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.

  • Kayley Sequin Midi Dress

    Special Occasion

    Have a night to remember in our Kayley! She features a wired deep v neckline, double adjustable spaghetti straps that lead to a criss-cross back, padded cups, and a fully lined form-fitting silhouette that offers a moderate stretch. She has a zipper located center back and is composed of a mesh material that is adorned in sequins! Her hem hits mid-length and she features a small slit at the back. Complete look with a sleek clutch. 

    Fit & Features

    • Wired V-neckline with padded cups
    • Double row adjustable spaghetti straps
    • Criss-cross back 
    • Sequins
    • Midi length silhouette with small center slit at the back
    • Fully lined mesh fabric
    • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch 


    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05001-0262

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Arielle Geometric Sequin Midi Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Shine at all your soirees in our gorgeous Arielle midi dress! 

    Fits & Features

    • Plunging V Neckline
    • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps That Lace Up At The Back 
    • Midi Length Silhouette With Thigh High Slit 
    • Mesh Lined Fabric With Shimmering Geometric Sequins Throughout
    • Fully Lined
    • Curve-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: 05001-0266

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $29.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Sarina High Slit Sequin Midi Dress

    Special Occasion 

    Highlight your beauty with our mesmerizing Sarina dress! You'll illuminate every room! 

    Fits & Features

    • Bungee Shoulder Straps Leads To Racerback Design With Zip Closure
    • Plunging V Neckline
    • Slim Fit Bodice
    • Midi Length Silhouette With Thigh-High Slit 
    • Fully Lined Mesh Fabric With Sequins Throughout 
    • Curve-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: 05001-0264

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $19.97 $54.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Sequin Mesh Midi Dress

    'Tis the season for extra glam! Jaws will drop when you enter the room in this elegant and sexy midi. 

    Fits & Features

    • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps 
    • Sweetheart Neckline I Molded, Padded Cups 
    • Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back
    • Midi Length Silhouette
    • Mesh Lined Fabric With Geometric Patterned Sequins
    • Curve Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch 

    Style Number/Barcode: 05101-0297

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $24.97 $62.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Ships Free
  • Zora Formal Satin Dress

    Special Occasion 

    All eyes will definitely fall on you as you make your way to the dance floor in our lovely Zora!

    Fits & Features

    • Spaghetti Straps I Wrapped V Neckline With Fold Over Detail
    • Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back
    • Ruching Along The Front 
    • Slim Fit Bodice I Floor Length Wrap Skirt With Thigh-High Slit 
    • Smooth Satin-Like Fabric I Fully Lined
    • Body-Hugging Fit I Moderate Stretch 

     

    Model is 5'8" with a 34" bust, 25" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size small.

     

    Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

    Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0378

    Category Name: Formal Dresses

    Price: $22.97 $64.90

    On Sale: Yes

    Availability: Out of Stock

    Product Badge:
    • Clearance
  • Peyton Off Shoulder Lace Crepe Dress

    Special Occasion

    Channel your inner princess in our darling Peyton! Onlookers will do a doubletake once that light hits the glittering bodice and skirt. 

    Fits & Features 

    • Scalloped Off Shoulder Neckline
    • Glitter Mesh Bodice I Unlined At The Back
    • Slim-Banded Waist
    • Elongated, Floor-Length Crepe Skirt I Glitter Mesh Panel At The Back 
    • Curve Hugging Fit I Plenty Of Stretch 
    • Zipper Not Included
    • Glitter May Transfer 

     

    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: 05002-0385

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $24.97 $69.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Ships Free
    • Tawny Formal Satin Pleated Dress

      Special Occasion 

      Bring the drama in our twirl-worthy Tawny dress! Her pleats and pockets give her an extra glam detail! 

      Fit & Features

      • Plunging V-Neckline | Padded Cups
      • Adjustable Cross-Straps
      • Empire Waist 
      • Pleated Full Length Silhouette 
      • Side Pockets
      • Satin 
      • Relaxed 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: 05002-0381

      Category Name: Formal Dresses

      Price: $19.97 $89.90

      On Sale: Yes

      Availability: Out of Stock

      Product Badge:
      • Clearance
    • Faye Lace Up Back Satin Dress

      Special Occasion

      You'll be falling for Faye's luxe satin and loving her exquisite silhouette! 

