length, Satin Lined Skirt With Floral Prints 
        • A Line Silhouette I Front Slit 
        • 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 3. 

        Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

        Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0050

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $19.97 $139.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Sale