      Fits & Features

      • Spaghetti Straps That Cross & Lace-Up At The Back
      • Back Zip With Hook & Eye Closure
      • Scoop Neckline I Princess Seams 
      • Elongated, Floor Length Wrap Skirt I Front Slit
      • Stretch Satin Fabric 
      • Form-Hugging Fit 

       

      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: 05002-0379

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $14.97 $59.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Vianney Formal Satin Dress

        Special Occasion

        Stunning and exquisite, our Vianney will make both an entrance...and an exit! 

        Fits & Features 

        • Plunging Wrap V Neckline 
        • Adjustable Spaghetti Straps 
        • Zipper With Hook & Eye Closure At Back
        • Side Seam Hand Pockets 
        • Floor Sweeping Hemline I Full Skirt 
        • Satin Fabric & Lining 
        • Minimal Stretch 

        Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

        Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0377

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $57.97 $109.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Aerin Formal Sequin Midi Dress

        Special Occasion

        Have a night to remember in our Aerin! She features a boat neckline, long sleeves, and a sexy low back with a zipper closure. She is fully lined and composed of a mesh material that offers a form fitting silhouette and slight stretch. Her mid length hemline hits mid calf, and she features a high slit at one side that makes her easy to walk and dance in! She showcases a beautiful sequin swirling pattern throughout that gives an elegant finish!

        Model is 5'9" with 32" 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: 05001-0267

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $27.97 $79.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Kassidy Off The Shoulder Dress

        Special Occasion

        Fall in love with our elegant Kassidy! 

        Fits & Features

        • Mesh, Off Shoulder Neckline With Fold Over Accent 
        • Unlined, Fitted, Ruched Long Sleeves 
        • Crepe Crafted Bodice I Floor Length Wrap Skirt
        • Fully Lined
        • Curve Hugging Fit 
        • Moderate Stretch 

        Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

        Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0372

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $20.97 $56.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Danica Long Formal Gown

        Special Occasion

        Introducing our Danica gown! She has a little edge, she has a little sex appeal, and she has a lot of intricate detailing!

        Fit & Features

        • Sweetheart neckline
        • Deep V notch | Padded cups
        • Crepe
        • Side slit
        • Long hemline
        • Back keyhole cut out I Adjustable self-ties 
        • Fitted silhouette | Moderate stretch

        Model is 5'9" with 32" 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: 05002-0371

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $20.97 $54.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Vada Lace-Up Formal Midi Dress

        Special Occasion

        Create a polished yet sexy look for yourself in our Vada! She features a wired deep v neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a lace up back detail and a lower back zipper closure with a hook and eye to keep her in place. Bodice is designed with a gathered pleating at the bust, and leads down to a mid length hemline and a high slit at one side. She is fully lined and composed of a crepe material that offers moderate stretch and a form fitting silhouette. 

        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: 05001-0259

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $19.97 $44.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Valencia Formal Midi Dress

        Special Occasion

        Make a lasting impression in our Valencia! She is uniquely designed with an asymmetrical neckline, one long sleeve, and one sleeveless tank strap. Her bodice is fitted and leads down to a mid length hemline, and a high thigh slit. She has a zipper closure located center back with a hook and eye closure to keep her securely in place. She is composed of a crepe material and is fully lined offering moderate stretch and a form fitting silhouette.

        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: 05001-0260

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $19.97 $44.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Sale
      • Tessa Formal Sleeveless Glitter Dress

        Special Occasion

        Bring the shine to your evening with our shimmering Tessa dress! She features a sleeveless bodice, a plunging V neckline with padded cups and spaghetti straps that cross at the back. Her relaxed fit bodice leads to a curve hugging mermaid silhouette that brings the flare! Dress is composed of a lined glitter knit fabric that offers a 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: 05002-0369

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $20.97 $59.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Camryn Sweetheart Long Gown

        Special Occasion

        Start off your special night with the perfect attire. Introducing our Camryn, designed with a deep sweetheart  neckline, off shoulder sleeves, and a form fitting silhouette. The ruching down the center gives a flattering curve hugging detail and shows a high slit up the center. Her hem is floor sweeping and she is composed of a crepe material that offers moderate stretch.

        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: 05002-0375

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $29.97 $59.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Khloe Long Glitter Formal Gown

        Special Occasion

        Have a sparkling night in our Khloe! She is designed with a v-neckline, spaghetti straps that lead to a criss-cross back, and an empire waist seam. She has a form fitting slim silhouette that leads down to a floor sweeping mermaid hemline. She is composed of a knit material that offers moderate stretch and is embellished with glitter that reflects red throughout! Glitter may transfer.

        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: 05002-0370

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $29.97 $59.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Kaitlin Long Glitter Evening Gown

        Special Occasion

        Have a magical night in our glittering Kaitlin evening gown! She is designed with flattering seams that have been created to flatter all women!

        Fit & Features

        • V-neckline | Spaghetti straps
        • Cinched wrap waist
        • Long hemline
        • Dramatic center slit
        • Glitter lurex material
        • Moderate stretch
        • Zipper not included

        Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

        Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0373

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $29.97 $49.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • 50% Off
      • Audrina Formal Sequin Midi Dress

        Special Occasion 

        Come through with head-turning shine as you shimmy the night away in our sequined Audrina midi dress! 

        Fit & Features 

        • High Round Neckline
        • Cap Sleeves
        • Draped Cowl Back 
        • High Side Slit
        • Sequins
        • Lined Mesh | Minimal Stretch 
        • Side Zipper Closure 

         

        Model is 5'9" with 32" 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: 05001-0261

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $19.97 $69.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Off The Clock Sequin Blazer Dress

        Take this one off the clock and out an about!  Wear open as a jacket, or close it and wear as a dazzlin' dress!

        Fit & Features

        • Collared neckline
        • 3/4 Sleeves
        • Fully lined
        • Mid-length
        • Over-sized fit
        • Single snap closure
        • Sequin + glitter outer

        Style Number/Barcode: 06204-0243

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $23.97 $64.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance
      • Neann Open Back Glitter Dress

        Special Occasion 

        Dazzle from all your best angles with our Neann dress! She features a high round neckline, fitted long sleeves and an open back with a lower back bar strap accent. Her slim fit bodice leads to a sweeping floor length silhouette. Dress is composed of a lined glitter mesh fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Zipper not included.

         

         

        Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

        Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0368

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $14.97 $59.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Cathy Formal Metallic Wrap Dress

        Special Occasion

        Wrap yourself with dazzling shine as you captivate them all in our Cathy dress! She features a sleeveless wrap V-neckline, spaghetti straps, ruching, a high off-center slit that shows off plenty of leg, and a wrap silhouette that embraces curves. The dress is composed of a glitter lurex fabric that offers a form hugging fit with a moderate stretch. Complete look with chrome heels.

        Fits & Features

        • Sleeveless wrap V-neckline
        • Spaghetti straps
        • Ruching, high off-center slit
        • High waist, wrap silhouette 
        • Metallic glitter lurex fabric
        • Form hugging fit, moderate stretch
        • Runs true to size

         
        The saturation of glitter varies. Glitter may transfer.

        Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0366

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $14.97 $49.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Sale
      • Kaliyah Formal High Slit Lurex Dress

        Special Occasion 

        Dazzle and shimmer in this off-the-shoulder gown for your next formal event. Make a stunning entrance in this floor-length A-line dress with shimmery lurex fabric that wraps perfectly around the waist in a surplice off-the-shoulder bodice. Indulge in a twirly-worthy moment in this A-line-shaped skirt accented with a side high slit detail for a flirty reveal of your gorgeous legs. Complete your formal look with sparkly rhinestone jewelry and matching glitter heels for the perfect finishing touches.

        Fit & Features

        • Off-the-shoulder neckline 
        • Wrap-style bust
        • Strapless or adhesive bra recommended
        • High side slit
        • A-line silhouette
        • Glitter Lurex knit fabric
        • Runs true to size

        Style Number/Barcode: 05002-0060

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $15.97 $99.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Ships Free
      • Sachelly Two Piece Dress

        Make memories in our unique Sachelly two piece skater dress! She features a crop top that showcases a V neckline and halter style straps that lead to a beautiful bow detail at the back. She is composed of a glitter lace material that has a smooth inner lining, padded inserts and a scalloped trim. Skirt is high waisted, skater style, and is composed of a satin like material that has a beautiful flow to it. Skirt has a hidden zipper closure at the back.

        Model is 5'3" with a 32" bust, 22.5" waist and 34" hips. She is wearing a size 3.

        Special Occasion products cannot be returned to any retail locations.

        Style Number/Barcode: 05006-0006

        Category Name: Formal Dresses

        Price: $19.97 $79.90

        On Sale: Yes

        Availability: Out of Stock

        Product Badge:
        • Clearance